"Those Who Dare, Win" -British Special Air Services

In love and war, that is the way it has always been and it did not change today. Our boys confronted a sizable risk, deemed it possible and plunged into the fray. That demonstrates character worthy of universal respect. This is the classic “David and Goliath” scenario that the inner man aspires to: the thrill of a noble challenge.

What is courage? Can it be gauged by playing a game well? Can stature be created with PR? Do we have the right criteria to measure heroes in our society? Does integrity play a role in our media star selections? Why do so many of our superstars disappoint us when the lens gets close? Who is the more notable figure? A person who climbs a mountain for sport, or the one who climbs a peak to deliver medicine to a plagued village? Does character matter to you?

Clever individuals who learn to excel within an artificial set of rules will not be the same ones who excel in the natural turbulence of life. Our society needs to be careful in selecting role models. Do we confuse the brash with the brave? Do we cross up the clever with the wise? Do we mistake the orator for the achiever?

Josh, Jason and Juan have safely reported in. They have achieved all their goals and more. They delivered the first substantial aid to the hurricane region, their initial efforts equaled only by the US Navy. Their efforts on land and sea have saved many lives and given hope to an entire region racked in the throes of desperation. No man will ever measure the full extent of their impact.

Tonight I spoke to Salvador Furman (505-435-2244), a substantial Miskito Indian leader. His praise was high for our crew and he extended the deep gratitude of his people for their rescue work. He said Americans would ever be remembered and welcome on this coast, as long as memories last. He spoke in near perfect English, as do many Miskito; a fact generally unknown. He will return to Sandy Bay tomorrow to continue burying animals and people. He said the dead have barely begun to be counted and that cholera was near.

I spoke with Dr. Olayo (505-853-0560), who is the only trained radiologist in Pto. Cabezas now. He flew in from Managua to be with his people during the storm. He is working 24 hrs.per day, but promises that it will slow down in a week. Tomorrow he will make us a list of needed medicines. For now, he mentioned water, plastic tarps and food staples.

Elvis Dublon weathered the storm with his family, but lost the entire roof of his house. He is pastoring his people and will be mediating human rights disputes very soon.

Juan Samuel is planning a press conference in Managua for Miskito leaders and shaping the logistics of an aid supply line.

Gulf King will be sending water north on its ships to drop off at Big Sandy Bay before shrimping back to Bluefields.

Jason (505-477-2867) was completely overwhelmed by the ineffectiveness of the bureaucracy of government and general aid deliveries, except by the US military. He was totally exhausted, but noted the incredible depth of the needs in the villages surrounding Big Sandy Bay. He was proud that he got a US chopper to fly a Cuban MD around to various villages. Politics were not considered important on that day.

Josh (505-443-0550) has a couple hundred photographs and six hours of high definition videotape. He was astonished their ship really was needed so badly and they could help the people so greatly. He was not sure how important this all would be, until he arrived at Sandy Bay and saw the people. They were the first ship in. This was more than important; this was History itself.

Now the rebuilding begins…

PS
Does CNN still need hero nominations?

Robert Izdepski, President, Sub Ocean Safety (non-profit, 501-3 c), and proud father of Josh.