On January 15, 2009, the world was introduced to a man whose name would become synonymous with heroism and service. Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, a seasoned pilot with decades of flying experience, was piloting US Airways Flight 1549 out of LaGuardia Airport. Shortly after takeoff, his plane flew through flock of geese, which struck both engines of the Airbus A320, causing a sudden loss of power. In a matter of seconds, Sully was faced with a life-or-death decision.

 

Sully had spent most of his life in the cockpit, navigating the skies and ensuring the safety of countless passengers. Captain Sullenberger managed to glide the aircraft to a safe landing in the frigid waters of the Hudson River. All 155 passengers and crew members on board survived the emergency landing. Sully's quick thinking and expert piloting had averted what could have been a catastrophic disaster and earned him the nickname “Hero of the Hudson.”

 

The story of Captain Sullenberger's heroic landing quickly captured the hearts of people around the world. Hollywood soon took notice, and in 2016, a movie titled "Sully" was released. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks as Sully, the film depicted the harrowing events of Flight 1549.

 

As Sully's fame grew, he became a symbol of courage, professionalism, and dedication to service. He often spoke about the importance of preparedness and the unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. His words resonated with people from all walks of life, and he became known for his profound quote:

 

"Service is not about being in the right place at the right time. It's about being the right person, all the time."

 

Sully's quote emphasized the idea that heroism and service were not accidental, but the result of a lifetime of dedication and a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing, no matter the circumstances. It served as a reminder that true heroes were those who consistently acted with integrity and professionalism.

​

Several years after the movie about his life came out, Sully found himself in the headlines again, this time for defending his fellow veterans. Former President Donald Trump, known for his often polarizing statements, made headlines with his comments about veterans during his presidency. Trump said people who served in Vietnam were “suckers” and objected to being asked to visit a military cemetery, saying it was filled with “losers.”  He also famously attacked John McCain after his death, saying he felt no need to honor McCain’s service and sacrifice as a POW because, "I like people who weren't captured." 

​

Sully, a veteran himself and a staunch advocate for the well-being of veterans, felt compelled to respond to such comments. In an open letter published in The New York Times, he wrote, "Regardless of our politics, we must all agree that this discourse is unacceptable. We should not be denigrating the service and sacrifice of our veterans, especially those who endured the horrors of captivity."

​

Sully's response received widespread support from both veterans and civilians alike. It was a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and his belief in the importance of honoring those who have served their country.

​

Sully Sullenberger's legacy continued to inspire people long after his heroic landing in the Hudson River. His words served as a testament to the enduring importance of service, integrity, and heroism in a world that often needed such reminders. Captain Sully's story remained a shining example of what one person could achieve through courage, skill, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing.