This past 24-48 hours has been a very heart-breaking time for many Americans. With a mass shooting held out in El Paso, TX, plus another in Dayton, Ohio, many are trying to figure out what can we do to stop the mass violence that continues to plague America. Even though this is a sad time, I truly feel that where there is darkness you have to shine some light. During the mass shooting that took place in a Wal-Mart (of all places) in El Paso, TX, Army hero, Glendon Oakley, thought fast and begin to save children during the chaotic time.
On August 3rd, many Americans lives changed forever, but many also are able to still go home with the ones they love due to bravery of Army Pfc. Glendon Oakley Jr. Coming out of a near store, Oakley begin to hear to shots being fired while going to Cielo Vista Mall Footlocker. At this point, he pulled out his Glock 9 that he is licensed to carry in the state of Texas and remembered his military training. Getting in the Footlocker store, the employees pulled down the metal gate, but soon felt to make a run for it out of the malls exit.
While running with a group, they stumbled upon a group of children who were still in the malls play area. “I didn’t even think. I just grabbed as many kids as I could and ran five stores down to the exit,” he tells Task and Purpose said. “We got there and ran into a whole batch of police pointing their guns at us. I wasn’t focused on myself, and I wasn’t focused on my surroundings … I was just focused on those kids.”
In certain times, we are all called to do more. To be something more. Oakley speaks on trying to stop others to help, but everyone kept running. They missed their calling. “I wish I could have gotten more kids out of there. I wish those guys who ran would have stayed … I just think, what if that was my child? How would I want some other man to react?”
We truly need more people in this world like Army Pfc. Glendon Oakley. Due to him this American Terrorist did not kill more. All it takes is one brave soul to make a difference. Even though Oakley doesn’t want the attention, he has to understand that he is rare and we just want to say THANK YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING!
Previously in a interview with ABC News, Army Pfc. Glendon Oakley spoke more on the situation, but wants everyone to focus more on the victims of the situation. I swear this interview you truly see that this black man is a true hero within his heart and the reason why we didn’t speak on the shooting much, but want to show our appreciation for heroes like Oakley.