Workout #3
Tonight I completed my third workout for the Mini-Marathon. I ran 2.5 miles at a pace of 11:00MM. I also walked about 3 miles. Once again, I stayed here in town with a path I knew. Once I feel a little more sure of my stamina, I'll get out and run where there's some scenery! :) My legs finally felt pretty good throughout and not nearly as sore as the last two days. (See, I told you I was out of shape!) I actually felt like I could've run a couple more miles, but I know better than to push my luck! No point in getting injured this early!
Firefighter Dana Schoolman - LODD 11/6/88
I met the widow of tonight's honored hero during the National Fallen Firefighters Survivors Conference this past May in St. Louis. Anne Schoolman was so very nice to me. Like the rest of us, she misses her husband/hero every day. He was a huge part of her life, as well as their children's lives. It was my honor to train for Firefighter Dana Schoolman this evening. Please read about him below.
If you've followed my blogs so far, I'm sure you're starting to see a pattern with these men and women. They are all some of the most selfless people anyone has ever met. Please don't forget their sacrifice.
Firefighter Dana Schoolman was a 6 year volunteer/member of the Ashkum Township Fire Protection District and served as a Firefighter and EMT-ID. He was born January 2, 1957 and was only 31 years old at the time of his death. Firefighter Schoolman was killed when he lost control of his car and struck a utility pole. He was enroute from his home to an ambulance call in a nearby city. Illinois State Police said area roads were wet at the time of the accident. Snow and sleet had been falling throughout the early morning hours.
Anne and Dana Schoolman were married on April 15, 1978. They have two children, Kellie (who I had the pleasure of meeting at the NFFF Survivor Conference in St. Louis) and Cole who is a redhead just like his dad. At the time of Dana's death, Kellie (their daughter) was six and Cole (their son) was three. Besides his family, Dana's greatest love was the fire department. He also enjoyed hunting and was a certified hunting safety instructor for the Illinois DEPT of conservation. His wife, Anne made the following comment about Dana, "He was the most loving, caring person and would do anything for anyone."
At the time of Dana's death, Ashkum Fire Chief Michael O' Brien made the following statement, "His dedication is going to be missed. In our society, people like Dana are starting to become rare. I think all my people are above standard, but Dana was far above that. Dana always had a lot of interest in service, and was always wanting to get more schooling, which is something we encourage."
Anne and Dana Schoolman were married on April 15, 1978. They have two children, Kellie (who I had the pleasure of meeting at the NFFF Survivor Conference in St. Louis) and Cole who is a redhead just like his dad. At the time of Dana's death, Kellie (their daughter) was six and Cole (their son) was three. Besides his family, Dana's greatest love was the fire department. He also enjoyed hunting and was a certified hunting safety instructor for the Illinois DEPT of conservation. His wife, Anne made the following comment about Dana, "He was the most loving, caring person and would do anything for anyone."
At the time of Dana's death, Ashkum Fire Chief Michael O' Brien made the following statement, "His dedication is going to be missed. In our society, people like Dana are starting to become rare. I think all my people are above standard, but Dana was far above that. Dana always had a lot of interest in service, and was always wanting to get more schooling, which is something we encourage."
My Thoughts
As I finish my third blog about a third hero with hundreds and thousands that remain to be written about, I find myself wondering who will tell those stories? Who will tell the stories of the heroes I don't have a chance to share? Who is making sure that we don't forget these men and women who sacrificed days, holidays, vacations, and ultimately their lives to serve people just like you and me? Do I have a personal connection? SURE...but why does it take that before others will step up and recognize these men and women who have risked it all? I know it's not easy to read or listen to how someone's life was cut short. I know you might get emotional. BUT for one minute stop and think about how emotional these families are when their loved one is no longer at the dinner table every evening? Or how emotional Jerri Johnson is when she thinks about what would be her son's wedding day? I guess I just don't think it's asking too much for others to do the research and get to know some of these heroes and their families. Or better yet, why not step forward and support the families who will be affected by a tragedy just like Dana's. Unfortunately, it will happen again.
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