A Real Hero…they do in fact exist. But just in case you’ve forgotten what a real hero looks like, or if your senses have been dulled by the media fascination with celebrity worship, then I would suggest you take a close look at Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III.

The captain of US Airways flight 1549 is without a doubt a true hero. His calm demeanor, excellent decisioning skills, and command of his trade saved 155 lives when he successfully ditched his plane in the Hudson River.

However, it is perhaps his humble nature, unassuming personality, and his modesty that have endeared him most to the American public. In fact, the more we find out about him the more we like him. It is not the fact that the media jumped on this story that surprises me, but it’s the fact that he seems to be getting more attention by the day that’s unusual. “Real heroes” are wonderful people worthy of celebration, and in my opinion, Sully deserves every good thing that comes his way…

I can tell you that I for one have found it truly refreshing to have the media focus on a real hero as opposed to the oh so boring social icons (athletes, recording artists, movie stars, politicians, the super-wealthy, and other pseudo-celebrities) who are all too often forced upon us while being portrayed as heroes when they are clearly not. Will “Sully” finally be the individual that brings our nation back to its senses with regard to what really constitutes an American Hero? One can only hope…

My life would not be adversely affected if I never heard of, or saw anything ever again from the likes of Madonna, Sean Penn, Charlie Sheen, Rosie O’Donnell, etc. If the media wants to help restore our nation as opposed to contribute to its decline, my suggestion would be that they spend more time on the true American Heroes…soldiers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, principled educators, medical practitioners, responsible parents, student achievers, volunteers, good Samaritans, and the everyday hard-working Americans.