SukritiOne Question
LeShay asked Maroney a question that he never expected. She invited him to the JROTC ball with her. Maroney without hesitation said yes and he later explained the reason as “I’m going because I would do anything to repay the hug to LeShay and her family. They mean as much to me as my own.”
The Dance
The location was at a Mississippi community center on a Saturday night in March 2017. While Maroney was totally unknown to the teenagers around him in the party, LeShay was in the same situation she hardly knew anyone else in the party and hence the two spent a quality time dancing and enjoying.
Addressing The Crowd
Maroney especially arrived from Texas to Mississippi for the ball night as he understood what a ball night means to a teenage girl. Other than staying with LeShay in the party, Maroney was also asked about his experience during the rescue operation after hurricane Katrina. Maroney shared his feelings in front of the crowd and said, “she [LeShay] just survived one of the most massive hurricanes in American history. If she’s smiling, I can smile too.”
Friendship Means So Much
Many press reporters were present at the ball night to capture this amazing moment. The two talked with the local TV station and NBC affiliate WXXV. “He means a lot to me. He’s more like a family member than a friend,” LeShay expressed her feelings. Maroney explained the value of LeShay in his life as, “if she needed a heart or a lung, I would give it to her. That’s how important her hug and her family is to me.”
Future Plans
LeShay wishes to join the military just like Maroney. She hasn’t decided on the field she would like to go for. Maroney said, “I am proud of her no matter what she does and will support her in everything she does. I think she understands service and I believe that she will do great things no matter what she chooses.” Besides LeShay, Maroney helps many other people.
Continues To Help Others
Maroney has to retire early from the air force because of an injury. Maroney still trains people who want to join the military. He tells, “life in service to the planet is important whether serving in the military or as a teacher, nurse or volunteer. Service makes life that much more appreciated.”