The Americans who serve in our nation’s military are heroes.

When others run away from danger, our soldiers run toward it. They selflessly serve in order to guard others, and always put the lives of innocent civilians before their own.

This is why we stand for the National Anthem, and why patriots continue to be proud of our service members even after they retire.

A 22-year veteran of the United States Army recently proved that the call to protect never dies:

He went above and beyond to save the lives of countless high school students after a teenager opened fire.

More proof that our veterans truly never stop serving America!

From USA Today:

“Veteran Patrick Shields helped stop a 16-year-old shooter Friday night during a Haywood High School football game in Tennessee, thanks to the vet’s quick thinking and courage.

‘My brother and I were cleaning up, and we heard a bunch of kids hollering and yelling across the street at Walgreens, but we didn’t know what was going on,’ Shields told USA Today.

‘Then we heard sounds like fireworks … like ‘pow pow pow.’”

It didn’t take long for Shields to spring into action once he identified the shooter.

Shields believed that he only had a few seconds to react. Fortunately for all those in attendance, he didn’t hesitate.

‘I grabbed him by the arm that was holding the gun and pulled him toward me and threw him up against the fence,’ Shields said.

‘Then I grabbed him by the back of the shirt and got him on the ground.’”

Shields clearly never forgot his military training, and used his strength and skills to neutralize the shooter.

And in so doing, he likely saved many lives.

The 16-year-old is now being held in juvenile detention, and is being charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

The shooter was only able to hit two victims, Demetrius Harper and Cameshia Murphy.

Murphy was shot in the foot and Harper was shot twice in the back, but somehow both students miraculously survived.

The Brownsville Police Chief Barry Diebold expressed his gratitude for Shields during a press conference.

“Mr. Shields’ quick thinking saved many lives,” Diebold told reporters.

Thank you for your service Mr. Shields. You have made all of America proud!

THIS is why our vets deserve our respect. Right here.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Source: USA Today