We've been due for some really good news, haven't we? The last couple months of economic pessimism and unrest in the Middle East begun to lessen my eagerness to sift through the pages of the news each morning. Until yesterday when a true heroic feat was performed to save 155 passengers lives by landing a commercial aircraft on the Hudson River.   

It's about time that we had a true hero to recognize -- not some political figure or celebrity, but a guy who was just doing his job to very best of his ability. I know it will be hard for the media to stay away from the pilot and his family because, like me, they are anxious to know the chilling details of the near-tragedy and how he was able to maintain the composure to land the aircraft safely. 

U.S. Airways has not released the pilot's name, though it has been obtained through unoffiicial sources and reported that he is a former fighter pilot. US Airways has done an excellent job communicating about this accident. The company responded quickly and has been transparent and forthcoming about facts as they know them. (I don't blame them for wanting to complete at least a quick, cursory investigation before releasing the pilots to speak to the media.) I am really impressed that I have been able to access their web site to get the latest information. We often wonder since the cellular-meltdown of 9/11 whether our communication systems will indeed function correctly during a true crisis reponse. 

It's good to see some positive news thanks to a miraculous series of events and expert communication at work. I'm sure there are 155 families cherishing their lives and loved ones more than ever today, thanks to a true American hero.