By Rodney Walker
walkerprof1@gmail.com
Bill Goines is an American hero with an exceptional life story—they say it’s destined for the Big Screen. He completed three tours in Vietnam fighting the Communist Viet Cong and orchestrated over 100 dangerous missions without ever getting shot before attaining the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy.
While the community of U.S Navy SEALs largely accepted him for his superior abilities, he still struggled for racial acceptance at home during the Civil Rights era–many anecdotal experiences in segregated downtown Norfolk.
His story reflects the core essence of the films: “Hidden Figures”, “Black Panther” and “Captain America” all rolled into one. And his Combat V awards tell the story.