The Briefing Room
State Chapters => Texas => Topic started by: Sanguine on October 30, 2018, 06:42:35 pm
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A year in the life of Stephen Willeford, who disrupted the mass murder in his small town’s First Baptist Church and became known as the ultimate good guy with a gun.
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Stephen Willeford had just taken a bite of chocolate cake when the stranger approached. It was a warm evening in August, and Willeford was eating at Baldy’s American Diner, just a few miles from his home in Sutherland Springs. He was in a dark corner of the restaurant, out of sight of other patrons in the main dining room, but the stranger and his wife happened to pass by on their way to the restroom.
When the man spotted Willeford, he lingered for a few seconds, staring.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,†he said. He looked to be in his late thirties and was wearing a faded U.S. Marine Corps T-shirt. “I just have to say, you look really familiar, and I can’t figure out how I know you. Can I ask your name?â€
Willeford is the sort of guy who blends into most crowds. ...
https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/stephen-willeford-sutherland-springs-mass-murder/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=State%20of%20Texas%2010-30-18&utm_content=State%20of%20Texas%2010-30-18+CID_3d35b567e79cea128f845aaa4482e5e0&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=The%20Hero%20of%20the%20Sutherland%20Springs%20Shooting%20Is%20Still%20Reckoning%20with%20What%20Happened%20that%20Day (https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/stephen-willeford-sutherland-springs-mass-murder/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=State%20of%20Texas%2010-30-18&utm_content=State%20of%20Texas%2010-30-18+CID_3d35b567e79cea128f845aaa4482e5e0&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=The%20Hero%20of%20the%20Sutherland%20Springs%20Shooting%20Is%20Still%20Reckoning%20with%20What%20Happened%20that%20Day)
I don't usually read Texas Monthly, much less post their articles, but this one is beautiful.
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I don't usually read Texas Monthly, much less post their articles, but this one is beautiful.
Dittos.
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Thanks for sharing.
...A few months later, he was invited to be a guest of honor at the NRA’s national convention in Dallas in May. The organization paid for a block of suites for him and his family at the Omni Hotel, where, for the first time in his life, he ordered room service. At the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, he delivered a speech to a crowd of thousands. “We are the people that stand between the people that would do evil to our neighbors,†he said. “I’m nothing special. Look at you guys. Every one of you would do what I did. And I love you all.†He received multiple standing ovations....
You may not be totally unique, but you are definitely special.
(https://www.texasmonthly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1118_sutherlandsprings_08.jpg)
The AR-15 given to Willeford by the founder of the San Antonio–based Sons of Liberty Gun Works.
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Wow. That article is awesome.......... and heart wrenching.
How God can make good things happen out of pure evil.
Thanks so much for posting this @thackney.
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...Thanks so much for posting this @thackney.
That was @Sanguine. I just added a paragraph and photo I liked.
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That was @Sanguine. I just added a paragraph and photo I liked.
Oops! Sorry about that, @Sanguine!
THANKS for posting this wonderful article!
It brought back many horrible memories, but also reminds us of how heroic this man truly was.
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Oops! Sorry about that, @Sanguine!
THANKS for posting this wonderful article!
It brought back many horrible memories, but also reminds us of how heroic this man truly was.
I went to an event last Saturday, and next to me was a very large man in overalls, bad teeth and a baseball cap. Named Bubba. Rural white trash. I chatted with him for a minute, but didn't think much of him beyond what he looked like. Later on in the event when we got to the Q&A part, Bubba raised his hand to ask a question. He had to tell the speaker twice that his name is "Bubba" and the speaker gave a little involuntary smirk. And, then Bubba asked his question. It was about forgiveness and doing the right thing as Christians and it was very intelligently and eloquently asked. I mentally slapped myself and then thought about all those urbanites who would have been shocked speechless had they heard Bubba speak.
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Uhm, just wow. What a story.
May God continue to Bless the survivors and the Willefords with comfort and healing.
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I went to an event last Saturday, and next to me was a very large man in overalls, bad teeth and a baseball cap. Named Bubba. Rural white trash. I chatted with him for a minute, but didn't think much of him beyond what he looked like. Later on in the event when we got to the Q&A part, Bubba raised his hand to ask a question. He had to tell the speaker twice that his name is "Bubba" and the speaker gave a little involuntary smirk. And, then Bubba asked his question. It was about forgiveness and doing the right thing as Christians and it was very intelligently and eloquently asked. I mentally slapped myself and then thought about all those urbanites who would have been shocked speechless had they heard Bubba speak.
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(http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/13212000/13212965.jpg)
Exactly.
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Nice!
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I'm going to share this article with our fellow security team members from church. Sutherland Springs, Squirrel Hill ... these and other events are why we are training and taking the previously unthinkable step of carrying firearms to church services.
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Exactly.
Nice!
TY! When I read your story about Bubba, "Freedom of Speech" by Rockwell came immediately to mind.
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Thanks for posting. I really miss my Texas folks.