There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind we face a lot of very serious challenges. We’ve got too many folks who are still trying to find good-paying jobs and families that are struggling to make ends meet. We see unrest across the globe in places like Syria and the Middle East. Every day, our national security is threatened by radical Islamic extremists, terrorists and rogue states like Iran. Here at home, we can’t turn the TV on at night without hearing about a tragedy, a robbery, a shooting — you name it.

But despite all the bad, we see so many examples of good. After the devastating floods in South Carolina, folks have united to help their neighbors in need and donate food, water and necessities. I read an article last week about three corrections officers who saved a woman from drowning in a drainage pipe after she was swept away by a current. These men were technically off-duty, but they rushed to the woman’s rescue. They put their lives in danger to save her life. I offer them my deepest gratitude.

We see ordinary people who perform heroic acts every day across our country. These people stand up in the face of adversity or danger and show incredible courage. In devastating times, we owe it to our fellow Americans who never fail to rise to the occasion.

Last week, I paid tribute to another American hero from the Carolinas, Chris Mintz. A young man from Randolph County, Chris is an Army veteran who answered the call when our nation needed him and again when his community in Oregon was in danger.

As a high school football star and a 10-year Army veteran, Chris is known as a tough guy. According to those who know him best, he’s always one to “cowboy up.” When his community in Oregon was threatened by a heartless gunman, Chris did more than that. He heard gun shots at his school and ran towards them, pulling fire alarms and fighting to save others. With dogged determination, he fought to block the shooter from entering a classroom and was shot seven times.

It’s clear his incredible bravery and selfless actions saved lives and prevented a far worse tragedy. I applaud Chris for his integrity, self-sacrifice and valor in the face of such evil. My wife Renee and I send our thoughts and prayers to him and his loved ones.

These stories have one thing in common: courage. These folks didn’t wake up planning to be heroes, but that’s what they became. As we continue to mourn the dead in Oregon and pick up the pieces after the devastating floods, let’s take heart in the heroic acts of these American heroes. They, and other Americans like them, deserve our utmost gratitude and respect. Let’s give it to them.

Richard Hudson
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Richard_Hudson_Official_portrait_113th_Congress1.jpgRichard Hudson

Richard Hudson, a Republican from Concord, represents the 8th District in the U.S. House, which includes most of Robeson County.