A Grenade, A Helmet And A Choice
His name was Jason Dunham and he was a corporal in the US Marines. This story picks up with Jason as he was talking with the men in his unit. They wondered whether a person could jump on a grenade and survive by putting it under their helmet. Deep down they all most likely knew that it wouldn't work – yet on the streets of Baghdad soon all topics of conversation can become quickly exhausted, and hypothetical solutions to real life problems can pass the time.
Unfortunately for Jason Dunham, the circumstance that he had hypothesized about arrived just a few weeks later. However, fortunately for his unit Corporal Jason Dunham was there. In this life and death scenario there is no time to think. There is only time for fight or flight. Jason chose fight and performed above and beyond the call of duty. He threw his helmet and body over the grenade and gave his life for his friends. Jason was nominated for The Congressional Medal of Honor. He was twenty years old.
Your stance on political matters or world issues is irrelevant in this scenario. Jason did not do this for you, he did not do it for the people of Baghdad, he didn't do it for the US Government or a politician. He did it for the men beside him – period.
To give your life for your friends is the greatest thing one person can do for another. It is also one of the rarest acts of civilization.
In 1980, shots rang out as bullets screamed through the air to pierce the flesh of the fortieth President of The United States. No sooner had the gun powder been ignited than secret service agent Tim McCarthy stood up as straight as a board and extended his arms to make himself a large barrier between John Hinckley and President Reagan. While others ran for cover agent McCarthy stood looking directly as his potential death with firm resolve. Tim was shot square in the chest and believe it or not that was exactly his goal. As he positioned himself spread eagle to take a bullet for a man, an office and a nation others cowered in trembling fear. Because of amazing grace agent McCarthy survived.
What causes men and women to lay down their lives for another? It takes a lot. First and foremost it takes a realization that life isn't about you. It is about making a difference, making an impact and it is about giving.
Jason Dunham and Tim McCarthy were able to respond the way they did because:
• They decided how they were going to respond long before the event occurred.
• They were not selfish people – the farthest you could be from selfish as a matter of fact.
• They realized that life was not about them it was about making a difference – it was about others.
I hope with all my heart you are never placed in a situation where you have to choose between your life and those around you. Yet, everyday you are in situations where you have to make choices. You must decide right now how you will respond.
The lesson to extract from the lives of Corporal Dunham and Agent McCarthy is that of an overall attitude on life. That attitude simply put is that it is better to give than receive. It is honorable to view the lives and well being of others above yourself. If we can take any pearl of wisdom from the extraordinary lives and attitudes of these two men is that making an impact on the world is not always about recognition, power, money or personal gain. Sometimes the greatest success is one who gives himself up so others can succeed. That is the mark of the ultimate high achiever.
Decide today how you will respond in your moments of crisis - whether it is financial, personal or life and death. As you make your plan your actions, remember the selfless lessons of Corporal Dunham and Agent McCarthy.
-- Ron White
Reproduced with permission from the Ron White. To visit Ron White's site, go to http://www.memoryinamonth.com or send him an email at ronwhite@yoursuccessstore.com Copyright 2007 All rights reserved worldwide.
Wonderful & inspirational - thanks Tony and thanks Ron White!
Bringing it all back to my personal business plan (which seems so minor and insignificant compared to these two stories), it's about putting the clients interests ahead of ours. It's about helping Agents, other loan officers, or even that little old lady trying to cross the busy street.
That's what adds value to my life.
Thank you!
Posted by: Mike Mueller | June 20, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Wonderful & inspirational - thanks Tony and thanks Ron White!
Bringing it all back to my personal business plan (which seems so minor and insignificant compared to these two stories), it's about putting the clients interests ahead of ours. It's about helping Agents, other loan officers, or even that little old lady trying to cross the busy street.
That's what adds value to my life.
Thank you!
Posted by: Mike Mueller | June 20, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Mike - You hit the nail on the head. No matter what we do, the secret is doing it first for those around you and those you serve!
Posted by: Tony Gallegos | June 20, 2007 at 04:54 PM