Young Boy Honored for Heroic Rescue of Brother - Cody McNeese

Hero Cody (right) and his younger brother Dustin.

“Actions truly speak louder than words”—this thought was uppermost on the minds of all who had gathered to celebrate a selfless and noble act of courage. Cody McNeese, age five, had saved his three-year-old brother, Dustin, from a fire that completely engulfed and ravaged their family’s mobile home.

On March 1, Golden Year 5 (2008), our Dallas News Media Team, in conjunction with an event held by the Tawakoni South Volunteer Fire Department, presented Cody with the Shining World Hero Award on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Cody also received several gifts, including the beautiful “Hero Jacket” with its magnificent yellow color and zippered sleeves that allow it to convert into a stylish vest. He and his brother were extremely excited to be given the motorized “walking dinosaur” and “all terrain vehicle” toys. Their mother was thankful for the gift cards as the family was starting from the ground up after the fire.

The Fire Department honored the two boys by making them Honorary Junior Volunteer Firemen. Also on hand was the Hunt County Emergency Medical Services Helicopter Unit, which flew Cody and Dustin to the hospital for treatment. Cody was awarded an official Firefighter Insignia Plaque and received a Letter of Commendation from the area’s Congressional Representative.

Cody’s school principal and teacher were in attendance in addition to several of his friends and members of the local media. The firemen treated Cody and his friends to a ride in one of the fire trucks. As the boys sped by with the truck’s sirens and horn blaring, their innocent faces erupted with sheer joy and excitement. Amidst all the excitement, this small, close-knit, rural community was impressed that total strangers would come and give unconditionally in an effort to promote goodwill through the spread of positive news.

At the end of this upbeat day, our Dallas News Media Team reflected on how lucky they were to be able to convey some of Master’s light and love to these beautiful people. They were touched and inspired by Cody’s selfless and natural act, which says a lot about what a wonderful family and supportive community he has that encourages its children to act in such a remarkable way.