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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

My Hero: "Lucky"

Many people have hero's in their lives like Michael Jordon, Abe Lincoln, President Hinckley and many others. One of my hero's since I was a child is Larry "Lucky" Chesley. WHO?!?!?!?!? Well, Larry Chesley. There is not much on the internet on him and it is hard to find the details of his heroics. One of the coolest things about my relationship with Larry is that I actually got to meet my hero. Many people never do. Larry was a top gun F-4 Fantom fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. He was a good pilot and flew many successful missions. On one particular mission he was shot down and taken prisoner. He spent the next Seven years in various POW camps and has wonderful and inspiring stories of his time there.
I am writing about my experience meeting him because it was a life changing experience to meet one of the people that you look up to. While talking with one of my friends, who is a Chaplin, she mentioned that she knew Larry and that he should come speak to the students at The school where I work. The plans were made and he was to come. I had the opportunity to introduce him to the student body and also to go to dinner with him and his wife. He is as engaging in person as he is in his book or tapes. If you would like to read more about his experiences you can check out his book here. While talking with him it is evident that he is a man of integrity and values. He also gave me a copy of his book and wrote a special dedication to me. I hope everyone has a hero and can meet them one day. Who is your Hero and why?