North Carolina has a unique hero in Daniel Johnson

We use the word hero a lot when it comes to the men and women serving this country. They are a rarity among the population of America considering we are a nation of over 300 million people but have less than 30 million veterans. Hero is an appropriate word for them along with the men and women who enter into the police and fire departments, all willing to risk their lives for the sake of others. They are deserving of the word "hero" for this alone.

Then there are unique heroes. The men and women who go above and beyond to save the lives of those they serve with. This is one of the unique heroes this nation should hold in the highest esteem.

Democrat looks to break GOP stronghold in 10th District
By WHITNEY WOODWARD
Associated Press Writer

Posted: Sep. 30 3:42 p.m.
Updated: Sep. 30 4:02 p.m.

NEWTON, N.C. — For nearly three decades, voters in the largely rural foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains have made up one of the GOP's most reliable North Carolina strongholds, consistently electing Republicans to Congress by double-digit margins.

But in what is expected to be a good year for Democrats, political newcomer Daniel Johnson - a decorated Navy veteran and a double amputee - is making a solid run at 10th District Rep. Patrick McHenry, the youngest member of the House and an aggressive conservative who gleefully needles the opposition.

"I think a lot of people are starting to put partisanship aside," said Johnson, 32. "A lot of voters are tired of it themselves, and are looking past party labels for the first time in a long time."

The son of a Presbyterian minister and a retired public school teacher in Hickory, Johnson comes to his race against McHenry with a compelling resume. He joined the Navy while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and left for active duty after graduation in 1998.

Fifteen months later, Johnson rescued a fellow shipmate who was ensnared in ropes on his ship, the U.S.S. Blue Ridge, near South Korea. The Navy awarded Johnson its highest peacetime award - the Navy and Marine Corps Medal - but his legs were severed by the ropes during the rescue, ending his military career.
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When we are all Americans, we are strong. When the men and women serving this nation serve side by side with members of an opposite political party oblivious to what divides them, they are strong. When any refuse to see what the common bond is, there is a weakness penetrating the foundation. Daniel Johnson acted without regard for himself or anything above the fact one of his shipmates needed help. This is the kind of unique hero this nation needs. kc