A hero prevents a catastrophe

Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III is an incredible human being. Who, exactly, is Sully? Sully is the pilot of USAir flight 1549 from LaGuardia to the Hudson River. His heroics saved the lives of 155 people.

In the sick, sad world in which we live, there aren't many opportunities to acknowledge heroes -- mostly because they're few in number and not given to tooting their own horns. And there is a tendency (I'm as guilty as anyone in the media or blogger nation) to focus on the negative.

But I'm overwhelmed with admiration at this great man, who took a life-and-death situation and, utilizing a combination of extraordinary preparation, extraordinary skill, and extraordinary courage, put a completely disabled airplane down into a river in such a way that the plane remained intact, allowing the rescue of all aboard.

You want real role models for your children? Don't look to athletes and politicians. Look to quiet, strong men like Sully Sullenberger.