Lost military medals are returned to family, and more

Lost military medals are returned to family

Two boys have returned long-lost military medals to the family of a Korean War hero. Michael Mazzariello Jr., 11, and his brother Mauro, 8, were searching for G.I. Joes in an antique store in Newburgh, N.Y., when they came upon three medals bearing the name Charles George. After months of searching, they discovered that George, a Cherokee Indian, had died after throwing himself on a grenade to protect his company. “We went in looking for a G.I. Joe hero,” said Mauro, “and came out with a real American hero.”

Community helps out coffee shop

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When Black Rock Coffee Bar in Tigard, Ore., suffered two armed robberies in as many weeks, regular customer Jenifer DeWolfe decided the shop could do with a little pick-me-up. She organized a “cash mob,” and soon hundreds of customers descended on the kiosk to buy drinks and shower the baristas with generous tips of up to $100. The coffee shop plays a big role in Tigard, sponsoring local sports teams and helping to organize food drives. “We try to connect with the local communities,” said shop owner Daniel Brand. “So it’s awesome to see people coming out like this.”

Super-Storm helper wins lottery

For John Turner, good karma came in the form of cash. When Super-Storm Sandy devastated the East Coast, the Chicago resident jumped in the van he uses for his water-cleanup business and drove 14 hours to join in New Jersey’s recovery. After a long day helping flooded homeowners, Turner bought a New Jersey Lottery ticket and won $100,000. “I was overjoyed and had tears in my eyes,” he said. Even after hitting the jackpot, Turner kept working in New Jersey. “He deserves it,” said Joshua Rivera, who works with Turner. “He’s a good-hearted man.”