Unexpected Question By “Special Someone” Melts War Hero’s Heart
Innovations in technology and transportation have made it possible for everyone to reach even the farthest corners of the earth. We barely even blink at the amazing feat that is flying across large expanses of space! That is how normalized traveling has become. Despite all of this, there can sometimes be something special about connecting with a complete stranger from a different background. Perhaps no one knows this better than this particular war hero.
Happiness and faith often come and go a lot quicker than we wish they did. This is why there is something admirable in people who know how to appreciate the little things in life. They will likely be able to relate to the story that we have in store for you. Happiness does not come in a one size fits all package. It is often there even in the darkest moments, just waiting to be discovered. Have you ever heard the Rihanna song that goes “We found love in a hopeless place”? Those lyrics pretty much sum up the story shared by our two protagonists.
Hurricane Katrina was an awful storm that hit the U.S. in 2005. The coastal city of New Orleans was hit hardest, tearing through poor-ridden communities, taking all these people had and leaving them with absolutely nothing. After Katrina hit New Orleans, the city was 80% underwater, in some areas, a whopping 15 feet. Special Forces units from the U.S. army were deployed to save the people who called New Orleans home. Sergeant Mike Maroney was one of the many soldiers who aided in the evacuation of the city. Maroney’s job was to survey from above, on a helicopter. This view allowed him to see things foot soldiers weren’t able to. From high up, he completed hundreds of rescue missions, saving many grateful families from the horrors below.
Mike had one rescue mission that separated from the rest. The compassion this certain family showed, and their true kindness to the soldier really warmed his heart, staying in his mind and heart for years to come. Without soldiers coming to the rescue, many more residents would have been abandoned, crying out for help, but to no avail. We commend soldiers like Mike who put their lives on the line for the benefit of others. They define true hero.
Mike, The Sergeant
Master Sergeant Mike Maroney had been ordered to rescue people during the time that Hurricane Katrina was raging in the United States. Maroney was saving lives, but he had no idea what was in store for him. The devastating hurricane made a mark on history and changed innumerable lives across the country. Maroney is another person whose life has been influenced by the natural disaster. Did it have a positive or negative impact? Only time will give us the answer.
Mike, The Sergeant
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina was nothing short of devastating. It was a natural disaster that was a complete nightmare for the people who had to experience it. The Gulf Coast is no stranger to witnessing changes in it’s landscape brought about by events like this. The hurricane devastated cities, destroyed crops, and ruined families as it made its way across the states. Maroney had been ordered to save lives, one family during this national emergency became even more significant for him than the rest of the people he rescued.
Hurricane Katrina
Storm Is Brewing
Hurricane Katrina made its way to the coast of Florida on August 25, 2005. It was considered a Category 1 storm and Governor Jeb Bush declared a State of Emergency. The following day proved to be worse as the hurricane was even more dangerous than forecasted. It was then declared to be a Category 2 Storm. Governor Kathleen Blanco was informed of the developments and she also requested for the State of Emergency in Louisiana. The White House sent help by delivering the National Guard to the affected areas. However, it was simply impossible for anyone to stop the ravaging storm.
Storm Is Brewing
Katrina Heads To New Orleans
Two days after Katrina arrived at the coast of Florida, Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans announced that there was an optional evacuation for residents of the metro area. It seemed like everyone was completely unprepared for the hurricane. The next morning, the hurricane was absolutely terrifying with its 160 miles per hour winds. It was declared a Category 5 hurricane by 7 o’clock in the morning. The conditions proved to be especially bad for families who were stuck at home. Sergeant Maroney encountered a family like this while he was out lending a hand to the people of the Big Easy.
Katrina Heads To New Orleans
Mandatory Evacuation
The hurricane was destroying roads and houses and it was not showing any signs of slowing down soon. Mayor Ray Nagin then made it mandatory for New Orleans residents to evacuate the area. Obviously, it was impossible for these people to completely skip town then and there, so they fashioned a football stadium into an evacuation center of sorts. Of course, we are talking about none other than the Superdome. The structure had been able to house 25,000 people during this time but let us not forget about the people who were unable to get there. Some were waiting for help to get to safety.
