Oregon Shooting Hero's GoFundMe Takes Off

Chris Mintz, the Army Veteran who has been dubbed the unofficial hero from the Umpqua Community College shooting in Oregon has received more than his share of media spotlight the last few days. And rightfully so.

The single dad stood up to the campus shooter last Thursday and ended up taking seven shots to the body even after pleading with the gunman that it was his sons birthday. His actions of charging the shooter have been credited for saving the lives of many other students as he blocked the door to a classroom.

Mintz was later rushed to the hospital with shooting wounds to his back, stomach, hands and legs. His family has said both his legs are broken and he's in need of some major rehab but he is recovering well.

In fact several pictures of him smiling from his hospital room have emerged and even this inspirational video was posted over the weekend by his friend Kivonna Coccia.

Perhaps it's that will to survive and spirit of hope that Chris learned as an infantryman in the Army from 2004 to 2007. Mintz was a decorated serviceman holding the rank of Specialist and earning several medals such as National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. It's no wonder he thought of others and had the hero mentality during the shooting and even now that the crisis is over. 

Just this past Sunday his Cousin started a GoFundMe to help pay for Chris' medial bills, rehab and childcare for his young son. They originally hoped to raise $10,000. As of this writing the account has raised nearly $800,000. And Chris has also insisted that links to the other victims and families GoFundMe accounts also be included so people can help them as well. 

His family claims it's all part of Chris' giving and grateful spirit and just another reason many have started a petition for the White House to recognize Chris Mintz with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.