In Search of Heroes Story: What Did Ralph Zuranski Learn While Searching For Military Heroes? (In Search of Heroes Stories)

Hi, my name is Ralph Zuranski. Back in 1993, I was a Special Features writer and photographer for the Eagle newspaper, on Coronado island, a small city across the bay from downtown San Diego. Coronado houses two major naval bases: The Naval Amphibious Base, home of the SEALS, and the North Island Naval Air Station. I have a soft spot in my heart for military families. I can relate to the challenges they face because my parents, uncles, and aunts served our country during World War II. My Mom and aunt Ann were Air Force flight nurses. My dad was a bombardier in a B-26 bomber squadron, who miraculously survived a crash after a bombing mission in Germany. He retired from the Air Force reserves in 2002 as a Major. My uncle Jerry was a Sergeant in the Army’s 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division, who received two Bronze stars in the Battle of the Bulge in Europe. My uncle Casey served with distinction in the Korean War. I have a deep admiration and respect for all the members of the military and their families. As a reporter, I had the opportunity to meet many of our military heroes and the members of their families. Few realize the major sacrifices required by these fathers and mothers who raise their children under very difficult circumstances. In honor of my parents, I created the “In Search of Heroes” program to encourage local high school journalism students to interview individuals they considered heroes. The goal was to help them realize that their family members are the true unsung heroes in their lives. The community leaders in the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, reporters, and videographers at Coronado Cablevision and KNSD TV stations and the principal and teachers at Coronado high school, participated in the “In Search of Heroes” research program. The results were astonishing. Eighty percent of the time, moms were identified as the heroes, who do not get the recognition and rewards they so richly deserve. They sacrifice their time, talent, physical health, emotional well-being, and treasure to raise their children, especially when the dads are not around. Twenty-five years later, the world has changed. Men, whether married or single, are taking a more proactive role as the primary parent. This is good news! Historically, women were expected to raise children. They were trapped in the Caregiver role. Moms were the pillows and the bandages. Men were the workplace and military warriors who insured their wives and children had food, clothing, shelter, and education. Dads hammered out a living for their family in the cruel, hard, dog-eat-dog business world. Over the last 10 years, there has been a movement towards gender equality. One or both parents may be deployed for many weeks, to military hotspots around the globe or work outside the home. Some men are now choosing to raise their children at home, while the moms are deployed, working full-time or absent from the home. This book will help military families understand the unique challenges they face on a daily basis. When each person realizes they have the potential to be a hero to themselves, then they can accept the tremendous responsibility of being recognized as hero in our society. Most of our military do not consider themselves heroes. When they joined the armed forces, they knew full well that the job was potentially hazardous. Many have been injured physically and psychologically. It is time we all worked together to help these families heal. Moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas and kids all are heroes, when they reach out to help others without any expectation of a reward. The greatest heroes are those within our own families. Isn't it time we all became heroes to each other and created heroic family units working together to create a better life for everyone. When you understand your unique heroes' journey, it is easier to give and receive help from our family members, friends, community and nation.