An Inspiration

Sometimes, reading the Sunday Herald can yield some nice surprises. Like this story by Dan LeBatard on former University of Miami basketball star, Miami Heat first-round pick, Miami native and all-around class act Tim James' service in Iraq.

A more inspiring story is very difficult to find, IMO.

James hasn't shared his past with fellow soldiers. Quiet, remember? Humble, too. He wanted to be just another teammate. So none of James' fellow soldiers knew he used to play pro basketball, though they all said he should have after he scorched those younger soldiers in a pickup game one day during training. He didn't tell them after that, either.

...

Word on the base is now spreading that James was an NBA player, so during the hottest and dirtiest days, fellow soldiers will ask: What the hell are you doing here? You chose this?

You ever doubt your decision, Tim?

``Absolutely not,'' he says. ``To be able to support and defend freedom gives me great joy. A lot of people have died for something many Americans take for granted. I wake up every day knowing I'm doing something important with my life. This is so fulfilling. Keeping our country safe gives me great purpose.''

Do yourself a favor and read the whole thing here.