Allan West is an American hero

Allan West, former Army lieutenant colonel, is a great American who consciously chose doing the right thing over furthering his 22-year long military career.  He is a role model for all patriotic Americans.

 Some of us faintly remember an Aug. 20, 2003, report about a U.S. Army commander who placed a gun next to the head of an Iraqi policeman during an interrogation. Intelligence information indicated the Iraqi officer was involved with the enemy planning to ambush the commander's company. After being unable to extract information using the US Army's protocol, West resorted to speeding up the process to save the lives of his men.

 He told the Iraqi police officer if he did not give him information about an impending ambush on his men he would blow off his head. The captive remained reluctant to talk until Lt. Col. West shot his pistol close to the official's head. This loosened the tongue of the Iraqi who spilled the beans about the ambush.  This thwarted the attack and prevented further attacks while West was head of the company.

 This act of urgency did not comply with bureaucratic guidelines created in a sterile environment. The officer had to make a life and death decision in combat. His decision was not by the book but it saved lives.

 The heroic element to West's saga was what he did next. He marched into the commander's quarters describing his actions. West knew this would be the end of his military career. He was brought before a military court. The defense attorney asked him if he would do the same thing again. His reply was unequivocal. "If it is about the lives of my men and their safety, I'll go through hell with a gas can."

 This behavior follows in a long historical tradition of exceptionally where citizens choose the honorable behavior regardless of the personal cost. Americans should recognize and celebrate this type of person. Past scenarios of Americans doing incredible things are being repressed in today's history classes and in the media. Like the West story they do not fit the narrative of Americans being a greedy, self-centered people.

West's exemplary standard of honor established his credibility as a hero. He sacrificed his future personal career goals for duty to his country. Yet the radical left bloggers are attempting to marginalize his record by framing his actions and forthright statements as proof he is a "right wing nut." They continue to refer to West as being a "felon" in media accounts.

 The undermining of West's character and behavior by the media is another attempt at the politics of personal destruction. We need to celebrate our heroes not try to destroy them to gain shameful political advantage. We as Americans need to be aware of the positive role models that are all around us.

 The elite media is going to have a difficult time slandering and dismissing this particular hero. His formidable legacy will not die but will flourish. The people have given West a bully pulpit.

West was voted in as congressman from Florida's 22{+n}{+d} district. He is the first back Republican congressman elected from Florida since 1870. His heroic actions ended his military career but opened an entirely new arena to set the tone for honorable behavior in the halls of congress.

West is a true American hero we can all respect and can expect even more great things from him.