A few months ago, three American marines were profiled in the New York Times. A black rectangular box draws attention to their names: Amaru Aguilar, age 26. Kevin Balduf, 27. Benjamin J. Palmer, 43. All killed while fighting in Afghanistan. The Times’ reporter, Bruce Wallace, decided to seek out information on these unfamiliar names.
Kyle Balduf, Kevin's twin brother, relays how Kevin was in Afghanistan and out on patrol. He was not supposed to be there that day. A marine got sick and Kevin took his place. During that mission a gang of Taliban fighters opened fire on them.
It was Kevin's job to call in an air strike. The problem was that Kevin had not yet received the level of training needed to do the job properly. But he did not give up. He picked up the map and tried as best he could. He managed to call in the coordinates. A few fighter jets were sent in to help rescue the men. Kyle says that quite a few lives were saved that day. Kevin received a Bronze Star.
But this act of heroism is not the part of Kevin Balduf's life that most inspires me.
It seems that when Kevin was a student in fourth grade, he was learning the concept of longitude and latitude. He told his teacher, Mrs. Burton, that the whole subject was stupid. He said that he'd never use it.
When he was in Afghanistan and had to call in the air strike while under Taliban fire, he used Mrs. Burton's lessons from way back.
"I was wrong,” he told his fourth grade teacher. “Latitude and longitude actually saved a lot of people's lives."
When returning home from battle, Kevin made a stop. He went back to his old elementary school and found Mrs. Burton. She was still teaching fourth grade. "I was wrong,” he told her. “Latitude and longitude actually saved a lot of people's lives." Kevin thanked his teacher for lessons learned so many years ago.
Kevin took the time to stand in front of the fourth grade class and told them his story. He thanked Mrs. Burton. He told them that they could do anything they set their hearts on, and that they had the power to change the world around them. This Bronze Star hero conveyed humility and gratitude, teaching the children in that fourth grade classroom the definition of genuine strength.
Kevin returned to Afghanistan and was killed in action.
Emotional Compass
What would happen if each one of us would take Kevin's final message – an attitude of gratitude – and make it a part of our lives?
Longitude and latitude are not just physical points on a map. Imagine if we would seek out those who have helped us find our emotional latitude and longitude; those who strengthened us as we found our direction in life. Remember the times we veered off course, or had trouble finding the right path?
Life is a journey and sometimes it becomes arduous and challenging. It can be difficult to find our way. The highway becomes long, choices confuse us, lines become blurred and without realizing it we are lost. We make poor decisions that may impact us forever.
Then we are blessed with that special person who illuminates our path. The one who does not allow us to be doomed to darkness.
Part of our human nature is to quickly forget and move on.
We are blessed to have individuals who inject us with fortitude, keep believing in us, wake us up, and prod us to think positively and to never give up. Those who gave us a life lesson – even way back in fourth grade – that has remained with us, enriched us, and maybe even helped us save some lives.
But part of our human nature is to quickly forget and move on.
Think about it. Who is that person or people in your life?
It may be a teacher, a friend from high school, cousin, neighbor, parent or sibling. It may be someone you haven't spoken to for years, but now a dim memory has been reawakened and you are drawn to find this person and express your gratitude. You have not forgotten.
Hakarat Hatov, recognizing and appreciating the good, is the foundation of Judaism. We begin each day by saying a prayer called Modeh Ani – thank You, God. Thank You for returning my soul to me and giving me another opportunity to make something of my time here.
When I become a person who lives with this understanding, I live with a grateful eye. I become a more positive person, cognizant of my blessings. I learn to recognize the good and not allow the negative to overwhelm me. I come to appreciate the gift of people in my life who I would otherwise take for granted.
Judaism imparts to us – from the moment we awake – that we must cherish life.
Kevin Balduf awakened within me a quest to spread this message. If you could, who would you call today and say: "Thank you for the latitude and longitude. I have not forgotten."
(13) Kyle Balduf, September 1, 2014 11:53 PM
Thank you
Thank you so much for writing these words. It is beyond amazing to see Kevin still teaching others and making a difference in their lives, beyond his life on Earth. Kevin's emotional compass was constantly pointing in the direction of gratitude and it showed in his actions. I appreciate you and your kindness in sharing Kevin with others.
