My two newest heroes
People often tell me how wonderful my job is because I meet the most interesting people and cover some of the most incredible world events. Believe me, I consider myself blessed every day for the opportunities I have been given. Today, though, forget all the newsmakers and celebrities... I met two of the most inspirational young women who not only made my day, but gave me so much hope as they have given so many others with their incredible act of kindness and heroism.
They are Rachel and Kelsi Okun... sisters from McLean, Virginia and all of 12 and 8 years old respectively, but wiser than most people my age. Rachel and Kelsi were so inspired by the sacrifice that our troops and their families are making, they decided to do something about it. Last year they started their "brainblast" and put together the first of now two historical Treasure Hunt cluebooks to help raise money to send thanks and care packages to our troops and their families. With one workbook, they raised over $3.5 MILLION dollars. Now they are back with their second book, and many schools across the nation are using it in the classroom to teach kids the fun of learning about our country and its history. The book is free -- though they hope it will motivate you to make a donation to the scholarship fund for the families of our brave men and women in uniform: www.ThanksUSA.org or 1-888-thx-usa07.
I told Rachel and Kelsi about my own childhood as an Air Force brat. I was born in Taiwan -- my dad was stationed there during Vietnam, and would fly in and out of Taiwan on cargo missions. He later served in Desert Storm. I grew up on many Air Force bases where many families were in the same boat. Many missed birthdays, celebrations, etc... but nothing like spending years away from their families on one, two -- even three rotations overseas like our troops are having to do now. If you can believe it, as I thanked Rachel and Kelsi for all they've done to help families like mine, they actually thanked me for my sacrifice. What incredible girls with enormous hearts. You have to read what they wrote in an autographed copy of my treasure hunt book:
Dear Ms. Natalie,
Your enthusiasm is what THANKS is made of. You and your family are the ones who let us be who we want to be! Thank YOU! Remember, your smile is as bright as your dress!
Love,
Kelsi and Rachel Okum
My morning started with a segment on how our young girls idolize celebrities like Paris Hilton, Brittney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan among others -- all who seem to be on a path of destruction and are setting all the wrong examples. Well what a stark contrast to then meet two young women who can and will be anyone or anthing they want because they earned it and a whole lot of respect along the way by being pretty fantastic. I hope they are heroes to their friends too because if two sisters can do so much for so many, imagine how they can inspire a nation to give our veterans and their children all that they deserve.
My thank you to Rachel and Kelsi for again, making me believe again in our youth... and making me believe anything is possible no matter how old you are. YOU GO GIRLS.
Oh, and check out these two angels:
Comments
Ms. Natalie,
What a great story, thanks for bringing these two HEROES great deeds to our military out for the public to admire. Rachel & Kelsi I know the Military men and women and their families appreciate your efforts, their lives are that much better because of you. You girls Rock!!
Natalie I did catch the piece you did this morning appropriately called "Bad Influences", any chance we can ship them girls out to Iraq? On second thought, nevermind wouldn't want to do that to our fighting men and women.
As we Denver Bronco football fans like to say our here in Denver a mile high salute to you girls! Natalie to your father for serving!
Daniel
What sweet girls and what a CUTE picture.
There are many reasons to thank you for bringing the story of these girls to the attention of your viewers.
For one thing, it exposed the kids in your audience to the fact that there are places to put young energy other than in following and copying the self destructive behavior of celebrities.
Another valuable message sent by the Okun sisters is that all Americans..young and old..owe their American freedom to those who have worn American military uniforms since the birth of this country. How many adults at your workplace recognize that fact, let alone tell their children?
As Rachel and Kelsi acknowledge, the whole military family sacrifices for the freedoms we all enjoy. These girls are truly honoring and thanking the military family...not portraying them as victims of patriotism.
When the media could be providing information on more organizations like www.THANKSUSA.org, they instead fill air time by repeating the same salacious celebrity stories. Thanks for providing positive role models here.
Natalie,
This piece is so important. Please take it to NBC management as a sample of what parents want from the media. We feel like we're in a constant state of high alert as we try to combat media messages which tell our children it's cool to drink, drug and party in expensive clothing...or no clothing. Our kids are being sexualized at younger and younger ages.
Internet predators are an obvious danger, but the media also endangers our kids as they glorify negative role models.
Fame. Why do kids want it? Because the media says it brings riches...to buy designer merchandise, drugs and friends. Media messages say that this is the meaning of life.
Why do so many kids feel so empty once they acquire all of the above? Why aren't more adults stepping up to point out a more positive path to fulfillment?
The media says people are interested in celebrity stories. People are interested in what is familiar. Isn't it time we got more familiar with stories like the Okun sisters? Responsible media adults step up.
que mujer tan maravillosa, tan bella...
Natalie, gracia por todo lo que haces y por tener esa sonrisa tan linda
Natalie~
What a wonderful story for you to highlight on this blog. It's heartwarming for me, as a young mom, to know that kids can really have big hearts- compassion and empathy- at such a young age. I am making an effort, after the tragic death of my 4-yr old daughter, to let my other children know that there is still a lot of good in life- despite our own circumstances. This story touched me in a meaningful way. I'm sure these girls are very smart and I can't help but think that they have parents and others in their lives who are influencing them and encouraging them to be the kind of girls who have priorities, goals and hearts for the world. As you wrote earlier, it's sad that so many look to 'empty celebrities' as strive to be like them or envy their wealth. Sadly, the money is often just the means by which troubles come their way. Just as you wrote about the life of Anna Nicole Smith. I hope to teach my kids that we have choices to make- sometimes sacrificing and doing for others is our highest calling!
Dear Natalie,
I have got much experience and
success in helping people but cannot do all either and am amazed in what some other people do for bettering
this planet. I wanted to point someone who is
UNBELIEVABLE: Rita Fisher...SHE IS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US!
This link above will tell you all about her...
I think that it would be in your great interest to
interview her..It only takes a phone call. an e mail
or a fax from you to make America even a better place
by talking to her...
E-mail: SmileMailer@comcast.net
Fax: 928-569-5114
SmileMailer.com, 2928 Cross Creek Drive, Columbus, IN
47201
Merci
Pascal Gillon of infogatherer.com
Natalie,
This story was so great and inspirational. It was also very touching for you to share your story in connection with what the girls are doing. I know what it is like to have a family member or friend be away- nothing close to what ou went through but enough for it to ring a bell with my experience. I think these two girls are amazing, their family should be so proud of them. I work with children and have never seen such a young child speak so thoughfully and act so selflessly as these two girls. I hope they continue successfully and that their story inspires others to do great things. I think the contrast you pointed out is so important to be aware of. In a time when all the examples children are idolzing seem to be doing the wrong thing its refreshing to see that some children are still learning the right things.
Thank you for bringing us such a refreshing and inspiring story.
Sincerely,
A huge fan.
Natalie,
That post was awesome..I only wish I was as cool as those girls. As an almost journalism graduate of WVU, who watched the Today show daily, I have to say that I hope to someday impact the world in the many ways that you and so many people on your show do.