Mandatory Evacuation
It Was Too Late
For some people, the orders of the mandatory evacuation came too late. The population was too big and it proved impossible to evacuate everyone immediately. Over a fifth of the city’s residents did not have any form of transportation that would take them to the assigned shelters. They were thus forced to stay where they were and hope that help was coming. Para-rescue specialist, Maroney worked with his team to bring these people to safety. He was determined to rescue everyone he saw while he was riding the chopper. The situation made it impossible to remember every single person he saved but there was one face that would end up playing a crucial role in his life.
It Was Too Late
Devastation
The storm was finally over but the disaster was still there. Over 80% of the city was submerged in water that went up to 20 feet! Floating cars and broken trees littered the roads as well. Then President George Bush declared Emergency Disaster, a move that sparked outrage. After all, why were the government only doing this now when the people already suffered enormous losses? The crowd was furious and many people protested. During this time, officers were deployed to help more residents and control the violence that was going on. This was actually how Sergeant Maroney found himself in New Orleans. He and his troops ended up there so that they can help save lives from both the water and the violence.
Devastation
Stranded
He was surveying the area from a military chopper when the team was able to locate a family that seemed to have remained in their home while the hurricane was raging. When the family spotted the military forces roving around the area, they tried everything they could to catch the soldier’s attention. Their house was already flooded with water and they no longer had stocks of food. At the time, these soldiers must have appeared like their last beacon of hope.
Stranded
Maroney Saved Many
In total, Maroney had been able to rescue over 140 people on that day. He was, in a way, ignoring the orders from his commanding officers since he was choosing to prioritize this over quenching the civilian’s violence. He knew that it was his ethical responsibility to remove residents from their flood-ridden houses. However, he did not know that the day would actually change his life.
Maroney Saved Many
One Hug Is All It Takes
Maroney and his soldiers had been able to save this family who was stuck in their flood-ridden home. Once they were able to take them somewhere safe, the little girl he rescued approached the sergeant. She had a huge smile on her face as she embraced Maroney in what seemed like a gesture of gratitude. Time seemed to stop for Maroney. He had never felt a love as powerful as this one before. We know we will never understand what he felt then and there, but we daresay that it helped Maroney keep moving through life even when faced with terrible situations.
One Hug Is All It Takes
A Rescue Retold
Maroney’s not that different from all of us. After all, we have all experienced some emotional moments in our lives. However, there was simply something unusual about this small girl who was unafraid of the people surrounding her. Even in the time of calamity, she was able to act maturely by staying calm and making Maroney feel better about the important work that he just accomplished. You will find out more about this inspiring little girl and how moving her actions were when you hear what Maroney had to say.
A Rescue Retold
In His Words
Maroney continued living his life but as years passed by, he was unable to forget about the little girl as you will find out from his Air Force Times interview. He explained that the child, her family, and the soldier were together in the helicopter. While on board, she pointed out their home and the school she had been attending. Even we would be both thrilled and scared if we had to hop on a chopper, but this little girl seemed completely relaxed the whole time! She was truly special and the hug she gave the sergeant would be something he would never forget.
In His Words
Writing It Down
Maroney kept journals so that he could take note of everything happening in his life. He wrote down both small and big details of his day. He kept track of the happy and stressful moments that he underwent. In one interview, Maroney read the words that he wrote down about the day he encountered the little girl. It read, “picked up the cutest little girl today. Gave me the biggest hug, and I melted.” However, that wasn’t everything that happened during the day.
Writing It Down
Strength To Continue
In another interview, Maroney had this to say: “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.” It’s clear that the young girl’s attitude had a powerful impact on him. All of this, without even having a clue what her name was!
