Alum sets example of service to his community and country

“Hero” is a big word, with a lot of meaning to it. Of course, there are comic book superheroes, but in day-to-day life, the word is more commonly applied to police officers or members of the military who lay their lives down for others. But that’s not the only way heroes can serve.

Dr. K. Edward Oppermann, a Houston native and 1978 Baylor graduate (pictured), is now a dentist in Kingwood, north of Houston. But though he has excelled in dentistry, that’s not the only way he serves his community. Oppermann also is an aircraft commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary who received the Presidential Unit Citation Award from President George W. Bush for his service during Hurricane Katrina. He also is an Angel Flight pilot, one of many who volunteer their planes, expertise and time to fly non-emergency medical flights. For all this, he was named a 2009 Healthcare Hero Award Honoree in Dentistry by the Houston Business Journal.

Sic ’em, Dr. Oppermann and all Baylor heroes!

[Do you know of an inspiring story, news item, or just a fun link that makes you proud of Baylor and the Baylor family? Let us know! Click on the “Submit Your Point of Pride” button in the top right corner and let us know!]