Worth Sharing

WS

Stories That Matter

# Heroes

Local Hero's Story Prompts Huge Volunteer Effort

avatar By Jeanne Goddard

27 Jul 2014 34 views
Size Print
Email
Local Hero's Story Prompts Huge Volunteer Effort
A man who rose from humble beginnings in Nigeria to become a U.S. Army-trained combat medic and the recipient of 13 military awards earned during two deployments in Afghanistan was shocked this week when he learned his New Jersey town was honoring him in a huge way.

A man who rose from humble beginnings in Nigeria to become a U.S. Army-trained combat medic and the recipient of 13 military awards earned during two deployments in Afghanistan was shocked this week when he learned his New Jersey town was honoring him in a huge way.

George Alakpa - a Ph.D. microbiologist who today is 80 percent disabled as a result of his war injuries - has not had an easy time of it since returning home to Sussex County 21/2 years ago.

But the outpouring of support he has received since the New Jersey Herald first reported on his difficulties last month has been unlike anything he ever thought possible.

(READ story from the New Jersey Herald)

Tags:
avatar

About author

More posts

# Heroes

Strangers Pay Thousands to Restore Soldier's Classic Car

For years, an Iraq war veteran had been paying little by little to have his classic 1965 Mustang restored. He bought the car in 2005 after his first tour of duty in Iraq. A Houston couple heard about the soldier's quest and decided to surprise him, paying for the vehicle to be completed.

# Heroes

Stunned Principal Surprised With "Oscars of Teaching" Award- WATCH

Connecticut principal Desi Nesmith had no idea that the special school assembly he orchestrated to honor an educator with $25,000 was actually a surprise event set-up to honor his own achievements. First there was shock, and then tears started to flow after his name was announced as the winner of the national Milken Educator Award.

# Heroes

Most Influential Adult at Trinity High School? The Janitor.

Perhaps no adult employed at Trinity High School has had more influence over students or changed more young lives than Charles Clark, the school's custodian. Clark has mentored countless kids in need of a father figure at the Texas high school, even housing several of them in his home over the years. In the beginning, he took the custodial position thinking he would keep it until he found something better, but 24 years later, he still hasn't found it. Now Clark, 63, has bested more than 400 teachers, administrators and school district employees from 33 states to become the LifeChanger of the Year Grand Prize Winner.

# Heroes

Latina Sisters Aimed High, Defying Low Expectations

For the few Latino students living in Lincoln, Nebraska in the 1960's, the school's expectations were low. The high school counselor told Linda Hernandez not to take the SAT or ACT tests because she was Hispanic. Luckily, her brother marched into the school and told the counselors, My sisters will take the test.

You might be interested in

Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Recent Stories
  • A Heartfelt Reminder to Appreciate the Ones We Love
    05 Sep 114 Views
  • Cherish the Woman Who Stands by You
    05 Sep 98 Views
  • Breaking Generational Cycles of Pain
    05 Sep 91 Views
  • Living by Your Own Values, Not Others' Approval
    05 Sep 114 Views
  • When Life Brings Rain, It’s Okay to Rest
    05 Sep 548 Views
  • Before You Judge Someone's Life, Take a Moment to Walk in Their Shoes.
    05 Sep 238 Views