A Hero In My Eyes
... was held back by civic duty while peers cleverly dodged it. When Roy Gleason was drafted to the army, his dream of becoming a baseball legend shattered. He was shipped off to Vietnam where he was able to put his baseball arm to good use when throwing hand grenades. But instead of becoming the player of the year like he hoped, he became the soldier of the month. Gleason’s fantasy quickly became a hard reality where he received permanent injuries to his wrist and calf in Vietnam. Then later in an almost fatal car accident, he tore his shoulder, which put an end to his baseball career permanently. He would never become the all-star player he was determined to become. Although his story may not be compared to the other great baseball legends, Roy Gleason will always be remembered as the courageous superstar who had to give up his dreams for his familial and civic responsibilities. No only did Gleason not linger in self-pity, he felt lucky. He felt lucky that he survived in Vietnam, and got his one close-up on the baseball field. Gleason was so close to become the all-star baseball player in his time, but he just never got the chance to fulfill his dream. Gleason was courageous because he had to give up his only dream for the love of his family. Gleason was the sole supporter for his family: his mother, his sister, and one of his sister’s children. He knew his family meant more to him than his living dream. Gleason remained optimistic, believing that the right decision was serving in the Army. Gleason did not waste his skills and talents. He used his skills efficiently as he became a more intelligent hitter for the Army. He shown perseverance and hope by not giving up. Gleason thou...