Strength To Continue
Put Him In La-La Land
Maroney’s entire week consisted of saving people who were stuck in different affected areas. He had to patrol right above these flooded places and he did not have a lot of breaks between each rescue mission. Seeing the terrible state of New Orleans was also taking a huge emotional toll on him. He explained in one 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.”
Put Him In La-La Land
A Hug Forever Captured
What were the chances that someone else was documenting the special moment? When the little girl gave Maroney a hug, it turned out that there was a press photographer right there! He was able to capture the moment with a click of the button. The photograph ended up published in major publications and it became a popular image of the military assistance the general public received during the time of crisis. It evidently moved many people and the photographer won several awards for his work! How impressive is that?
A Hug Forever Captured
The Picture Goes Global
The two subjects of the photograph were strangers, but the moment they shared symbolized the end of the disaster. The photographer also gave Maroney a copy of the picture and it was not long before the image made its way to the face of military coins. Burger King and AT&T were other brands that used the picture. An entire decade later, it also landed on the cover page of the American Heroes collector’s edition issue of People magazine.
The Picture Goes Global
Meant So Much
Throughout the years, Maroney held onto the photo as he went on tour in Afghanistan and Iraq. When he returned from these war zones, he was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly known as PTSD. This psychological condition is actually common among soldiers and anyone who has witnessed acts of violence. Maroney kept the photo close to him, looking at it gave him hope and happiness. He often thanked her quietly for giving him such a beautiful memory to remember.
Meant So Much
The Search Begins
Five years after they bonded together, Maroney decided that he wanted to find the girl who helped him get through some of the darkest moments of his life. While searching for her, he also posted his story on various social media platforms in hope of reaching the right people. However, it did not help him this time, only ending up with 42 likes. He tried tweeting Oprah as well but to no avail. It wasn’t a great start, but we admire his determination all the same.
The Search Begins
Social Media Success
Even if he did not experience success during his initial attempts, he did not give up. He continued to post online, but it seemed like none of his efforts were working. When the social media websites were proving futile, someone reached out to him. A teenage boy called Andrew Goard felt moved by the efforts of the military, particularly the para-rescue specialist. The young man launched a page to increase awareness about this branch of the air force. It ended up earning over 3,000 followers. When Andrew stumbled upon Maroney’s post, he decided to share it on his Instagram profile. However, it still did not lead to the reunion that Maroney wanted, and he began to doubt if it would ever happen.
Social Media Success
Viral
Sadly, they still had no leads about the girl, even after Andrew shared it on his Instagram page. Luckily, the Air Force Times got wind of the story and the efforts Maroney launched. The magazine published an article about the search for the young girl and this proved to be the jackpot. The story finally went viral!
Viral
#FindKatrinaGirl
A decade after the terrible hurricane, Maroney’s personal project finally earned the attention it deserved. Being the millennial he is, Andrew launched the hashtag “FindKatrinaGirl”. A TV show producer heard of the touching story and decided to help them look for the little girl. It was the team behind the TV show The Real who were able to find the girl. They then got in touch with Maroney to shedule their reunion on the set of The Real.
#FindKatrinaGirl
Producers Make Connections
If you are not familiar with the show, The Real is something like an awareness group and a team of women who gather together to discuss various topics and experiences. The story made the crew emotional and they knew the story would help improve their ratings. When they finally found out who the “Katrina Girl” was, they invited the subjects of the famous photograph for a reunion.
Producers Make Connections
Who Is Katrina Girl?
She was only 3 years of age when Hurricane Katrina hit her hometown. It was now a decade later and no one knew what she looked like now that she was 13 years old. Thanks to the producers’ hard work, however, she was now on the set waiting for Maroney. The teenage girl recently started attending high school and lived in Mississippi. Katrina Girl is none other than LeShay Brown.
Who Is Katrina Girl?
Anxiously Awaiting
After ten years when they shared that special moment, they would finally be reunited again. Maroney felt both overwhelmed and fascinated when he first received the invitation from The Real producers. He could not believe that at last, he was going to see the little girl again! Maroney explained, “I can’t wait to meet her to tell her how important she is.”
Anxiously Awaiting
She Didn’t Know
LeShay was only a toddler during the time that the picture was taken, so it’s not unusual that she did not remember the moment that was caught on camera. Can you imagine not even being aware that you changed someone else’s life? Luckily, her mother remembered everything that happened. The young girl was clearly amused that she didn’t know that Sergeant Maroney had been looking for her. In an interview, LeShay said, “I was excited that he was looking for me for such a long time. I’ve barely seen any of the pictures!”
She Didn’t Know
Showtime
Mike Maroney and LeShay Brown both appeared on the set of the show The Real in September 2015. As LeShay was waiting behind the scenes for her cue to go on stage, Mike talked about how the hug they shared kept him strong throughout the years and during his darkest moments. According to him, his mindset had been something like this: “If she’s strong enough to handle this, I can handle this.”
Showtime
It’s Time To Meet
The host told the audience the whole story and consulted Maroney several times before the two would finally meet again. They told everyone that Maroney was completely unaware that there was a photographer snapping away the minute that LeShay embraced him. Perhaps that’s the reason why their emotions were so genuine in the photo. When LeShay was asked to go up on stage, everyone could not peel their eyes away from the scene unraveling before them.
It’s Time To Meet
Nervous Disposition
LeShay was not used to being under the spotlight and it was her first time appearing in front of the cameras. She was all grown up. She was first introduced to the two hosts and hugged them. She then walked towards Maroney after that. Maroney had been waiting for this moment for a long time by now. LeShay might look different from the little girl in the photograph, but she proved that she was the same girl when she asked Maroney a single question: “can I give you a hug?”
Nervous Disposition
Thank You
Finally, Sergeant Maroney would have his opportunity to thank the girl. Maroney was totally emotional when his eyes landed on LeShay. He was having difficulty expressing his emotions but he tried to let her know how much impact she had on him. He told her, “Your hug, it helped me through hard days and rough days. You rescued me more than I rescued you.”
Thank You
A Tearful Reunion
The two finally found each other again, ten years later. They shared a hug, both unable to keep their eyes dry. In an interview, Maroney said, “If not for her hug and her smile on that day, my life would probably be a lot different.” He was incredibly grateful for the efforts made by the TV show producers to reunite the two. It’s clear that the reunion meant a lot to him.
A Tearful Reunion
Mother Recalls The Rescue
LeShay’s mother Shantrell Brown told an interviewer, “I was crying because I was scared.” She recounted that it was her first time riding a helicopter and she was frightened. LeShay, meanwhile, remained silent and appeared comfortable inside the aircraft. Maroney and Shantrell both described LeShay in the same manner!
Mother Recalls The Rescue
LeShay’s Mother Tells All
Shantrell had a total of five children and she recalled the experience in one 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 also terrified by the idea that something would happen to her kids.
LeShay’s Mother Tells All
Always Special
Shantrell further explained, “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.” Everyone could attest that there was something both unique and amazing about LeShay.
Always Special
A Wish Come True
Ever since he first received a copy of the picture, he was already thinking about being reunited with the little girl. When the moment finally arrived, his happiness could not be rivaled. After all, he “dreamt of this day for a long time.” He also said, “Finding you guys, and knowing you’re okay, has been a weight off of my back.” Maroney was also given the opportunity to meet the entire Brown family and he was glad to know that all of them were doing well.
A Wish Come True
A Dream Fulfilled
Maroney had always wanted to give the Brown family a gift when he finally got to meet them. This was to show his gratitude, of course. The producers of the show presented the family a $10,000 check and a car, but the family thought Maroney was the one deserving of such a gift. This clearly meant that the bond between Maroney and LeShay went more than skin deep! Those presents were no joke and it clearly meant that their relationship was not just for show.
A Dream Fulfilled
Spending The Money?
