by Mel Rodriguez

Created on: November 12, 2009

In these times of conflict it easy to name those who are in service to this great nation heroes. When the fighting is done and the conflicts are over those who serve eventually become an after thought. The reality of what these brave young men and women do slowly fades away until the next time their service is needed. This is why I am not writing about someone serving the in the military.

There are heroes all around us that work tirelessly to provide vital services for our community. There are heroes that answer the call to help the less fortunate in our society for no other reason than the desire to make a difference. Then there are the heroes that have affected our lives on a personal level, people that have made a positive impact on our lives and whose memory cannot be forgotten.

My hero is my father. He has passed and his life was heroic. This man came to the United States from Cuba in the mid-1950's. He petitioned the Cuban Embassy for years to come to America. There was a future for him there and he would not be denied that opportunity.

Arriving at Miami International Airport, with nothing more than the close he was wearing, the journey to live the American dream began. Back then; there weren't programs for Cuban political refugees as there are today. Through a church organization, he was afforded some food a place to stay and a few dollars. He set his sights toward "The Big Apple", New York City, if you can make it there...

Once in New York he became gainfully employed, became a legal immigrant and went to the Army recruiting office in Times Square to enlist and serve. He was told that he was too old. My father continued to press on and learned to speak read and write English, at a college level, on his own. He did not feel that he had to afforded special privileges to live in this great country. The privilege was having the opportunity to live and raise a family here.

My father raised three boys, worked hard, and believed in honesty and integrity. His teachings and examples are the reason for my success and that of my brothers' today. Evelio Rodriguez is and always will be my hero. I hope that you do not need to look to far to find yours.

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