An Unexpected Question From A “someone Special” After A Decade’s Search Melted This War Hero’s Heart
We’ve outstretched ourselves in all the corners of this world. Reaching to the farthest areas doesn’t seem like a big deal anymore. Especially when we can connect with people from different continents. Yet, finding someone in particular about whom we know nothing at all is almost impossible but a guy beats all the odds this time.
People tend to forget happy moments and lose faith as quick as a wink. However, those who have learned to appreciate the joy in small-small things will relate to this story’s ups and downs. Happiness comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors we just need to realize. Love is all around us even in the darkest of moments we just need to feel it. The first thing that struck our minds after knowing this war hero’s story was the lyrics from Rihanna’s evergreen song, “We found love in a hopeless place.” Once you’ll know more about him you’ll think of the same.
Mike, The Sergeant
Master Sergeant Mike Maroney was given orders to save lives when Hurricane Katrina hit the United States. Sergeant Maroney was saving lives unknown to what was awaiting him. This Hurricane changed many lives around the U.S. and Maroney is one of those people. But did this change prove to be good or bad for him? We’ll know it only with time.
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina has been harsh on the U.S. This natural disaster was nothing less of a nightmare. Many circumstances and events became the reason for an overall change of landscape in the Gulf Coast. It affected a vast number of families, destroying cities as it reached further into the country. Maroney was assigned a work to be done and one family trapped in their home during this phase of national emergency were about to play a big role for the sergeant; bigger than anyone’s imagination.
Storm Is Brewing
On August 25, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina reached the coast of Florida it was measured as a category 1 storm. The then Governor Jeb Bush announced emergency and the very next day the hurricane was becoming more dangerous that within a day it was declared a category 2 hurricane. Even the Governor of Louisiana, Kathleen Blanco informed about the state of emergency. The White House started help from its end by sending National Guard troops to the affected areas. Sadly, it wasn’t in anyone’s hand to stop the possible harm.
Katrina Heads To New Orleans
On August 27, 2005, two days after Hurricane Katrina hit the Florida coast, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin declared an optional evacuation for the metro-area residents. While the danger of the hurricane was underestimated by everyone, by the next morning the hurricane was in its giant form. The winds were blowing at a speed of 160miles/hour and it was now a category 5 hurricane at 7 a.m. The situations were worst for all the families stuck in the storm. Sergeant Maroney was about to encounter one such family during those days.
Mandatory Evacuation
Looking at the hurricane reaching the roads and residential areas but not even close to slowing down, within the next few hours, Mayor Ray Nagin declared mandatory evacuation for the people of New Orleans. As it was practically impossible for all residents to leave the town at the right time, the mayor announced a football stadium as the place where the residents could stay safe. It was the Superdome where more than 25000 people found shelter yet all people weren’t safe. They weren’t able to make to the Superdome and were waiting for help to reach to them.
It Was Too Late
The mandatory evacuation orders came late enough that it wasn’t possible for this huge a population to evacuate so soon. When more than one-fifth of the city population lacked personal means of transport such as cars and bikes and hence, were forced to wait for help. Pararescue specialist Maroney with his team was working day and night to rescue these people. He was not giving up on any single person he saw while on the chopper. While he didn’t remember all the people he rescued, one face from this rescue mission was about to become an important part of his life.
Devastation
The storm was over but not the disaster, more than 80% of the city sunk in water as high as 20 feet. The roads were filled with broken trees and floating cars. When George Bush, the then U.S. president announced Emergency Disaster, the public anger outraged due to the massive loss that was caused due to the delayed action of the authorities. The crowd was angry and protesting. In the mid of the violence, officers were sent to help the residents and control the violence. That’s how Sergeant Maroney ended up in New Orleans with his troops with the purpose of saving as many lives as they can and prevent them from the increasing violence.
