Posted on: Wednesday, July 16, 2003

EDITORIAL
A brave rescue and a lesson for all of us

Marine Cpl. Quentin Gwynn is more than quick-thinking and brave. He is also more than generous.

Gwynn, just back from service in the Gulf, was enjoying himself at Waimea Bay when he noticed a 16-year-old boy who appeared to be drowning. Gwynn jumped into the water, pulled the boy out and administered CPR. Fire officials say Gwynn probably saved the boy's life.

But while Gwynn was busy with his rescue, someone stole his girlfriend's backpack containing a camera, money, credit cards and keys. The theft was despicable, and no one would blame Gwynn if he went away fuming at the way he was treated during his stay in Hawai'i.

But instead, Gwynn added to his rescue with a good life lesson for all of us.

"Credit cards and stuff can be replaced," he said. "But someone's son can't."

For both the rescue and the reminder, we owe Cpl. Gwynn a debt of gratitude.