Today I’ve been thinking about heroes, real heroes. Not just the ones with muscles and a come-to-bed-baby smile, and not my own country’s definition of a hero, some bloke who happens to be quite good at tossing a rugby ball around. But the everyday men and women who put their lives on the line to help, save or rescue those who can’t help, save or rescue themselves. I’m thinking soldiers, medical professionals, fire-fighters, search and rescue, police, the guy down the road who’ll step between a mugger and his victim without a second thought of his own safety – and even the guy who does have second thoughts about his safety and yet steps into the situation anyway. These, and many more that I haven’t listed, are the real heroes.
After watching a TV episode of ‘I shouldn’t be alive’ a few weeks ago, I discovered a new set of heroes—the USAF Pararescuemen. Of course my friend Julieann Thomas http://www.julieannthomas.com who writes Military Romance knew who they were. Julieann directed me to Catherine Mann who has written three books in a series on these amazing guys (you bet they’re on my to-be-read pile). For those of you who are as yet unfamiliar with this branch of the military, these are the guys who parachute out of planes and rescue other members of the military—and civilians too when required (Help, help, I need saving! *waves madly*)—hence their name Para-rescue-men. Their motto (and this is what hooked me, BTW) is, ‘So that others may live’. How can you not admire men with this kind of courage and willingness to sacrifice to save the lives of strangers?
Maybe one day a Pararescueman will sweep one of my gutsy heroines off her feet.
Tracey
What I’m reading this week: Ain’t She Sweet – Susan Elizabeth Phillips. One of the best contemporary single title romances I’ve read this year – if you can get past the heroine’s name being Sugar Beth, you’re good to go. Seriously though, this is a GREAT read.
What I’m watching this week: War Horse. Horses, soldiers, friendship, courage. *sniff sniff* Saying nothing more – go and rent it.
This week’s favorite quote: A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Christopher Reeve
Hot guy of the week: Hot guys this week – the USAF Pararescuemen!
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