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[Photo: newscom.com]
OK, I’ll be the first to admit that this is not reality TV related at all. But now and then I throw in a touch of actual reality, just for good measure. This time, it’s some great news about a true hero.
Yesterday, I first became aware of the US Air plane that “crashed” into the Hudson River from a friend on Twitter. It seems that during his commute, he was on one of the ferries in the Hudson River and it had just turned to go help the survivors from the plane. Needless to say, I became riveted to Twitter for a while as the first-hand news came in. (Incidentally, CNN and others didn’t begin to report the plane in the river for another 20 or so minutes…Twitter is fabulous!)
 Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III [Photo: newscom.com] |
As it became clear the 155 people on board the plane had all survived and had been rescued by a number of nearby ferries, the coast guard and others, it was also clear that the pilot, Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III, was a true hero. He acted in seconds in a way that not only kept the plane’s structure intact during the emergency water landing, but made it possible for all on board to make it out alive. And with the water in the Hudson as cold as it was yesterday, just getting out of the plane wasn’t enough to be able to survive, it was also necessary for the passengers and crew to get away from the water and out of the cold as quickly as possible.
What strikes me as amazing in the wake of all this is the fact that Sullenberger seems to be keeping a low profile, as if to convey the message that he simply acted in the line of duty. He hasn’t yet, to my knowledge started to “cash in” on his moment of fame. That shows even more of his character as a real hero.
Here’s a quick programming note, tonight on Dateline (NBC) Ann Curry will anchor a special episode about the US Air incident. I’m hoping she talks to the pilot, but that’s just me.
But Sullenberger’s heroism and amazingly fast actions have not gone unnoticed at all. I just got word that a New York millionaire, Michael Savage, has offered to take the pilot with him as his guest to Tuesday’s Presidential Inauguration. Here’s the press blurb that was sent to me by Savage’s press people:
New York Millionaire Michael Savage of Tax Club is offering to take the hero pilot of US Airways Flight 1549 to the Presidential Inauguration as his guest. As a frequent flyer of US Airways, Mr. Savage would like to express his gratitude for the pilot’s heroism in saving the 155 passengers and crewmembers. The upcoming inauguration is a part of history, and there are hundreds of parties and events in which the pilot would be treated as a rock star for his dedication to the health, safety, and welfare of others.
I hope he accepts the offer and goes to see history made. And I hope he is also honored in some meaningful way during the festivities. Right now, the US can use a hero to be proud of. We need all the positive news we can get. And this man truly deserves all the thanks and praise we can give.
Those are just my two cents. I hope you don’t mind my soapbox.
Capt. Sully is being debriefed by his union (ALPA), the NTSB, and his company — and that’s why he hasn’t made a public statement. Nor should he.
There’s lots of time to honor his heroism, along with his co-pilot who assisted him, and the three Flight Attendants in the back who evacuated the passengers from the plane.
As frustrating as it is to not have answers, these things have to run their course. But — I do hope he chooses to go the inauguration. And what a treat if the other members of this flight crew were recognized as well.