Superhero

I remember my entire 2nd grade classroom laughing at me. Mrs. Huff asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said, "A superhero!" I remember even Mrs. Huff laughed. As she went around the room asking everyone, I remember no one else wanted to be a superhero. I have always wondered why more people didn't want to be superheroes.

At seven years old I probably had no concept of deterrence. Perhaps, I had never encountered failure either. I do remember I was sure I would be a superhero. So, whether I was confident or delusional, I drew up my plan to get there. Since it was common knowledge all superheroes where elite physical specimens, I started by creating a routine of daily calisthenics and running. I theorized years of training would give me a superior and strong body by the time I was grown. I was determined I would be the strongest and fastest man on the planet. I remember my father sauntered into my room when I was exercising and asked me what I was up to. A little surprised by this unusual occurrence I jumped at the chance to share my long-term exercise plan to achieve superhuman fitness. It was one of the rare times my father gave me his undivided attention. You see, my father had a lot on his mind. He was a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Air Commando. I routinely watched as my father went off in uniform to fly, fight and win for the good guys. And there was no one as handsome as him in his uniform. Anyway, in this conversation I clearly remember he was interested and listened. Then he even told me it was a good plan, and he went on to explain the military too explores ways to create superheroes. I don’t remember harboring any desire for validation. I would have had no idea what that was. However, I do remember his belief in my plan felt good. I have no doubt about that, and I certainly had no doubt I would be superhero. 

I also knew I was going to need more than super strength and fitness to be a superhero. All the superheroes in comic books had some sort of individual power. I didn’t know words such as “supernatural” or “science fiction” but I did know the authors of comic books had the luxury of making up pretend superpowers. I also knew fitness training wouldn’t give me x-ray vision or the ability to fly. So, I was going to have to come up with something “real.” I spent weeks brainstorming ideas to create a “real” power. I remember contemplating developing a suit of armor and a jet pack for flying. Then my mother signed me up for a gymnastics class at the YMCA. That’s where I found the Judo Club and immediately knew martial arts would be a perfect power for a real superhero. Well, my mom made me finish the gymnastic session she paid for before I could join the Judo Club. For six weeks I watched the Judo kids walk in the Y wearing their combat uniforms and colored belts. I was so envious and couldn't wait to learn and compete. So, following my gymnastics purgatory, I joined the Judo Club. 

I studied and practiced Judo with unusual passion and discipline. I well remember my instructor, Mr. Warzynski, was excited to have me as a student and invested massive amounts of time and attention to my training. Today I realize, in me, he must have seen natural athleticism and a real desire to master Judo. However, all I knew at the time was he believed in me in a way that felt good like the day my father validated my superhero plan. Despite Mr. Warzynski's belief in me and my disciplined training I started my competitive Judo career with 12 straight losses. That's right sports fans, "0 - 12".  I don’t remember being discouraged by this slow start. The whole time I as racking up 12 losses and no wins, I just knew I would be a Judo champion. I reckon I instinctively knew becoming a superhero would take time, consistency, and patience. I just knew I could do it. Well, in my 13^th fight I got my first win. Soon, the wins started piling up and eventually I qualified for and won the state championship tournament. 

My early onset habit of training for fitness and competition became a way of life for me. Over the next many years, I set goals and challenged myself. I remember if I thought I had a weakness, I would plan and work to turn it into a strength. In the process of growing up I became a Judo Champion, Boxing Champion, Bodybuilding Champion, Power Lifting Champion, Bull Riding Champion, Swimming Champion and even a Pole-Vaulting Champion. This habit served me well as I put myself through college, started a family and faced the responsibilities of adulthood.

However, I don’t remember when, but somewhere along the way the plan to be a superhero faded from my conscience. I guess practicality is a common side effect of maturity. So, I thought of it no more until I was in my early thirties and serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. I was 60 feet underground in a hardened nuclear missile alert capsule with my deputy crew partner and close friend Lieutenant Tibbs. We held the Top-Secret launch codes to rain hell fire down on the heads of our enemies in a moment’s notice. We would spend 24 to 48 hours at a time on alert in that missile launch capsule together and we had many interesting conversations. One day Tibbs asked, “Captain, did you grow up wanting to serve in the Air Force?” It was then I remembered my childhood plan to be a superhero. I recalled it in great detail and shared it with my close friend and crew partner. I told him all about my plan and how seriously I worked it. In a way, I was making fun of myself for being a delusional kid. However, I remember the conversation took an interesting turn. Tibbs told me the reason I had long held the additional duty as Unit Fitness Training Officer was because others saw my physical abilities as "superhuman." I chuckled and said, “Yea, all I need now is a slick costume, and a cool weapon.” I will always remember, Tibbs pointed out my uniform and the missile command center wrapped around us and said, “It looks to me like you are the real Captain America.”  

Today I am retired from the Air Force, and I teach junior high. I am a specialized instructor teaching a leadership and citizenship program in our public school system. I lead children through this two-year program instilling a deep knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and training them in military discipline, teamwork, and precision. 86% of my students are first generation Americans and English is their second language. 42% of my students are female. I strive to show them they can achieve anything if they have a plan, discipline, and self-confidence. The official curriculum states my mission is to “Prepare students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, blah, blah, blah.... Remember, the real mission is to love and believe in them. I still wonder why more people don’t want to be superheroes.