Over the past several months I have written several commentaries on the issue of annexation many of which have struck a nerve with some in the city. I have, however, received many kind words of support from residents around the west-side communities. One such comment in an email called me a “Hero” for raising many questions and for pointing out deficiencies in some of the information that the city has been disseminating.
Although I am appreciative of any and all kind words, the use of the word “Hero” does not apply here. The word Hero has been used more and more frequently in our society, so much so that it is diminishing the reverence the word deserves. It should be used very thoughtfully and sparingly. The word should be revered, should always start with a capital “H” and should be reserved only for individuals who have displayed true acts of Heroism.
There is one person that I know of in Stevenson Ranch that does deserve to be called a Hero and his name is Corporal Robert M. Dunlap. To his family and friends he is known as Matt and he recently returned from a tour of duty with the Marine Corps in Iraq.
It is hard to believe that only a few years ago Matt was in high school. He had only to think about what he wanted to do with his life after graduation. He had all the options any senior in high school would have as they neared graduation. Matt chose to serve his country and enlisted in the Marine Corp.
My wife and I are friends with Matt’s parents, Lisa and Rob Dunlap, both of whom are artists. Whenever we would get together with the Dunlaps there is always a good time had by all, lots of laughs and great conversation. You could tell that they were proud of Matt and they both beamed with delight anytime they spoke him.
Naturally everyone who knows Rob and Lisa were certainly concerned for their sons’ well being when he was shipped off to Iraq. Anytime there was a new offensive in Baghdad or Fallujah reported on the nightly news there was always the question was Matt there and was he okay.
Fortunately for Matt and his parents everything is okay now that he has finished his commitment with the Marine Corps. This past January Mathew was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for an amazingly Heroic act while in combat with the Marine 3rd Battalion, “the Thundering Third”. The following is the description from the certificate that accompanied the medal:
Heroic achievement while serving as Vehicle Commander, Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division in support of Iraq Freedom II from 19 June to 21 November 2004. On 1 August, an improvised explosive device detonated on Corporal Dunlap’s section, incapacitating his squad leader. He unhesitatingly took command and, during the next three months, expertly led his squad on more than 60 combat patrols and three battalion raids. During high intensity, urban combat operations in the city of Al Fallujah, Iraq, Corporal Dunlap and his squad came under effective enemy sniper fire. Leading from the front, he assumed an exposed firing position, well with in range and view of the enemy sniper. With enemy fire impacting around his position, he calmly engaged the enemy with a Javelin Missile, destroying the barricaded position, and killing the enemy sniper inside. His aggressive and accurate Javelin employment enabled the attack to continue. Corporal Dunlap’s initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
That is a Hero!
We were not surprised to hear that Matt received such a distinguished medal. If you know Lisa and Rob Dunlap you’d realize that they raised Matt with strong values and a moral compass that dictated his actions outlined above. It’s those types of actions and attributes that are indicative of individuals who display Heroic behavior.
I hope that the next time any of us want to use the word Hero we’ll think long and hard about it first. Think about the men and woman of the Armed Forces, of the Law Enforcement Agencies, and of our Fire Departments. These are the people that put themselves in harms way on a regular basis to serve and protect our Country and our communities. These are the people who truly deserve to be called Heroes.