Stranded
While patrolling from the military helicopter, a family that stayed back in their home in the time of the disaster was located by Sergeant Maroney and his team. Looking at the military forces the family started to make all the attempts they could to bring the soldiers’ attention to them. Their home was covered with water, all the food at home was already consumed, these soldiers seemed like their only hope at that moment.
Maroney Saved Many
Maroney saved more than 140 people during that day. Though he wasn’t sent for this purpose and hence he was somewhere ignoring the orders that he got from his seniors in the first place. Yet taking these people out of their flood-ridden homes was his ethical responsibility. Little did the sergeant know this day will have the biggest impact on his life.
One Hug Is All It Takes
Maroney and his troop rescued this family out of their flooded home. Once they landed and the family was now safe, a small girl he just helped in the helicopter walked towards the sergeant. With an enthusiastic smile on her face, she hugged Maroney as a thank you gesture. At that moment, life stopped for Maroney. Never before had he felt this strength of love and none of us could understand how he felt at the very point unless we’ve been at his place. This one moment was about to keep Maroney moving through much more severe circumstances.
A Rescue Retold
Just like all of us Maroney had been through emotional moments before in his life. However, this girl was unusual, she wasn’t afraid like the rest of the people around her. In the time of devastation, she behaved maturely enough to not only just stay calm on her end but also made Maroney feel better about his job and the good work that he was doing for the residents. You’ll know how this girl’s reactions were entirely moving from the rest in Maroney’s words.
In His Words
Years passed by but Maroney didn’t forget to recall the little girl in an interview with the Air Force Times. He told them that the helicopter had this girl, her family, and the soldiers when the girl pointed at her home and school that were flood ridden. Obviously, no one expects kids to be completely fine with flying in a helicopter, knowing that it is a new type of ride for them. Some moment lasts forever, and this big hug was nothing less of a hope for the Sergeant.
Writing It Down
Maroney was in a habit of keeping a journal to keep a track of all that he has achieved or lost in life and even the smallest happy or stressing moments. During the interview, he read his words from the day this angelic girl hugged him. The words were, “picked up the cutest little girl today. Gave me the biggest hug, and I melted.” The amazing part isn’t over yet as the day had much more significance than the sergeant actually thought.
Strength To Continue
Maroney once told in an interview, “for me, that picture is her smile, and the embrace she gave me was enough to refill my tank, and we went back out and began picking up more people. On that day, it was exactly what I needed.” What a great day it would have been. The point was that Maroney didn’t even know this girl’s name.
Put Him In La-La Land
A complete week went by in rescuing people from different affected places. Patroling above the flooded water, without any breaks was too much to take. Seeing such a terrible condition of New Orleans was too depressing for him but as he said in an interview, “it had been such a rough week when she wrapped me up in that hug, I was in la-la land. Nothing else existed. I was just loving that hug.”
A Hug Forever Captured
What were the odds? The moment this little girl happily hugged Maroney, a press photographer was not only present at the very moment but he managed to click a picture at the perfect time. The photograph became a famous symbol of the military help received by the people as it was published in the leading magazines across the globe. Whether it be the photograph or the girl’s innocent smile, something about this picture won people’s heart. Not just that this picture won hearts but even won awards to the photographer.
The Picture Goes Global
None of them knew each other, yet once the hurricane was over their photo represented the rescue effort. The photographer handed over a copy of the picture to Maroney and right after that, the picture was cemented on the military coins too. Burger King placemats and AT&T phone cards had their picture too. It was 10 years later that this picture appeared on the cover page of People’s “American Heroes” collector’s edition.
Meant So Much
Over the years, Maroney kept the picture close to him during his tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. After returning from the war zone the sergeant was suffering from PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), a common disorder that many soldiers who have been to the war or seen the violence suffer for at least once in their lives. Maroney found hope from this photo and he was able to relate to that girl’s positive emotions. Many times he used to thank her in silence for giving him a warm memory.
The Search Begins
It started 5 years after the hug, Maroney wanted to meet the girl who took him through the roughest of moments. And in the search of this girl, the sergeant posted on the social media websites about his story hoping that he might find the little girl. Sadly, social media doesn’t help every time and hence his attempt failed with just 42 likes. He even tweeted on Oprah but didn’t receive any reply from there as well.
