The world lost a hero last week after Sgt. Dennis Weichel of the Rhode Island National Guard died while saving a little girl's life in Afghanistan.
Reportedly, Weichel, who was only 29, and a few other soldiers were trying to move a group of children out of the way of moving vehicles in the streets. Though most of the kids ran away, one girl remained in the road. Seeing she was in the path of a massive truck, Weichel grabbed the girl and pushed her out of the way. But though the young girl survived, Weichel died after the vehicle ran into him.
To honor his courageous act, the National Guard posthumously promoted him to Sergeant. They also announced that his remains will be transported back to Rhode Island, where his fiancée and three kids live.
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My heart is just breaking for Weichel's family. He was obviously a brave and honorable man. In fact a friend described him a guy who "would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it" and it shows. His loss is a devastating tragedy.
As tear-jerking as his death is, it is also inspirational and I think his loved ones can take comfort in the fact that Weichel's final act was a truly selfless one that ended up saving the life a young child. I hope that, even through the pain, his family can manage to realize that and above all, I hope his kids are proud–after all, their dad is a real-life superhero.
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Image via US Army
