We all need heroes.

Identifying a true hero can be hard. Fame, popularity, athletic achievements spring board some into the spotlight. But are they heroes?

There are many people in our community with noble qualities and outstanding achievements. People worth looking up to and be inspired by. Yet they don't consider themselves heroic.

Courage is included in the definition of a hero — a willingness to protect others. Someone who would risk or sacrifice their life to do so.

Butler High School senior Garrett Kamerer has found 40 such Hometown Heroes. He is hoping to find 10 or 15 more. His Eagle Scout project sets out to recognize those who served our country with banners placed in Herman. His goal is to have them up by Memorial Day.

“I was looking for a way to pay tribute to the military in our community,” the 17-year-old told the Eagle in Tuesday's paper.

A member of Troop 30, the teen asked the community for names of those who served, holding meetings in the Herman Volunteer Fire Company. He is still collecting the name, rank, branch of service and photo of the veterans to create banners so their service will be remembered daily.

Middle school students in the Seneca Valley School District were fortunate enough to meet some heroes in person Monday during a moving assembly in their building to honor the school’s namesake, a Seneca Valley graduate who gave his life for his country.

As they learned about Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Gloyer, the profile of a hero continued to emerge.

Gloyer was killed in action in Kunduz, Afghanistan, on Nov. 3, 2016, in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel.

Gloyer was a Green Beret who earned several medals for valor. He served for 12 years in the Army, joined the special forces in 2014 and was in 30 firefights. The last day of his life, although mortally wounded by a grenade, he made his way back to his team.

On Monday, 15 Green Berets, dressed in military fatigues, were there again for him.

Ryan's father told the students that qualities that made his son a hero were formed before he stepped on the battlefield. The Seneca Valley graduate tried many different experiences from track to choir, loved dancing and persevered in what he thought was important.

“If he were here, he would encourage you to try something you've never tried before,” Richard Gloyer told those who were there to honor his son.

A former classmate recalled his ability to listen to others.

“He was a hero because of how he treated people,” his friend Mary Beth Keally said.

A friend and fellow Green Beret added more qualities to the definition of hero — compassion and open mindedness.

“Ryan, as a soldier and as a man, he cared,” his teammate told the students. “My challenge to you is to be more like Ryan.”

It is a challenge well put.

— DJS