3-yr-old gets Bronze Star

[hermetic]

Bennett Nester is a kid mostly like any other, except he has been battling a brain tumor for 2 years. When he was diagnosed he was given a present by two strangers at the hospital who had lost a sibling to cancer: a little stuffed bear. This bear became his constant companion and gave him something to always hang on to.

His parents were touched by the strangers' generosity and decided to return the kindness by forming "Bennett's Bears." They have so far collected over 1,000 of the stuffed animals to give to sick children at area hospitals.

A stranger heard about this selfless act of a three-year-old who, despite his own struggles, wanted to bring comfort to other children. That man doesn't want to be identified. He's a Vietnam veteran, and he gave Bennett his Bronze Star -- the fourth-highest individual military award given in recognition of acts of heroism, acts of merit or meritorious service in a combat zone.

"He felt like Bennett was just as big a hero as he was, which is amazing," Nester said. "He's done so much for our country. I can't believe he would want to do something like that for my son."

The only condition of receiving the star is that Bennett must do his best to soldier through his treatment and stick around to help pick another hero to whom the award can be passed.

And he plans to.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9374784

[NYC_SKP]

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