Heroes nominator: '[He] is the text book definition of a hero – one that puts others before himself.'

Program Note: CNN Heroes received more than ten thousand nominations from 100 countries.. A Blue Ribbon Panel selected the Top 10 CNN Heroes for the year. Voting for the CNN Hero of the Year continues through November 18th (6am ET) at CNNHeroes.com

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Daniel Vargas
Nominated Dan Wallrath | HIS STORY

Dan Wallrath is the text book definition of a hero - one that puts others before himself. Dan is doing this from his heart and for the love and passion he has for our servicemembers, their families and our country.

I have had the honor of knowing Dan for 5 years and when I watched the 2009 CNN Heroes on Thanksgiving night it touch my heart and called me to action. I knew that Dan was worthy of being a CNN Hero. His devotion, love, passion and drive to help our men and women in uniform is what drove me to nominate him.

I cried tears of joy when I heard Dan had been selected as a Top 10 CNN Hero! I couldn't believe that the Blue Ribbon Panel had selected him out of 10,000 submissions! I knew Dan was worthy of the selection and it made me proud to know that the panel felt the same way.

That Dan hates the attention and being in the limelight. He is doing it because God has called on him to do this work and that it is not about him. Dan will be the first to tell you that it takes a village to build a home and that there are so many more folks involved that deserve this award. That is why I nominated Dan and that is why he deserves this award!! He is amazing and I am honored to call him a true friend and mentor.

Listen to your heart! We all in some way can change a life just by listening to our hearts and turning compassion into action! That is what Dan has shown us. He listened to his heart and what God was telling him. He took a mustard seed and has turned it into a life changing movement to help others. We are all capable of this if we truly listen to our hearts and help each other. We are all capable of what Dan has done. It just takes the courage to listen and act.

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