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Posts tagged ‘Hero’

Hero: Katherine Koonce, Head of Nashville Christian School, Ran Toward Transgender Murderer’s Gunfire


BY: ELLE PURNELL | MARCH 29, 2023

Read more at https://thefederalist.com/2023/03/29/hero-katherine-koonce-head-of-nashville-christian-school-ran-toward-transgender-murderers-gunfire/

Katherine Koonce

Shortly before police bravely closed in on Audrey Hale, the apparently transgender shooter who killed six people, including three children, at a Nashville Christian school on Monday, another hero was already heading toward the murderer.

Katherine Koonce, head of The Covenant School, rushed to protect her students from Hale after the sound of gunfire interrupted a Zoom call she was on, according to Nashville City Councilman Russ Pulley. “It is my understanding from a witness at the school that Katherine Koonce was on a Zoom call when she heard the first shot. She immediately ended the call, got up and headed straight for the shooter,” Pulley told Fox News.

“Dr. Koonce, upon hearing the first shots, ran toward the danger,” he added in a Facebook post.

Koonce, 60, was murdered by Hale, alongside fellow staff members Cynthia Peak and Michael Hill, and 9-year-old students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney.

Pulley also noted that Koonce had previously implemented active shooter drills at the grade school, which he credited with saving lives on Monday.

“She prepared the school by seeking advanced-level active-shooter training,” he said, “and from witnesses at the scene, this protocol – details of which I cannot provide – saved countless lives.”

Nashville Metropolitan Police Chief John Drake confirmed that Koonce had had a confrontation with the shooter.

“She was in the hallway by herself,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday. “There was a confrontation, I’m sure — you can tell the way she was lying in the hallway.”

In a letter to members of Koonce’s church, West End Community Church, Pastor John Bourgeois told members that Koonce “gave her life in defense of the children under her care.”

“She loved God and she loved people, so it doesn’t surprise me at all that she died protecting people,” said Stephana Greene, a Covenant mom. Greene also noted Koonce’s personal devotion to her students and their families. “You could come to the school 15-20 minutes early and pop a squat and have a pick-up talk with her, and she would be willing to either pray with you, she would be willing to either lead you in scripture,” she told a local news station.

Barrett Severance, a former student of Koonce’s, told another station that “there was a lot of times I felt like giving up, and so she would fight for us.”

“She was very much a champion for her students, she fought for all of them, oftentimes after we quit fighting for ourselves.”

Elle Purnell is an assistant editor at The Federalist, and received her B.A. in government from Patrick Henry College with a minor in journalism. Follow her work on Twitter @_etreynolds.

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Crime

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9-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus hailed as a hero — died trying to pull fire alarm to warn others of transsexual shooter stalking halls of Christian school


By: JOSEPH MACKINNON | March 29, 2023

Read more at https://www.theblaze.com/news/9-year-old-evelyn-dieckhaus-hailed-as-a-hero-having-died-trying-to-warn-others/

Image source: YouTube video, Inside Edition – Screenshot

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The 28-year-old transsexual shooter who shot up a Christian elementary school on Monday was ultimately put down by Nashville’s finest; however, that was not her first encounter with heroes that day.

A 9-year-old girl attempted to alert teachers and other children to the threat before being cut down in the Covenant School. She is now being hailed as a hero.

Evelyn Dieckhaus, described by her family as a “shining light,” desperately tried to pull the fire alarm as the shooter stalked the halls of the Christian school, reported the Daily Mail.

Clay Stauffer, senior minister of Woodmont Christian Church, which is next door to the school, told WTVF, “These are the types of situations in life where it does cause us to question and doubt our faith. But I also tell them in these situations, as horrible as they are, I believe God shows up in the community.”

Stauffer intimated that Dieckhaus made God’s presence known in her apparent love for her peers and corresponding effort to alert them to danger.

“Evelyn made an impact on this world, and she will continue to,” he said.

The minister noted that while the 9-year-old’s parents, Mike and Katie Dickhaus, are devastated, “They’re being surrounded by their family and friends.”

Dieckhaus’ grieving sister, a fifth-grader set to be baptized in a few weeks, said, “I don’t want to be an only child.”

“Their daughter Evelyn was a shining light and an amazing person. She was loved not only by her family, not just by her church. We’re surrounding them and picking them up — helping them move forward,” added Stauffer.

Dieckhaus and the two other 9-year-old victims were in the school’s chapel prior to the attack, learning about “life in Kenya and what it means to be a missionary.” Missionary Britney Grayson provided this instruction, having been invited to speak at chapel and visit with the students.

Grayson noted on Twitter that the victims had just learned the Swahili word “jambo” (i.e., “hello”) and “all the verses of Amazing Grace to sing for grandparents day next week.”

Grayson evidently paid no mind to leftist news-reader David Pakman’s denigration of prayer, imploring everyone to: “Please join me in praying for healing for these children. … Pray for all the little hearts that weren’t physically wounded but who will never be the same. Pray. Pray. PRAY.”