Social Media Success
Although Maroney ’s initial attempts failed, he still tried again and again. He kept on posting later also many times. But again, nothing really seemed to be working. When the social media platforms proved no help to Maroney, a teen named Andrew Goard was very moved by the military especially the pararescue specialists like Maroney. He started a page in order to raise more awareness about the work they do. This page had more than 3,000 followers. When Andrew got to know about this post, he shared it on his Instagram page. Yet Maroney didn’t meet the girl and now he was doubtful if there were chances that she would never notice this post.
Viral
The girl didn’t show up even after the post was shared by Andrew on his page. Apparently, the Air Force Times heard of Maroney’s story and all the campaign that he initiated. They published an article about Maroney’s search for the little girl and luckily this time the post went viral.
#FindKatrinaGirl
10 years after the incident, Maroney’s attempts were now known by many. Andrew took the viral news a step ahead by adding a hashtag “FindKatrinaGirl.” When a TV show producer saw the story of this soldier, they started looking for the Katrina girl. The cast of a TV show named The Real found out the girl and they called Maroney for the meeting that has been fixed on The Real sets.
Producers Make Connections
The Real is a kind of awareness show where a group of women comes together to discuss several topics and life experiences. Maroney’s story made the producers emotional and they wanted this to help them raise their show’s ratings. Hence, once they found the “Katrina Girl”, both Maroney and the girl were invited to the show meet.
Who Is Katrina Girl?
When the hurricane hit her home, she was just 3 years old. Now after 10 years, nobody knew what she looks like but thanks to the social media and the producers’ efforts, she was there on the show waiting to meet Maroney. The girl was now 13 years old and recently started her high school. She lived in Mississippi and her name was LeShay Brown.
Anxiously Awaiting
After a decade from when Maroney at first started to look for the girl, he was overwhelmed to hear from the producers of The Real that he could soon meet the girl, he was not only fascinated by the TV staff but stunned for a moment that he was finally going to see her again. Maroney said in an interview, “I can’t wait to meet her to tell her how important she is.”
She Didn’t Know
LeShay was a toddler when the picture was taken and she didn’t even remember the moment that changed Maroney’s life but her mother did remember everything. She was amused by the fact that all this time when she wasn’t even aware of it Sergeant Maroney was looking for her. LeShay said in an interview, “I was excited that he was looking for me for such a long time. I’ve barely seen any of the pictures!”
Showtime
In September 2015, LeShay Brown and Mike Maroney were on the set of The Real on time. While LeShay waited inside for her name to be called to appear in front of the camera, Mike explained how one hug kept him strong and comforted him in the darkest hours of his life. He shared the thought that popped up to his mind as, “if she’s strong enough to handle this, I can handle this.”
It’s Time To Meet
The host shared the whole story with the audience asked Maroney a few questions before the reunion could actually happen. They told how Maroney wasn’t even aware that a photographer is clicking their picture at the moment LeShay hugged him. Maybe that’s why the reaction both of their faces were so realistic. Once the host called LeShay on stage, everyone’s eyes were on her and Maroney.
Nervous Disposition
It was LeShay’s first time in front of these cameras all focusing on her. The girl was now grown up. She met the two hosts at first, hugged them and then she walked towards Maroney. This was the moment Maroney waited for so long. LeShay is a different kind of girl and she proved that she’s still the same by asking Maroney an incredible question.
Thank You
At least, Sergeant Maroney got an opportunity to thank the young girl. Maroney was emotional at the moment he saw LeShay and told LeShay, “your hug, it helped me through hard days and rough days. You rescued me more than I rescued you.” He couldn’t express his feeling in words at that moment.
A Tearful Reunion
Maroney and LeShay reunited and hugged each other and both were unable to hold back their tears. The Sergeant later said in an interview, “if not for her hug and her smile on that day, my life would probably be a lot different.” Hence he was so grateful to the producers of the TV show to help him meet her and that this meant so much to him.