Shantrell refused the car but she did use the money to buy LeShay an iPhone that she had been requesting for a long time. Meanwhile, Maroney used his share of the money to pay off his debts. However, Maroney first spent the money to buy a chocolate milkshake for his little girl who apparently loves the creamy treat!
Spending The Money?
After The Show
The Real played a huge role in the reunion of LeShay and Maroney. They apparently made the decision to keep in touch even after their appearance on the show. After filming, Maroney told the interviewer, “We’ve already been texting, checking in on each other, and talking quite a bit.”
After The Show
A Friendship Begins
Maroney paid the family visits, and he eventually became friends with the other members of the Brown family as well. He was even the one to teach LeShay how to swim! They were undoubtedly on their way to becoming good friends, and it seemed like they kept each other updated about their lives. Maroney was also the recipient of an honorary citizenship courtesy of Waveland Mayor Mike Smith.
A Friendship Begins
Newfound Fame
When they made their guest appearances on the TV show, the duo earned quite a fair share of popularity. In an interview, Shantrell shared, “LeShay is famous! Everyone has been coming up to us every day, asking us about it.” However, LeShay did not share her mother’s enthusiasm about the publicity. The young woman mentioned, “Yeah, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to run bleachers when I go back to school because I missed practices.”
Newfound Fame
Military Influence
It seemed like Maroney also influenced LeShay with his views and experiences in the military. LeShay declared that she wanted to join the ranks as well. She even joined the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, more commonly known as the JROTC. It was a training program that aimed 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 underwent the training at Bay High School in Waveland, Mississippi.
Military Influence
Following In His Footsteps
When she was asked about her choice to attend JROTC, LeShay explained, “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 himself was hearing about her experience from their regular calls and visits. He was amazed to find out that she was about to start a new phase of her life.
Following In His Footsteps
One Question
LeShay asked Maroney something that he could never have predicted. She asked him to go to her JROTC ball with her! Without any hesitation, Maroney said yes to the invitation. He later said, “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.”
One Question
The Dance
The dance was held at a community center in Mississippi on one Saturday night in March 2017. While the other teenage participants did not know who Maroney was, LeShay also barely knew anyone else who was present. For this reason, the duo was able to spend a lot of quality time together as they danced the night away.
The Dance
Addressing The Crowd
Maroney went all the way to Mississippi from Texas just to attend the ball. He knew that such a night was important for teenage girls like LeShay. Aside from staying with her throughout the night, he also received questions about his rescue operation after Hurricane Katrina. Maroney explained his experience in front of the other attendees. He explained, “She [LeShay] just survived one of the most massive hurricanes in American history. If she’s smiling, I can smile too.”
Addressing The Crowd
Friendship Means So Much
There were a lot of press reporters in attendance the night of the ball and they were there to capture the bond between the two. The duo spoke with WXXV-TV, the local TV station and NBC affiliate. “He means a lot to me. He’s more like a family member than a friend,” LeShay told them. Meanwhile, Maroney talked about how important LeShay was in his life. “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,” he said.
Friendship Means So Much
Future Plans
In the future, LeShay hopes to join the military just like Maroney did. She has yet to decide about the field she wants to go into, however. According to Maroney, “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.” Aside from LeShay, let us not forget that Maroney was able to save the lives of many other people.
Future Plans
Continues To Help Others
Maroney had to retire at an early age from the air force due to an injury. Maroney continues to train people who wish to join the military, however. He said, “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.”
Continues To Help Others
A Look-Back
Mike Maroney explains that LeShay played such an important part in his life. As a soldier, he had to endure a lot of painful things, but he did not wallow in them for a reason. He explained, “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 Look-Back
A Final Say
We all know that not all of us can experience the privilege of wealth, health, beauty, and other similar advantages. However, it is important that we seize the significant moments in life because these are the things that will help us move forward. These little things will be the ones to fill us up with courage and strength whenever we need them. If you were lucky enough to experience this feeling, we would love to hear about these moments!
A Final Say
