A Hero’s Salute to Officer Eliot Swainson

On October 10, Golden Year 6 (2009), on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, our Houston Center Association members presented the Shining World Hero Award, at their local Quan Yin Vegetarian Restaurant, to Texas Officer Eliot Swainson for his altruistic act of risking his own life to help save another.

While on duty in one of the underground train stations during the US presidential inauguration last year, Officer Swainson heard cries and saw that a 68-year-old woman had fallen onto the tracks. Seeing that another train was quickly approaching, he managed to reach down and push her into the safety of a narrow crawl space that he had just learned about in training the day before. The woman was successfully sheltered from danger and was later treated for just a few minor injuries.

In January 2010, one year after his courageous action, Officer Swainson reflected warmly, in a letter to Master, on the Award ceremony, expressing his appreciation to Her and for Supreme Master TV’s accurate and touching coverage of the event. He noted:I was shocked and pleasantly surprised by your story of the event. Your story captured the events of that morning very well . . . . Whether watching the story on your “Note Worthy News” telecast or reading the letter you sent, I was surprised at some of the small detail that had been added that gave a whole different understanding about the event, unlike other news sources that covered it. I was watching the “Note Worthy News” segment one evening with my then 3-year-old daughter in my lap. When the spot in the story got to where they mentioned the “Shining World Hero Award,” she turned to me and said, “Daddy they called you a superhero.” I laughed and corrected her and said, “No, that is the name of the award, Shining World Hero Award.” So, thanks in part to you, I have no doubt that in the years to come, when she gets older and she looks back at some of the stories of this event and your award, she will be reminded to do what she can to help others as she walks through life.

Letter of appreciation from Officer Eliot Swainson

Officer Swainson further added about the Award plaque:

Throughout the year of 2009, I was repeatedly asked if I had ever received the Master Ching Hai award, or some version of that question. Even now, after having received your beautiful acknowledgement, it is still asked about or a request is made to bring it back to work so others can look at it or admire it. Your award created much attention and interest.

He also graciously thanked our Association members for their hospitality and sharing an enjoyable evening together.

A hero’s salute to you, Officer Eliot Swainson, for your selflessness, wise and quick actions. May Heaven continue to protect you in your noble duties