Mother Recalls The Rescue
LeShay’s mother, Shantrell Brown, said in an interview, “I was crying because I was scared.” She recalls that it was the first time ever that she was in a helicopter and scared. LeShay stayed silent and comfortable even in the helicopter. Maroney and Shantrell both said the same thing about LeShay that the girl wasn’t frightened at all.
LeShay’s Mother Tells All
Shantrell who had 5 children with her recalled the moment in an interview, “the helicopter had open doors, so I looked out and you could just see all the water over everything, and it was just too much for me, so she [LeShay] was comforting me.” She was horrified by the thought if anything goes wrong with her children.
Always Special
In an interview, Shantrell told, “I’d already known she was special from that day. But when I heard him say that on the show, he was saying she was his hero after everything he’d done. Until he said that about LeShay and her smile and hug, I never knew that could mean so much to a person.” Indeed, there was something amazing about this girl.
A Wish Come True
Maroney waited for this moment from the time he was first handed this picture. Finally, the day arrived and he felt like he’s on the seventh cloud. He “dreamt of this day for a long time,” he added, “finding you guys, and knowing you’re okay, has been a weight off my back.” He met the whole Brown family and was relieved to see that they were doing fine after the disaster.
A Dream Fulfilled
Maroney always wished that whenever he meets the Brown family he could gift them with something as a favor that they did to him unknowingly. The show producers presented a cheque for $10,000 and a car but she said no to the offer as she knew it was Maroney who actually deserved a gift. Maroney and LeShay’s bonding wasn’t just for the show but Maroney went on to meet the Brown family in Mississippi with his two sons.
Spending The Money?
Shantrell denied the car and used the money to gift LeShay an iPhone that she wanted from a long time. On the other hand, Maroney used the money to clear off his debts. Although, the first thing that Maroney purchased from this money was a chocolate milkshake for his little girl, who loves ice-cream.
After The Show
The Real helped the two of them reunite. LeShay and Maroney decided to stay in touch after the show as well. After the show was filmed, Maroney told in an interview, “we’ve already been texting, checking in on each other, and talking quite a bit.”
A Friendship Begins
Maroney used to visit them and became friendly with the Brown family. Apparently, he even taught LeShay to swim. Both of them were now becoming close friends who keep each other updated with all the present happenings of their lives. Maroney received a honorary citizenship from Waveland Mayor Mike Smith.
Newfound Fame
After appearing at the TV show, the duo of Maroney and LeShay became quite popular that LeShay’s mother said in an interview, “LeShay is famous! Everyone has been coming up to us every day, asking us about it.” Unlike her mother, LeShay wasn’t excited about all the publicity rather she said, “yeah, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to run bleachers when I go back to school because I missed practices.”
Military Influence
LeShay was strongly influenced by Maroney’s views on the military and she wanted to be a part of it. She attended the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, popularly known as the JROTC. An initial level training, with the aim to teach “students in secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.” She attended the training at Bay High School in Waveland, Mississippi.
Following In His Footsteps
LeShay later explained in an interview about the reason for her selecting JROTC as, “it was very interesting and a challenge, and because I had never done it before. I knew if I joined I would have help from Mike along the way if I needed it, or was confused about anything.” Mike was staying in touch with LeShay regularly and was amazed to know her new phase of life is soon to start.
One 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.”
A Look-Back
Mike Maroney tells that LeShay played an important role in his life. He said, “I’ve rescued a lot of people, but there have also been a lot of people I couldn’t rescue. Life sometimes gets dark, knowing there are good people who love life and are happy, the resiliency that she had has been a strength for me.”
A Final Say
Not everyone gets the privilege of health, wealth and the rest of the reasons to be happy but every one of us gets at least one such moment, that if we could seize in our memories would help us to move forward in life with more strength and courage. We would love to hear about your such moments!
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