A Humble Hero

Did you know that Neuroscience confirms the benefit of gratitude?

This simple yet powerful daily practice can rewire those negative, anxious thoughts into a place of peace and contentment.  Even in the midst of difficult circumstances and troublesome times.

 Today, you will read a true story of a Humble Hero.

I was so grateful to meet Vernon Jumper at the Docent Appreciation Dinner in September of 2023 on the USS Midway Museum.

On April 29^th, 1975, Vernon was the Air Boss on the USS Midway. He was in charge of the flight deck and controlling the airplanes on the ship. His job was like a combination of air traffic controller and ground operators at an airport.

It was the end of Vietnam war. The North Vietnamese broke truce and invaded the south. The USS Midway was a part rescue operation to gather US citizens and south Vietnamese who were oppressed. The Midway rescued about 3,000 refuges on the ship along with 100 helicopters that belonged to the south Vietnamese. Needless to say, the deck was jammed with helicopters.

Towards the end of the rescue operation, this small little light airplane came flying over the ship. The pilot’s radio was not working.  He flew over the ship and dropped a note on the flight deck. But the wind blew it over the side. So he came around again, dropped another note, only to have the wind blow that over the side.  Flying around a third time, he put the note in a leather gun holster, so they got the note.  It said:

   “Can you move the helicopters to the side so I can land on your runway. I can fly for one more hour. Please rescue me. Major Bueng, wife and 5 child.”

Vernon confirmed with the Captain and they agreed to rescue them. Vernon made the decision  to push four helicopters over the side into the ocean so they could land. Even though those choppers were worth a lot of money, these precious lives were more valuable. The Midway then sped up to create more headwind so the plane would be easier to land.

They made a perfect landing.  The whole deck crew cheered!   Singing over the ocean was heard that day.

You may wonder what happened to the Bueng family?  They moved to Florida. Even though he was a pilot, the only job Major Bueng could get was food service at Disney World. All five of his children graduated from college. Three received advanced degrees and two grandchildren graduated from the air force academy.  You can see a replica of the plane, film footage, along with the original note on what is now the USS Midway Museum.

Vernon said this was the most dangerous 30-hour maneuver he has ever done. For years he served as a docent on the Midway, telling his story to the many visitors who come each day.

Yesterday, July 4^th, Vernon died of cancer.

Vernon told me he expressed gratitude and says, “Father God was looking over us that day.”

Although we may not feel it in our world now, God is looking over us today.

Vernon, you will be missed.  Your precious story will live on. Thank you for being the man of God and servant for our country.

Practice 

• Name at least five things that you are grateful for today. Write them down.

  
  

• Pause. Imagine placing these gifts into the palms of your hands and place them over your heart.

  
  

• Spend five minutes thanking God for these gifts. Allow his love to soak into your heart.