This week's hero is Ray Vivier, one of the bravest men you have never heard of. He was a Marine veteran, a metal worker, father, drunk and hero. Ray struggled with alcoholism, but had gotten off of the sauce, dragged himself off the streets and gained employment as a welder. He was living in a boarding house on November 7, 2009 when two men set fire to the house. Ray died, at the age of sixty-one, from smoke inhalation and burns to over eighty percent of his body rescuing five of his fellow tenants. The blaze ultimately claimed two other lives, and the men responsible have been charged. One can only hope they suffer as Private Vivier suffered. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetary with full military honors. Ray Vivier vowed to never leave a man behind, and he never did. He died a hero, giving his own life to save others. Rest in peace brave soldier, we will keep the watch.
"Here was a gentleman [who] didn't have much -- but in the end he gave his life which is a lot so that others can live," --- Haraz Ghanbari
"Here was a gentleman [who] didn't have much -- but in the end he gave his life which is a lot so that others can live," --- Haraz Ghanbari
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