Stephen Barbour

My hero would have to be someone inspiring who pushes me toward what they know I want to achieve. This would have to be Stephen Barbour. He inspires me for the fact that he went into the military and yet he was still able to take care of his family. In the ten years that he was in the military, he wasn’t home for five. He went to many different places and had many different memories from all of them. The military caused him to move around a lot but know he lives in North Carolina

There were many things that inspired Mr. Barbour and he is very grateful for the support of his family and friends. His grandfather was a major part of it; he was in the military before and that inspired Mr. Barbour to go into the military. Mr. Barbour said it was tough going to war even though he had support from his family and friends. He only had to go to war that was called Desert Storm in the Middle East. He said it was really tough and he just kept thinking about seeing his family again. He didn’t spend more than half a year there, but he missed birthdays and holidays. When he came back he spent a few more years in the military then he quit. He says now that he doesn’t want to go back because of how it interfered with his home life.

Mr. Barbour spent many years in different places, though the longest time he was away at once was from 1995-1996 in Korea. He was helping build the wall that separates North Korea from South Korea. Even though he knew he was helping he couldn’t help but miss his family. He also remembers going to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Barbour remembers the things he saw there and the many treasures he brought home with him. Mr. Barbour brought two necklaces with his two daughter’s names on them. Brittany and Sierra: He also brought with him two throw rugs for his wife. The last place he mentioned was Bahrain, there he helped build the first ever Wal-Mart. He made a sign that said “Coming soon Wal-Mart” with a MacDonald’s symbol in the top corner. He said “I remember making a general laugh with the sign I made.”

Mr. Barbour said he had many memories, from exciting to scary. They always ranged and were surprising for him. Mr. Barbour said the scariest memory was going to war in Operation Desert Storm. He said his most treasured memory was coming home and seeing his loved one's faces. He said that he really missed his family but they were what helped him get through all of the tough things.

Mr. Barbour is my hero for many reasons but the most important is because he raised me and showed me how to keep trying in what I want to do. He doesn’t just say I can do it but he really truly pushes me into doing what my dreams are. He always thought of his family and coming home when he was away and he kept going on through the good and the bad. “By knowing I’ll come home and see you.” I will remember the fact that he is not only one of America’s heroes, but he is also my hero.