(12) kathleen, March 27, 2012 8:53 PM
Inspiring Story of a Hero
Congratulations to Kevin for his braveryAnd for stepping out when your partner could not. And to the teacher who taught Kevin longitude, and latitude. You just never know when your studies will come in Handy. God Bless you.
(11) Joey, March 27, 2012 7:59 PM
Thank YOU for this excellent and thought-provoking article! G-d bless!
(10) GrandmaCarol, March 26, 2012 9:53 PM
BBeautifully written
While I'm not Jewish, I have family and friends who are and I find the articles at this website to be very well written and very interesting. This story touches me very deeply. The person who taught me about latitude and longitude is my beloved Auntie Olive. "She was the youngest of 3 children and my father was 8 years older. He died in 1964, when I was 20. Over the years both my Auntie and I lost deeply loved family and friends. It was after the death of my sweet sister, Georgia, at age 46 - we were 13 months apart, with me being the elder - that dropped my life spirit fell low. She was my life and to lose her was almost more than I could bear. I lived in AK then and whenever I came to WA I made sure to spend a few nights with my auntie. She had lost her husband, 2 of 3 sons, her brother, my mom and my sister. She taught me so very much about how to live on and make my life a positive one. She died in December 2010 at nearly 96 years of age. I absolutely believe she was given those years to provide me with the tools of a positive life. We talked often of dying and she had no fear at all. She had lost her sister, who was 12 years older than her, when her sister was in her 20's. She died of Colon Cancer and I had never known much about her. My auntie idolized and loved her greatly. At the age of 76, she still cried when she talked of her. I remember thinking I didn't think I could cry for that long over my sister. Well, of course that doesn't happen now except for certain incidents that bring my sister back to me. But for my auntie, I have no idea where or how I would be 20 years after my sister's death. I was so angry for the first few years, but that eventually can't be maintained. I turned again to God and with my auntie's lessons have become a settled and caring woman. I's so grateful that she was in my life and so blessed to have told her many times how much she had influenced my life. This story explains that concept so well. My thanks to the author.
(9) Judith, March 24, 2012 3:37 AM
my real life co-worker heroines
I read this article and thought of Gabi and Chantal. They both suffered major head injuries. They had to relearn basic skills we take for granted : verbal communication, locomotion. Today they both lead full lives, are incredibly creative professional and intelligent sweet and kind women. They are honest about any problems they may still have due to their injuries, but they don't dwell on them. They are empathetic compassionate listeners. They are my model and inspiration.
(8) Anonymous, March 23, 2012 12:18 AM
truly inspiring...teaches us 2 keep positive even in the toughest times on the road of life.
(7) Dahlia, March 22, 2012 4:24 PM
Modeh Ani
Modeh Ani to Hashem and to all the wonderful people he has sent my way to teach me, guide me, make the world and myself better. This truly shows that one person can make a difference. Everyday, let's try to be that person. In honor of Kevin and all the other soldiers out there - thank you for making the world a better place.
(6) Shlomo Garcia, March 20, 2012 1:32 PM
Return to Judaism and my latitude and longitude in life
My family was a victim of force conversion,all my life I was a man with no ''flag'' and desperately searching for an unknown truth.When I found out my truth ''TORAH'' my flag became blue and white I finally found my longitude and latitude.
Anonymous, March 22, 2012 3:49 PM
Very good comment
Well said!
(5) Beverly Kurtin, March 20, 2012 11:13 AM
I'm going to print this and send it to my son
My youngest son has refused to have anything to do with me for the past several years. I was a single mom who made certain that he never missed a meal (even if I had to miss a few) I supported him and backed him up in everything he wanted to do. Then one day a slight misunderstanding turned into 8 years of keeping me away from him and my only grandson who will never know who I am. I hope that this letter will help him get his head out of the sand and at least yield me a phone call. I have a potentially fatal liver disease, I don't want to die without seeing him one last time.
ladydi, March 20, 2012 7:34 PM
Beverly - I understand what your saying but.............why don't you make that phone call first? Maybe that's what he's waiting for.......,mybe he's too "proud" to make the first move......and if he doesnt respond to your call, then you will at least know that you tried.
