Real heroes

Like most Americans, I was shocked and sickened when the terrorists crashed into the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, killing hundreds of firefighters and police officers. Last week, in South Carolina, nine fire-fighters died when a roof fell on them.

On both occasions, they had a big funeral procession with their so-called "brothers," sending representatives from all over the country. Anytime a police officer or firefighter is killed, they do the same thing. And they put a piece of black tape over their badges to show that a "brother" has died. Government officials from the mayor on down will refer to them as "heroes."

Most firefighters and police officers are brave and courageous to be sure, but "heroes?"

I don't want to rain on their parade, but I don't consider them "heroes."

They are well-paid civil servants who are doing their job. Let me say that again: They are doing what they are paid to do.

Most of the time, they are not running into burning towers or buildings that are about to collapse. Most of the time, they are doing nothing. And they certainly aren't out saving lives.

I would venture to guess that close to 100 percent of them retire after 20 years without a scratch.

What makes them "heroes"? Because most of them are good husbands, good fathers? Because some of them coach on the Little League? Because sometimes they die while doing what they are paid to do?

A lot of us are good husbands, good fathers. Some of us even coach on the Little League. Some of us even die while doing what we are paid to do, at substantially less money and no retirement.

Being a convenience store clerk is the most dangerous job in the U.S. Many are killed each year while being robbed for a few bucks. Being a taxi driver is probably in the top ten. (If not, it should be). Several are killed each year while doing what we are paid to do. Usually, it isn't even mentioned in the news.

Let me tell you who I consider a "hero." During the winter of 1981, a jet left the airport in Washington, D.C., and a few minutes later, lost power and plunged into the freezing water of the Potomac River.

Scores died upon impact, but a handful were able to escape into the frigid water. Many didn't know how to swim and some were in shock. Hundreds of firefighters and police officers arrived, but not one of them would jump into the water to save those helpless souls who were feet away. A couple of them threw ropes and a helicopter rescued a few.

At the same time, a young man was walking across a bridge on his way to work. He observed a woman who was flopping around in the water and screaming for help. She was moments from death.

Without hesitation, this guy ripped off his jacket, jumped into the freezing water, and pulled her to dry land. He didn't stick around for praise or even leave his name. The whole incident was captured on film by a TV news crew.

President Reagan requested that he be tracked down. The president invited him to be his personal guest at a state of the union address before a joint session of Congress. He sat next to the president's wife, Nancy.

Partway through his speech, a huge TV screen came down behind the president and began to play this heroic act.

I can only imagine how he felt when the president asked him to stand, and over 500 members of Congress jumped to their feet and began cheering loudly for several minutes.

I will never forget it.

Doctors are heroes. When I was wounded in Vietnam, I never got a chance to thank the doctor who saved my life. He was killed the next day in a helicopter crash. He was on his way to save other lives. In my book, they walk on water. Soldiers and veterans are heroes. Especially the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Nurses are heroes. How many of us would allow someone to throw up on us and then, later, retrieve their bed pan, then change their bandages, and then watch them die?

People who drive the "highway of death" every day to Vegas in order to afford a house for their family are heroes to me. So are single mothers who work two jobs because they don't want to suffer the humiliation of welfare. My mother was one of them.

Teacher are heroes. Overworked, underpaid, under appreciated. I could go on and on.

I wish that I had a couple of hundred cars. I would have a parade for all of you. On the side of each vehicle there would be a big sign that said, simply, "You are my hero."

DOUG WILSON

We need an oncologist

A sad and frustrating day is rapidly approaching for the patients of Las Vegas Cancer Center's (LVCC) Pahrump office. It is closing Aug. 31.

We will greatly miss our wonderfully caring, kind, concerned, compassionate and respectful Dr. "K" (Kuldakar) and his administrative assistant Pam. All medical providers could and should take lessons from them in the art of care-giving, record-keeping, follow-up, and networking.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Dr. K and Pam for taking such good care of us these past few years. Wishing them the best of life, always.

This begs the question: What do all of their patients do now for oncology care? For some, traveling to one of LVCC's two offices in Las Vegas is not an option either because they don't drive, can't drive or don't have transportation.

Perhaps DVRMC (hospital) or Advanced Medical CEOs will accept "the challenge" and go in search of a board-certified oncologist as the need is critical here in Pahrump. Perhaps the Nye County commissioners or the town board could also accept the challenge.

According to a supervisor with LVCC's Las Vegas office, Pahrump lost its "rural" status due to the "many physicians now in Pahrump." However, not one of them is an oncology specialist.

And while we're on the subject, Pahrump also needs a certified pulmonologist. Have you ever noticed all the Pahrumpians around town that are accompanied by "their buddy" (portable oxygen tanks) wherever they go?

Now this challenge is a worthy cause to be pursued by the powers that be in Pahrump. Let's see how speedily any of them can resolve this situation.

And while they are focused on providing necessary care and services for our residents, now is also the time to obtain and provide local public transportation.

The gauntlet has been thrown.

GERA MILNER