Superheroes wear masks to keep their identity secret so they live a normal life outside of the spandex, but that’s not the only reason.
This hidden identity is also because a true hero doesn’t want individual recognition, fame or glory, but rather the peace that comes with knowing he’s fighting the good fight for a cause larger than himself.
The same should apply to real-life heroes, like those in the armed forces.
Thirty-eight-year-old Robert O’Neill is a highly-decorated war veteran and a former member of Navy SEAL Team 6. He also recently revealed himself as the man who shot and killed Osama bin Laden in 2011. By speaking out on the matter, O’Neill violated the non-disclosure agreement he signed when he joined the special-operations force.
Nearly two years ago, O’Neill was referred to as just “The Shooter” in an interview he gave to Esquire. He’s revealed himself now because he feels the group deserves public recognition.
However, coming forward as the shooter was a mistake and he should’ve kept his mouth shut.
The mission that led to the death of the terrorist leader was not one accomplished by either a single man or one particular group of SEALs. It was a full American effort.
The protocol on disclosing classified information is clear to SEALs and is a main point in their ethos. It states, “I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions.”
This excerpt was included in a memo sent out by Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci and Rear Adm. Brian Losey of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command last month to explain to former and current Navy SEALs why what O’Neill is doing isn’t OK.
The memo also stated “any real credit to be rendered is about the incredible focus, commitment, and teamwork of this diverse network and the years of hard work undertaken with little individual public credit.”
It was achieved with the blood and sweat of many from other military branches too. By revealing this information and the details around it, O’Neill has compromised the integrity of himself and possibly even the Navy SEALs.
O’Neill’s gloating is as if he needs some kind of a victory lap.
In an interview on CNN, O’Neill said, “Any military veteran who writes a book is a hero, but you do it as a SEAL, and you’re a f—ing villain.”
Wrong.
O’Neill and his brethren are heroes with or without some book. Like I said before, there are many reasons why heroes wear masks. One is so that the recognition is focused on the great cause and not an individual.
Those who handled the logistics of the mission and those who executed it — as well as the men and women back home that sent prayers and positive thoughts — are all part of the accomplishment.
The public knows the sacrifices that our military makes on its behalf and is more than thankful.
However, Spider-Man was never out saving the people of New York in hopes of having his name become a trending hashtag, so why should this hero seek recognition?
Superman has Kryptonite and even Achilles had his heel. It’d just be a shame for such a notable warrior like O’Neill to fall because of his pride.
Justin Stafford is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Walker, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter @j_w_stafford.