BEST REAL-LIFE SUPERHERO
Chad Young and Josh Powell Twenty-five is too young to die, but that became the story last fall of two young men from the Springfield area. In two separate incidents in Afghanistan, they both lost their lives while serving their country – a sacrifice Best of Springfield voters say makes them, and all others who save or defend lives, worthy of the “real-life superhero” title.
Cpl. Chad Young, of Rochester, surprised his family when he told them, about a year after graduating from Glenwood High School, that he had joined the army. Described by his mother, Brett Young, as outgoing and happy, Chad even enjoyed his job in the army – route clearance. Ensuring the safety of all those traveling behind him, Chad Young’s job was to clear the way of any improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the same type of weapon that would strike his own vehicle and kill him on Nov. 3, 2010. “He was kind; he would never ever hurt a soul; he was fun and he loved his family,” Brett Young says.
For Staff Sgt. Josh Powell, of Pleasant Plains, fighting for his country was a calling, his father, David Powell, says. A member of the reserves, Josh left college to serve full-time in the army, where he worked as a door-gunner and crew chief, training others to do the job right. He died on Sept. 21, 2010, after a helicopter crash in the mountains while on a mission. Josh’s unit leader, Captain Ryan Travis, wrote about Josh in his company’s newsletter: “He would never fail to get a laugh. He could lighten the mood of any room and nothing ever brought him down. He was the guy that everyone wants to be around and he helped more than a few of us to find our often misplaced smiles.”
Though Best of Springfield voters specifically named Young and Powell as this year’s real-life superheroes, they also named everyone who risks their lives to save or defend someone else’s. From nurses and paramedics to firefighters and police officers, Best of Springfield voters offer a resounding “Thank you!” to all who serve.
BEST VOLUNTEER
Wes Barr For this year’s best volunteer, being in law enforcement isn’t enough of a sacrifice. Lifelong Springfield resident Wes Barr says he needs to do more, on his own time, to give back. “I grew up in a family that got assistance from agencies in food and toys,” he says, explaining that he long ago pledged to return the favor whenever able. “I’m fortunate enough in my position to have the opportunity to do that.” Barr is coordinator for the local Toys for Tots drive, president of the local Habitat for Humanity board, helps with the annual United Cerebral Palsy telethon and is on the American Legion’s state commission for the 2012 convention, among a slew of other volunteer activities. This October he accepted an appointment on yet another board, this time the Sangamon County Community Services Block Grant committee, which will recommend programs for mitigating the impact of poverty on low-income county residents. “Once you’ve volunteered and get involved you always get asked to do more,” he says. “You know that you’re making a positive difference in people’s lives. With all of the relationships I’ve been able to develop with other volunteers, I’ve really enjoyed being involved.” Barr, who actively served in the Marine Corps between 1982 and 1985, is now in his 20th year with the Sangamon County sheriff’s office. Barr also received several votes from IT readers in the superhero category.
