The Hero of the Sutherland Springs Shooting Is Still Reckoning With What Happened That Day

[L84Cabo]

Long article but it's excellent and worth your time if you haven't seen it already (originally posted in Oct of 2018)

The Hero of Sutherland Springs Is Still Reckoning with What Happened that Day

One year ago, after Stephen Willeford disrupted the mass murder at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, he was hailed as the ultimate good guy with a gun, but he's still reckoning with what happened that day—and what his life has become.

getpocket.com

Stephen Willeford had just taken a bite of chocolate cake when the stranger approached. It was a warm evening in August, and Willeford was eating at Baldy's American Diner, just a few miles from his home in Sutherland Springs. He was in a dark corner of the restaurant, out of sight of other patrons in the main dining room, but the stranger and his wife happened to pass by on their way to the restroom.

When the man spotted Willeford, he lingered for a few seconds, staring.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," he said. He looked to be in his late thirties and was wearing a faded U.S. Marine Corps T-shirt. "I just have to say, you look really familiar, and I can't figure out how I know you. Can I ask your name?"

Willeford is the sort of guy who blends into most crowds. At 56, he's balding, a little stocky, and moderate in height, about five feet, seven inches. He is gregarious by nature, almost jolly, which is apt, because he sports a scruffy white Santa Claus beard. His kids used to tease him because he seems to know someone everywhere he goes, and even when he doesn't, he makes fast friends with strangers. But these days—ever since November 2017, when media crews from around the world descended on his tiny hometown, the latest ground zero in a mind-numbing string of mass shootings across the country—he knows all the quietest corners of his favorite restaurants. His life barely resembles the one he had before.

"My name is Stephen," he said, his voice gentle and slow.

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[Alexx1401]

Long article but it's excellent and worth your time if you haven't seen it already (originally posted in Oct of 2018)

The Hero of Sutherland Springs Is Still Reckoning with What Happened that Day

One year ago, after Stephen Willeford disrupted the mass murder at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, he was hailed as the ultimate good guy with a gun, but he's still reckoning with what happened that day—and what his life has become.

getpocket.com

That was a VERY well written article and well worth the read. Thank you for posting that. I heard the interview he did with Crowder. Will have go back and watch it again. God bless this man and his Wife for the memories he has to deal with now. He certainly deserves the good that has come to him over it.

 

[clearconscience]

Dang man. Amazing article.

You hear about these tragedies, but rarely the stories of the people in them.

Great story about a great man.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[nammac]

Well worth the read. Great insight into what happens to a good guy with a gun. May Gods abundant blessings be upon Stephen and his family, as well as all the community members who were injured and lost loved ones...