Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay Good News

 

Photo of Alan Babin during the community honor ceremony of his home – Photo courtesy of the Austin Statesman

Today’s good news is a local story about an American hero who lives here in Lakeway. Alan Babin was excited to become a Lakeway resident for many reasons, not the least of which is that he is able to leave his home independently in his wheelchair.

The Gary Sinise Foundation gave Babin and his family a smart home in 2018 adapted to his specific needs, a significant gift for the injured U.S. Army corporal who served as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division. Due to the wounds he received 20 years ago, he has had to work hard to be able to do many everyday tasks.

On March 31st, the city declared it Alan Babin Day in honor of the 20th anniversary of surviving catastrophic wounds during his service in Iraq. Alan was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart for his actions to save another. The proclamation issued by the city tells more of the story.

There was a unique open house at the airpark to honor Alan, and we will be visiting that open house on Sunday. The good news here is that a community cares about one of its own who sacrificed his own health and safety for another. Today’s JohnKu talks about honor. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Sacrifice by John W. Howell © 2023

Where do we find those,

Who are willing to give all . . .

To save another.

 

70 comments

  1. Sorryless's avatar

    Here’s to Alan, who represents the best of us.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He does. Thanks, Marc.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Impressive, dear John!👍👍👍 This news must be republished in Russia to learn how to take care of those who helps to protect the country.Thank you!🍤🍤🍤🍻

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Should be published in every country. Thanks, Maria. 🤗

      Liked by 2 people

      1. kethuprofumo's avatar

        True, my dear friend. The country of blue chicken is not exception.😅😅😅

        Like

      2. kethuprofumo's avatar

        Today it is my first anniversary since moving here. I have a deep mixed feeling as it is difficult to be human in the blue chicken country.

        Like

  3. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Another great story. Thanks for sharing it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Such heart smiles here! ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      For sure. Thanks, Annette.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. GP's avatar

    A magnificent gift for someone who sacrificed so much! A perfect Friday report, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, GP. Amazing guy.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    A wonderful story for this Good Friday, John. Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill. I thought so too.Happy Easter.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    A heart-warming story, John, thank you for sharing. I regularly support the Gary Sinise Foundation. They offer hope to so many of our injured heroes. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They do for sure. A good group to support. Thanks, Gwen.

      Like

  8. Harmony Kent's avatar

    Thanks for sharing this uplifting story, John. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs 💕🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You as well, Harmony. Happy Easter to you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Harmony Kent's avatar

        Happy Easter, John! 💖🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Teri Polen's avatar

    What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Marcia Meara's avatar

    This post made me smile and cry at the same time, John! (But in a totally “Fri-Yay” way!)

    Heroes like this deserve our admiration and respect, and all we can do to make their lives easier. I’ve been a monthly supporter of Gary Sinese, Wounded Warriors, and Tunnels to Towers for years now, and wish I could do even more.

    Blessings to every single person who honored Alan Babin in this beautiful way, and I hope he knows there are many, many of us who are grateful for his service, and wishing him happy days ahead.

    Thank you for sharing. This absolutely made my day! 😀 ❤

    Like

  11. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    That’s awesome.

    Like

  12. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Lakeway sounds like such a good place to live, a true community that takes care of its own.

    Like

  13. Writer Lori's avatar

    Another wonderful story, John. So heartening to see such selfless individuals recognized for their courage and generosity of spirit. 💕

    Like

  14. Tom's avatar

    John,
    Really a great story !!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Tom. 😁

      Like

  15. Joan Hall's avatar

    This is a fantastic story, John. A well-deserved recognition for one of our heroes. And Gary Sinise has done so much for our vets – I really think a lot of him.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I do too, Joan. Thanks

      Like

  16. Becky Ross Michael's avatar

    Well-deserved honor; thanks for telling us about this, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Becky.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Becky Ross Michael's avatar

        Always enjoy your good news!

        Liked by 1 person

  17. John Hric's avatar

    Good story John. Here is to the Gary Sinise Foundation for recognizing and assisting our military veterans and especially to Alan Babin for his bravery, service, and sacrifice to our nation.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, John. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Dale's avatar

    What a beautiful share, John. Here’s to Alan and his wonderful chosen community.
    Happy Friday to you, Sir.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. quiall's avatar

    I think they are all around us, they just don’t know it.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    I’m sure glad he was helped by the Gary Sinise Foundation and is now honored by you and your town. Thanks for sharing this with us, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A pleasure, Tim. Thanks for the nice words.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Jennie's avatar

    Oh, my! What a story, except you forgot the LITW (lump in throat warning.) 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is there for sure. Not the warning but the lump. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  22. circadianreflections's avatar

    He’s a real hero! I agree with Jennie we needed a LITW. 😄

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think so too.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. noelleg44's avatar

    We need more men like Corporal Babin and more of us to honor them. I have a kinship with this story since my son will have his 20 in with the 82nd Airborne next year. My gratitude to Gary Sinise (another unsung hero) and his Foundation.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m grateful for your son’s service. 20 years as an airborne trooper is special.

      Like

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        It is, but he says he is glad he is retiring. Too much equity, diversity and other stuff going on for him to be able to train his cadets the right way.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          It is sad the way things are going now.

          Like

  24. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    A wonderful recognition of Corporal Babin’s sacrifice! Thanks, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Dan Antion's avatar

    This is a wonderful story, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dan.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Traci Ashbe's avatar

    Always good to hear one of our heroes gets back their dignity and a better way of life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is. Thanks, Traci.

      Like

  27. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    Good to know Lakeway is doing their part to honor and help a veteran. A local good story for sure.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is Jo. Happy Easter to you.

      Like

  28. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    I love this story, John, thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Unknown's avatar

    […] Today we will visit Lakeway’s Air Park, where a celebration of Alan Babin’s 20 years of life takes place. It was 20 years ago the Army medic was severely wounded while saving others. If you want to read more about Alan, you can visit my post HERE. […]

    Like

  30. Resa's avatar

    Lovely JohnKu! Well, you find one of those special guys in Lakeway.

    This is a good story, John.
    I’m often frustrated about Vets that slip through cracks, live in the streets and stories about Vets’ hospitals not being up to snuff.

    I’m against war, but those who start them are not. So we need our servicemen, and they should be set up for life.
    🎖OX 🎖OX 🎖OX 🎖OX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. Thank you for the lovely words. 🎖OX 🎖OX 🎖OX 🎖OX

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Traci

      Like

  31. dgkaye's avatar

    A wonderful Good Friday share John. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debby

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Ilsa Rey's avatar

    That’s wonderful. These stories are so nice. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Betsy.

      Liked by 1 person