Like many in the Miami Valley, I cranked on the TV and set the DVR for the Beavercreek episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". It brought back a lot of memories...

While watching the "Braveheart Walk" sequence, I remembered just how blinking hot it was that day. Still, watching it happen on TV, I realized I didn't mind the sunburn.

Then came the rain...and the mud. But, still the thousands of volunteers braved it through. I remembered the people in charge of volunteers literally being overwhelmed by the people who wanted to be part of this.

Then, came the big "reveal"...and Coventry Fine Homes delivered on their promise...that house is a 3500 square foot dream home.

The Terpenning Family was well deserving of the home. And, Wittenberg University should get the community's thanks for coming up with full 4 year scholarships for the Terpenning children.

Jim Terpenning called our sister station, K-99.1 one morning recently when the hosts were talking about things for which you count your blessings. He enthusiastically and humbly thanked the people in the Miami Valley who made his new home happen.

He is a guy who never let his physical failings get the best of him. He's found a way to be a world class athlete, a wonderful Dad, a great husband, a provider for his whole family, and...an American patriot. He believes the words "I can't" don't exist.

He knows what America...and Americans should be about.

There should be more people in this country like James Terpenning...