Bill's Blog

Every kid needs to walk in the shadow of a hero.

I remember reveling in the justice meted out by The Lone Ranger. There I’d sit, a pajama-clad lad at 6:30 am, watching Tonto and the man in the mask. Every morning I’d tune in to the black and white world of justice and mercy, Lone Ranger style, on a black and white TV about the size of a Hot Wheels car—before we were trying to make TV’s as small as a molecule. Years later, in a galaxy far, far away [a movie theatre in Iowa], I cheered Luke Skywalker, then Indiana Jones at the cinema 150 in Little Rock. Hours I spent reliving the adventures of these daredevils, dreaming of the day I’d have my chance to prove my mettle! I’d ignore my own personal safety, save the day, get the girl, bow to the [wildy-cheering, adoring] crowds, utter something self-depreciating and witty [I’m still having trouble finding witty things to say], and ride into a sunset crowded with other victors like me. It’s one thing to follow a hero, it’s quite another to be called a hero by someone else.

Even when we arrived at the hospital to deliver our first baby, Sheree and I didn’t know what his first name would be. I’m thankful that we don’t have to choose surnames, or we’d still be wondering—3 names for one child?! Strangely enough, we didn’t know his first name, but we’d long ago decided on his middle name:

Musteen.

There’s power in the name we’re called. That’s why it was important for Sheree and me to put a meaningful name on each of our kids.

If you read my first blog—“Remember our Soldiers,” you learned a little about Jason Musteen. Towards the end of my 8^th grade year, I met Jason. Our friendship bonded during 3 years of Odyssey of the Mind [OM] competition (think—“Brain-Olmypics” for school-age nerds; now I’m an old nerd), and we’ve maintained our friendship through the years.

It’s important to me to record the history of Jason and Carson. I want Carson to be very aware of Musteen’s influence in my life, and therefore, Carson’s life. Every boy needs a hero. So, we’ve vowed that the guys would have their portraits created at every rank, no matter where Jason is stationed. Attached you’ll see a few photos of Major Musteen and Carson from their session back in January. Every boy needs a hero–I’m blessed that my boys get to know one firsthand.

Jason is now in Afghanistan. As you read this, I’d appreciate you mentioning a prayer for him, his wife, and 2 kids. Godspeed, Jason.