People like Amos Moore make us feel a little better about Selma. People like Amos Moore make us forget about so many things that are wrong and focus on the things that are right.

Moore, who works in Selma as program director for Selma Digital Opportunity, has been promoted to the Air Force’s highest enlisted grade. He is now a Command Chief Master Sergeant in our U.S. military.

What makes this special for the people of Selma is that Moore is one of our own. He grew up in Selma, was raised here and still works here.

Moore has faced the same odds all people in Selma face. He’s been here when marchers crossed the bridge in the struggle for voting rights. He was here in the late 1970s when Craig Air Force Base closed its doors. He was here when our national economy went into a recession. He was here when the economy boomed. And he is still here with some industries closing and others on the horizon.

Moore has made himself into one of the most distinguished military servicemen in the state. Tough times have never been reason for Moore to sit back and wonder where all the jobs have gone. He’s not one that would opt to complain other than act.

As members of the Selma community, we congratulate Moore on his promotion in the Air Force. We also thank him for being an example to the people of Selma. Accomplishing such a feat, especially in the military, means that Moore is a person with conviction who works hard to accomplish his goals.

We need more of that in Selma. We need people who don’t sit around mumbling about the economy when they could be out accomplishing something productive. We need people who understand that obtaining life’s rewards sometimes means earning those rewards.

Amos Moore has set an example of how to do that. More of us should follow that example.