Husband, Father, Neighbor... Patriot !

The word hero is thrown around all to frequently these days. An over-paid actor does some good deeds in a third world nation; hero. A spoiled athlete excels in his game of catch; hero. A local deli clerk slices turkey in expert fashion; hero. One may think that such haphazard misuse would sully the true meaning and affect when legitimacy is found. But when it is truly found it shines like a lapel pin of courage on the blazer of humility.

"Bobby I'm going to tell you to do two things I hope you never have to do again, tape the Cowboys game and fetch me an apron."

Hank Rutherford Hill stands for something. He stands for many things. God, family and the America we once knew. A humble, unassuming Southern gentleman who makes no mistake about what body part he will kick if you attempt to challenge any of these. Tolerating a know-it-all wife as only a real American hero could he turns the job of selling propane and propane accessories into a labor of love. And while he'd prefer a jock for a son he loves and appreciates the diversity that is Bobby. Usually.

"Fine. But I think you owe my lawn an apology. *pauses* We're waiting!"

A true conservative with a naive, ideal view of the world Hank likes things simple. A full green lawn, a beer with friends and the Dallas Cowboys. Always the voice of reason not only for his friends but for the town of Arlen and its hapless town council. He is who you want representing your values when the idiots of today start legislating.

"Did a woman ruin the Supreme Court? "Yes and that woman's name was Earl Warren."

A devout Methodist who has his squabbles with the new female pastor but doesn't concern himself too much with the traps of labels and theology. He's a Christian who thinks there's a right and a wrong. A good and a bad. A novel thought in our grey society.

Perhaps the best example of a hero's lesson comes as Bobby has taken to the trend of "cool Christianity" and loud "Jesus music" as a passing fad;

"Bobby, you see this box full of old stuff?"

"Yea Dad, that's all my old junk I outgrew and got tired of."

" That's right son, and I want to make sure God doesn't end up in this box."

" He wont Dad, He won't."

Thanks Mr. Hill. Thanks for helping us keep our lawns as green as yours.