SukritiDevastation
The storm was over but not the disaster, more than 80% of the city sunk in water as high as 20 feet. The roads were filled with broken trees and floating cars. When George Bush, the then U.S. president announced Emergency Disaster, the public anger outraged due to the massive loss that was caused due to the delayed action of the authorities. The crowd was angry and protesting. In the mid of the violence, officers were sent to help the residents and control the violence. That’s how Sergeant Maroney ended up in New Orleans with his troops with the purpose of saving as many lives as they can and prevent them from the increasing violence.
Stranded
While patrolling from the military helicopter, a family that stayed back in their home in the time of the disaster was located by Sergeant Maroney and his team. Looking at the military forces the family started to make all the attempts they could to bring the soldiers’ attention to them. Their home was covered with water, all the food at home was already consumed, these soldiers seemed like their only hope at that moment.
Maroney Saved Many
Maroney saved more than 140 people during that day. Though he wasn’t sent for this purpose and hence he was somewhere ignoring the orders that he got from his seniors in the first place. Yet taking these people out of their flood-ridden homes was his ethical responsibility. Little did the sergeant know this day will have the biggest impact on his life.
One Hug Is All It Takes
Maroney and his troop rescued this family out of their flooded home. Once they landed and the family was now safe, a small girl he just helped in the helicopter walked towards the sergeant. With an enthusiastic smile on her face, she hugged Maroney as a thank you gesture. At that moment, life stopped for Maroney. Never before had he felt this strength of love and none of us could understand how he felt at the very point unless we’ve been at his place. This one moment was about to keep Maroney moving through much more severe circumstances.
A Rescue Retold
Just like all of us Maroney had been through emotional moments before in his life. However, this girl was unusual, she wasn’t afraid like the rest of the people around her. In the time of devastation, she behaved maturely enough to not only just stay calm on her end but also made Maroney feel better about his job and the good work that he was doing for the residents. You’ll know how this girl’s reactions were entirely moving from the rest in Maroney’s words.
In His Words
Years passed by but Maroney didn’t forget to recall the little girl in an interview with the Air Force Times. He told them that the helicopter had this girl, her family, and the soldiers when the girl pointed at her home and school that were flood ridden. Obviously, no one expects kids to be completely fine with flying in a helicopter, knowing that it is a new type of ride for them. Some moment lasts forever, and this big hug was nothing less of a hope for the Sergeant.