(4) D.K. Milgrim-Heath, March 19, 2012 10:14 AM
Life’s Journey’s Challenging Different Daily By Every Hour We Can’t Explain
Life’s Journey’s Challenging Different Daily By Every Hour We Can’t Explain By D.K.Milgrim-Heath©2011 Life’s journey’s challenging different daily by every hour we can’t explain- We need proper decisions guiding us from mistakes from wrong decisions forever that put us in all ways down the drain. Do we have one special or many special people that illuminate our paths so we can clearly see? The strongest lights beyond the darkness of our tunnel(s) so we feel no doom actually? Being humans it’s our natural psychological nature for forgetting and yes we move on- It’s those individuals that were blessed with that believe in us to NEVER GIVE UP AS OUR FUTURES AREN’T COMPLETED THEY’RE NOT YET GONE. We need to learn life lessons that people give us for valuable reasons- Endless, timeless for every century lessons for everyone for all passing seasons. For me I think of Ecclesiastes:3: !-8 that explains it all quite clearly- There are times for differences in one’s life so sincerely. But so very blessed are people such as (myself included) have many individuals illuminating my path with love- I know I’ll succeed somehow as God’s gifts to me are these precious people in my life He sent me with sincere devoted love. Whenever I’m really down out really emotionally out- I pray for guidance myself from God and people in my life and then I’m inspired to write to help others isn’t that what life’s challenges are all about?
(3) Eliezer, March 19, 2012 6:55 AM
Marine NOT Soldier!
Please Re-edit this and change the name "soldier" to "Marine." Marines do NOT like being called Soldiers. I know because I have earned my title of United States Marine.
Randy, March 21, 2012 5:19 PM
Marines not soldier
Eliezer, I was going to post a similar correction but you beat me to the punch. My Grandfather OB"M was a career Marine (1931-1963) at a time when there were even fewer Jews in the Marines than today. My Grandfather loved the Corps and was as fiercely proud as you to have earned the right to be called a United States Marine. Semper fi and thank you for your service!
Ephraim Travis, March 22, 2012 1:17 AM
OORAH!!!
OORAH Eliezer. As a Soldier and Chaplain, I appreciate the correction. Semper Fi. I don't like being confused with Marines, Airmen, or Sailors. However, I'm honored to serve them all and alongside with them. Thank you for your service. If you are still AD and I can assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me. All the best and have a wonderful and joyous Pesach.
(2) Guyster, March 18, 2012 6:37 PM
Things we NEVER thought we would use......
Loved the story, great writing and a wonderful message, thank you! I did not loose my life(obviously) however I DID use something I was taught back when I thought I already NEW it ALL, as so many people do in youth. We did an experiment with the avocado seed, stuck with bamboo rods and stuck them in 1/2 filled glasses of water. They did sprout, we planted them in smalish containers and then bigger and bigger until it was time to plant the mini tree in it's final spot outside. My dad was so proud of how I would watch over my seed and talk to it, sing a little..... speed up to 28 years and I was on a nutrition and growth mission with our Temple in Kenya and Belize, planting over 600 avocado trees that we had, as a congregation ate the yummy stuff just right inside the shell(kind of got tired of guacamole) and from the funds we had raised in the months preceeding this trip and getting ALL that paperwork to bring in a living plant, oy vey!, Off we sent, 2 teams of 30 and planted every last tree with the local villagers that had been working to get the land all ready for our arrival. It was back breaking work, a blessing to have been apart of, maybe next time we could do grapes, I just LOVE eating grapes, at least I HOPE I do...... Thank you again for writing your story, it brought back a beautiful memory. To all the family and friends that have lost and will loose a member in war, Thank you for raising a person that is driven to do work, whatever it is, but work! Now if we could find some jobs!! Sorry, had too, tee hee.... Best to all, Guyster, Shingletown CA
(1) Anonymous, March 18, 2012 4:56 PM
HaKoras HaTov to my teacher and friend - you Slova Chana
Dear Slovie, it was good to spend Shabbos with you and the family. As I said last night some of your lessons are engraved on my neshama. Thank you for giving me the latitude and longitude to find my way in difficult situations. Love, Chayale