William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs were the two other children who sang “Amazing Grace” with the departed hero before being murdered.

Hallie Scruggs was the daughter of the pastor of Covenant Presbyterian, which shares a location with the school.

Pastor Chad Scruggs told ABC News in a statement, “Through tears we trust that she is in the arms of Jesus, who will raise her to life once again.”

William Kinney was described by a family friend, Rachael Freitas, as an “unfailingly kind” boy with an “unflappable spirit,” reported the Tennessean.

“He loved his sisters, adored his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles and was always excited to host friends of every age. Sweet Will knew no strangers, and our hearts are broken for his family as they try to find their way forward,” said Freitas.

The transsexual shooter also claimed the lives of Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61.

Parents Mourn Nashville School Shooting Victims youtu.be

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Category:

Political

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French City Refuses To Honor Slain Police Officer for Fear of Offending Muslims


Reported By Lisa Payne-Naeger | October 17, 2018 at 5:04pm

Under any other circumstances, a law enforcement officer who sacrificed his life to save that of another, whether or not it was in the line of duty, would be widely heralded as a hero. No question.

Arnaud Beltrame was a lieutenant colonel with the National Police in Marseille, France, and he lost his life in the line of duty. He was killed by 25-year-old Radouane Lakdim, a Moroccan-born Muslim terrorist.

Beltrame was certainly a man worthy of honors. But according to Voice of Europe, recognition for his bravery doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

CNN reported the incidents that led to Beltrame’s death in March.

“Interior Minister Gérard Collomb said the officer, a lieutenant colonel with the National Police, offered to exchange himself for one of the female hostages being held inside the Super U supermarket in Trèbes.

“When the officer went inside the supermarket, shots were fired. The lieutenant colonel had his phone on, so police could hear his interactions with the gunman, Collomb said. As soon as they heard gunfire, police went in,” reported CNN.

The standoff lasted more than three hours. Lakdim was killed by police and Beltrame died later of stab wounds.

American Military News reported that the 15th district in Marseille is said to have a significant population of jihadists. Just five months prior to Beltrame’s death, two women were killed by an ISIS terrorist in the same area.

“ISIS-linked news outlet, Amaq News Agency, published a statement in which they referred to the terrorist as a ‘soldier’ of ISIS who carried out their attack on a U.S. ally involved in efforts against ISIS in Syria and Iraq,” AMN wrote.

President Emmanuel Macron had high praises for the slain officer.

“Our country has suffered an Islamist terrorist attack. We’ve paid the price of the danger of the terrorist threat in blood for several years,” Macron said, according to CNN.

“The forces of order intervened with remarkable speed, both to contain the individual who hid away with his hostages, to help one of the victims who was still alive who he had left in the surrounding area. He has saved lives, and done his role and his country proud.”

So, what problem could there be in honoring such a brave man?

In March, the people of France were attempting to honor the bravery of Beltrame after his death and preparing for a “day of tribute,” but sentiments soon changed. As officials in Marseille worked to make a memorial to Beltrame, they hit a road block. Political correctness run amok.

“Attempts to name the city’s 15th district after Beltrame were recently rejected over concerns of offending the Muslim community,” AMN reported.

Marseille’s 7th district National Rally mayor Stephane Ravier said the proposal was refused during a town council meeting. Ravier exclaimed that it was the first time the “Leftist elected officials, socialist and communist” refused such an honor in the 15th district. He claimed their excuse for denying Beltrame a place of honor was because they were afraid of offending the Muslim population and possible retaliation for their public praise of Beltrame.

“Leftist elected officials, socialist and communist, refused that a place in the 15th district be named after Arnaud Beltrame, in the first time, they’ve said, under fallacious pretext, that this place wasn’t prestigious enough, before telling the truth in these terms: we are on the field, we witnessed that the population has changed and if we give the name of Arnaud Beltrame in this district, the population will take that as a provocation,” Ravier said, according to Voice of Europe.

Americans should take a swift lesson from this politically correct travesty in France. Such a sad ending to a tragic story for Beltrame, a true hero. He deserves better. And so do the people of France who are living under the threat of terror.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Payne-Naeger
Contributor, Commentary
An enthusiastic grassroots Tea Party activist, Lisa Payne-Naeger has spent the better part of the last decade lobbying for educational and family issues in her state legislature, and as a keyboard warrior hoping to help along the revolution that empowers the people to retake control of their, out-of-control, government.

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Islamic News

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More Politically INCORRECT Cartoons for April 27, 2018


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Political

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These 17 Companies Are Putting Patriotism Before Profit by Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day


Reported By Randy DeSoto | November 8, 2017 at 1:47pm

URL of the original posting site: https://www.westernjournalism.com/17-companies-putting-patriotism-profit-honoring-veterans-veterans-day/?

In recognition of Veterans Day, multiple companies are partnering with organizations that help and honor those who served in the nation’s armed forces. Joe Davis, a spokesman for Veterans of Foreign Wars, commended these corporations for going the extra mile for America’s veterans.

“The companies who take care of veterans, service members and our families do so to thank us for our service,” he told The Western Journal. “We should thank them in return by patronizing their services or products.”

Some of the more prominent companies compiled in a list by MilitaryBenefits.info are below.

Dunkin’ Donuts is donating $10,000 to Homes For Our Troops and will provide a year’s worth of Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cup pods along with a new Keurig coffeemaker to up to 100 veterans who have been or will be provided new specially adapted homes by the organization. Home For Our Troops’ mission is “to build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.”

Cracker Barrel will donate 20 percent of its proceeds from online and in-store purchases of its Lodge cookware between Oct. 30 and Nov. 11 to Operation Homefront. The funds raised will be donated in the form of gift cards to help provide holiday meals to military families across the country.

eBay for Charity and Home For Our Troops are holding a special online auction featuring celebrity autographed items, as well as tickets and back stage passes to various events. The auction ends Nov. 14. Among the 70 items people can bid on are a “Thor” movie poster autographed by Chris Hemsworth, a “Gardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” movie poster signed by the entire cast, a Fonz T-shirt autographed by Henry Winkler, Doc Marten sneakers signed by Whoopi Goldberg, a Dallas Mavericks jersey autographed by Dirk Nowitski, and a “Hamilton” play poster signed by the entire cast.

iHOP will be donating $1 from every purchase of a Red, White & Blue combo from Nov. 1-30 to support the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. The organization provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in military service.

The New York Stock Exchange will give 100 percent of its trading proceeds on Veterans Day to Headstrong, which is an organization that provides mental health services to veterans. Headstrong explains on its website: “As veterans ourselves, we know how tough it can be to overcome the hidden wounds of war. We’ve lost friends, made the same choices, and walked the same ground. That’s why we built Headstrong – because we know that if you have the courage to get help, and you get the right help, you can overcome the hidden wounds of war.” According to a report released by the Department of Veterans Affairs last year, approximately 20 veterans take their own lives each day.

At Outback Steakhouse, from Nov. 8 through January 2, 2018, customers can add $1 to their check to be directly donated to Operation Homefront and every donation of $5 or more will be used to purchase Outback gift cards that will be shared with military families. Further, for every purchase of a Foster’s Lager Big Bloke, MillerCoors will donate $1 to Operation Homefront. The organization helps military families going through difficult financial circumstances and does other outreaches to support the military community throughout the year.

Pet Supplies Plus will match every “like” and “share” of a Facebook post with a $1 donation, up to $5,000, to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs. The group provides service dogs to disabled veterans.

Regal Cinemas will donate $1 for every large popcorn purchased on November 11 to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Baskin Robbins will donate 11 cents from every ice cream scoop sold on Veterans Day to the United Service Organizations.

Lone Star Steakhouse will give 10 percent of its proceeds on Veterans Day to the Snowball Express. The Snowball Express’ mission is, “Providing hope and new happy memories to the children of military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since 9/11. In December each year we bring children together from all over the world for a four-day experience filled with fun activities, like sporting events, dances, amusement parks and more.” The purpose is to create “opportunities for joy, friendship, and communal healing, by connecting these families to one another.”

Hair Cuttery, as part of its Share-a-Haircut Program, will donate a free haircut gift certificate to local veterans organizations for every haircut purchased on Veterans Day.

Sports Clips, from Oct. 16 to Nov. 11, will donate $1 for every hair cut to the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help a Hero” program, which provides scholarships to veterans.

O’Charley’s restaurant will donate $0.25 for every 22 oz. beer sold through Veterans Day Weekend to the Folded Flag Foundation. The organization supplements the death benefits and provides scholarships to dependents of service members killed in combat.

Abuelo’s Mexican restaurant, from Nov. 9 to Nov. 12, will donate $1 for every Chile con Queso appetizer sold to support Home For Our Troops.

Pilot Flying J is donating a portion of its proceeds, up to $25,000, for the sale of 20 to 24 ounce PhilMor travel coffee refills on Veterans Day to Wreaths Across America. Each December, the organization coordinates wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 states and overseas on National Wreaths Across America Day.

Waffle House will send a coupon for a free waffle for donations made between Sept. 11 and Nov. 11 to the Waffle House Mission: ABLE, which supports the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Waffle House will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.

Christmas Decor will donate their products and services to decorate the homes of military families. The company explains on its website: “With more than 300,000 American soldiers deployed overseas this holiday season, families across the nation are facing the challenge of preparing for the holidays without their loved ones. Christmas Decor has stepped in to light up the homes of the families of these brave men and women.”

In addition to supporting veterans organizations, many restaurants and other companies will be honoring those who served with free meals and other discounts and giveaways on and around Veterans Day. USA Today compiled a list.

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Patriotic

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