From Hidden Brain Media, I'm Shankar Vedantam. This is my unsung hero, stories where one person reached

out to help another in a time of need.

I don't know the name of my unsung hero.

And here she was trying to encourage me that it was going to be all right.

Thank you. You will forever be my own sung hero.

Today's story is in honor of Veterans Day.

It comes from Jessica Israelson.

In 2008, It comes from Jessica Israelson.

In 2008, Jessica was living through one of the most difficult periods of her life.

She was raising three young children, while also going to college,

and serving in the Air Force as a medical technician.

In September, a special family member died by suicide.

Jessica was devastated.

So that December, she made the decision to leave the Air Force.

And my, went to my commander and I just said,

I can't do this anymore anymore I got to get out. I'm overwhelmed and I need a break.

But one thing she didn't have to worry about that year was Christmas.

For several years, members of her unit had pitched in, anonymously, to buy Christmas gifts

for her family.

And that year, even though Jessica had decided to leave the military, they still chose to help.

The presence were delivered by her supervisor, Master Sergeant April Shai.

And so I waited at the door and I heard that knock and I answered the door and it was April and all the presents were in big black bags.

...