Joan Ball is a business professor at St. John’s University in New York and the author of Flirting with Faith: My Spiritual Journey from Atheism to a Faith-Filled Life.
I’m not one of those people who tosses out the word “hero” comfortably. I feel that news accounts of folks who are just doing the decent, ethical thing in a moment of crisis sometimes blow the term out of proportion and devalue it. Not so with police Sgt. Kimberly Munley, the hero of the Fort Hood’s terrible incident yesterday. She, in my opinion, is the real deal.



posted November 6, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Thank you for your strength under fire Kimberley. As I am in law enforcement myself, I know you won’t consider yourself a ‘hero’ as you were doing what you are trained to do on a daily basis but to me, you are a hero.
posted November 6, 2009 at 6:05 pm
As a former army medic, a soldier, a father and a civilian I say thank you for the courage you demonstrated. I am honor that people like you protect us at home. Wish you a quick recovery and God Bless you and your family.
posted November 6, 2009 at 8:28 pm
I admire her bravery. She was brave enough to be able to fight back the gunman.
posted November 6, 2009 at 9:45 pm
As evil as some are, it never seems to fail that others make a stand to sacrifice everything for the innocent. Simply Christlike.
God bless you and all who devote their lives and develop their talent to deal with these situations.
posted November 7, 2009 at 6:13 am
Your conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of your owm life exemplifies the core of your spirit as well as the American spirit. Your courage is an inspiration, by any measure, as to the fact that a single United States citizen will stand in the path of such despicable acts, with firm resolve, selfless and humble , to defend this great country. In God We Trust, may you Sgt. Munley recover quickly,heal completely take your place as the HERO you are! My prayers are with you and your family and those families that are in turmoil due to this tragic event. Peace be with you.
posted November 7, 2009 at 11:28 am
Damned impressive. Amazing, in fact. Guess Capt. Sully has competition for the title of America’s Hero.
posted November 7, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Society puts “Alex Rodriguez” and “Chase Utley” as heroes. Are you kidding me? She’s the real one. I think we use the word “hero” too loosely. She’s it. I don’t think any of sports stars qualify to be described with the word.
posted November 7, 2009 at 1:15 pm
God Speed, Sgt. Kimberly Munley, our prayers are with you. You are a true hero.
posted November 7, 2009 at 7:55 pm
God Bless you Kimberly for your service to your community and our country are really appreciated. Hope you get well soon, our prayers are with you, family, friends and co-workers.
Dave & Sheryl
Portland, Oregon
(Note: The above link by Marc Rubin came up first on my web search about Sergeant Kimberly Munley. His personal agenda is way out of whack and he should go back to his previous career as an advertising art director, writer, and television script writer. For years now conservatives have made it possible for women to work in all areas of the workforce and motherhood too, something you will never experience.)
posted November 7, 2009 at 7:59 pm
For some reason the URL did not get posted with our comments.
http://www.examiner.com/x-6572-NY-Obama-Administration-Examiner~y2009m11d7-Kimberly-Munley-takes-down-conservatives-too
posted November 7, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Kimberly, you stand for everything that is right and honorable in our country. Thank you for having the courage and focus to respond immediately to such a crazy, and dangerous situation. Regardless of your training and mindset, that was an AMAZING act. God bless you and yours, young lady..
posted November 9, 2009 at 11:54 am
She stood face to face in a gun battle with that crazy muslim. Where was everyone else?
She is one brave woman. How does she get repaid for her heroism?
Too bad she didn’t kill him so he could be with his 72 virgins right now.
posted November 17, 2009 at 5:53 am
Sgt. Munley,
I am writing a paper for my criminal justice course, [Principles of Law Enforcement]. The assignment description is: “Why is important for law enforcement officers to establish good support with citizens?” I thought, which is obvious, you should be aware that students like myself are illustrating your courage in [CRJ]_courses. Anyways, that’s it, just wanted you to be aware of the small differences!
Ben S.
posted December 3, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Thank you Kimberly, you did a great job responding the way you did. Really proud of your actions and service.I hope your able to return to the force after your surgery.Thank you.