Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden showed America what real leadership looks like last weekend. The retired Navy SEAL jumped into action when he witnessed a horrific crash on Interstate 35 near Osceola, Iowa. While politicians in Washington waste time with endless debates, Van Orden was busy saving lives.
The crash was devastating. An 11-year-old boy’s minivan slammed into a semi at 70 miles per hour. Van Orden saw the wreck in his rearview mirror and knew someone was dying.
Van Orden turned his truck around and rushed to help. He found the young boy with his leg completely torn apart and arterial bleeding in his wrist. This is what happens when real Americans step up instead of just talking.
The congressman grabbed socks from his luggage and made tourniquets to stop the bleeding. Other good Americans at the scene helped too, using car parts as splints for the boy’s shattered leg. This is the America our founders envisioned – neighbors helping neighbors without waiting for government.
Van Orden’s military training as a combat medic kicked in during the crisis. While liberal politicians have never served their country, conservatives like Van Orden put their lives on the line for freedom. His Navy SEAL background prepared him for exactly this kind of emergency.
The boy and his mother were airlifted to a hospital in Des Moines. Van Orden even visited the child in the hospital on Monday to check on his recovery. That’s the kind of follow-through you get from someone who actually cares about people.
This story shows the difference between conservative leaders and career politicians. Van Orden didn’t call for a committee or demand more funding. He saw someone in trouble and acted immediately with his own two hands.
America needs more leaders like Derrick Van Orden in Congress. While Democrats focus on woke politics and big government solutions, conservatives like Van Orden prove that American values of service and sacrifice still matter. This is what makes America great.