There is a lot of talk about heros these days.  Athletes, world leaders, and soldiers are often described as heros.  However, there is also one 12 year old boy who has more than earned the title.

Ty Kenney is the child of soldiers.  His mother and stepfather were both deployed last year, leaving him in the care of his grandmother.  (This is not, unfortunately, an uncommon situation when both parents are servicemembers.)  When his grandmother, a diabetic, began having trouble with her blood sugar, it was Ty who called 911 at least 20 times.  Then he would meet paramedics at the door, with full records of her daily, weekly, and monthly blood sugar readings (which he had taken himself) ready.  Although his parents had instructed him a little before they were deployed, no one ever expected that he would have to put his knowledge to the test, especially not in such critical situations and so frequently.  Ty also took the initiative to educate himself on the disease, explaining, “I didn't like my kiddie books or nothing, so sometimes I would read Grandma's diabetic books.”  There is no doubt that his diligence saved his grandmother's life.

One of Ty's other statements also stands out as an inspiration to all family members who are left to cope with life alone on the homefront.  “At first I would wish they were there to help me, but then as I started to learn the stuff better I knew that I was able to do it on my own, and I didn't need help every single time," he said.  It is a simple statement, but one that describes many of the challenges faced by military dependents every day.  And it is a good reminder as well: this is hard, but you CAN do it.

Ty Kenney has been awarded the Fort Campbell Life Saving Award.  Ty Kenney IS a hero.