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Staff Sgt. David Bellavia: The Only Living Medal of Honor Recipient from the Iraq War

This episode is kind of a “betweener”— part Normal Folks and part our special series Supporting Greatness. It may seem like a stretch to call a Medal of Honor recipient normal, but he wasn’t some big wig general, literally went house to house clearing insurgents in Iraq, and it’s not like he campaigned for the medal. But we definitely wanted to interview David about who’s supported him and he powerfully talks about his grandfather, his dad, the men he served with in the “Ramrods”, and a Gold Star mom. 

Sonia Agron: Volunteering at Ground Zero Made Her Sick, But She Doesn’t Regret It (Pt 1)

When the World Trade Center was struck on 9/11, Sonia promised her husband, an NYPD officer who responded to the attack, that she wouldn’t go to the site to help. But she couldn’t keep that promise and volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero on overnight shifts. In addition to grieving their losses, the Agrons soon began to deal with various illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. In spite of this, Sonia has continued volunteering by leading tours at the 9/11 Tribute Museum and 9/11 Memorial. 

Sonia Agron: Volunteering at Ground Zero Made Her Sick, But She Doesn’t Regret It (Pt 2)

When the World Trade Center was struck on 9/11, Sonia promised her husband, an NYPD officer who responded to the attack, that she wouldn’t go to the site to help. But she couldn’t keep that promise and volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero on overnight shifts. In addition to grieving their losses, the Agrons soon began to deal with various illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. In spite of this, Sonia has continued volunteering by leading tours at the 9/11 Tribute Museum and 9/11 Memorial. 

Rodney Smith Jr: The 50 Yard Challenge (Pt 1)

When he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, Rodney felt called to pull over and finish it for him. This single act of generosity transformed Rodney’s life forever, inspiring him to challenge kids to cut 50 lawns for free for the elderly, single parents, veterans, and those with disabilities. And his “50 Yard Challenge” has been accepted by 4,948 kids from 8 countries! 

Rodney Smith Jr: The 50 Yard Challenge (Pt 2)

When he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, Rodney felt called to pull over and finish it for him. This single act of generosity transformed Rodney’s life forever, inspiring him to challenge kids to cut 50 lawns for free for the elderly, single parents, veterans, and those with disabilities. And his “50 Yard Challenge” has been accepted by 4,948 kids from 8 countries! 

Officer Tommy Norman: “The Michael Jordan of Community Policing” (Pt 1)

Tommy is the most famous police officer in America, with 2 million followers on Facebook and 1 million on Instagram. His radical and yet simple love for his community accidentally made him famous. However, that’s not what motivates him and he’s committed to staying in his same beat in North Little Rock, AR. Whatever your calling, his love will inspire you.