Hero Story

We are changed because of our experiences with this incredible family. They see us and want to be part of us. They found worth in our students and shared their most precious commodity with us---they time.
We would be honored if the Maher family and their work was recognized by this prestigious committee in any of the above categories.
Please let me share with you a brief summary of the reasons why I feel Captain William Maher and the Maher family, with their lifetime philanthropy, service, and dedication to their communities are worthy of these prestigious acknowledgements.
Captain William Maher was a dreamer. His daughter, Peggy Maher, is a dreamer. And they have created spaces where invisible students, community members, and those left on the sidelines can have the courage to make their own dreams come true.
In the process, the Maher family is creating “living monuments” in these young people. They learn to look beyond themselves and work to find ways to bring others in the conversation. They work to bring to light the achievements of heroes: farmers, veterans, factory workers, astronauts, and so many others who have given all they have; their stories are worthy to be told.
William and Peggy Maher have raised millions of dollars for the benefit of others in our community. The Maher name graces our North Campus. Over 2 million dollars was raised by Captain Maher to help our disenfranchised and poor youth at the YMCA. Other thousands of dollars were raised to help our community members become pilots.
On the wall in his office are photos of him with dignitaries, such as Madame Chiang Kai-Shek or Moon Chin (the pilot who saved Jimmy Doolittle in WWII), you will find photos of Captain William J. Maher with Jackson College students. He brought people together and found worth in every life.
Captain William Maher saved many lives in WWII, flying the notorious Hump, where over 600 pilots died. They called the route “the aluminum highway” because the fallen planes flickered in the sunlight, lighting the way for the other pilots to navigate the shifting winds and fog to bring food to starving Chinese peasants.
Bill Maher has saved the lives of thousands of people in China during WWII. He has created several businesses in our community, helping to build a strong economic foundation in the Jackson and Michigan communities. He has led many initiatives and raised money those who have nothing to give back. He remembered his friends, Mr. Dove, Zenneth Pond and Elwood Bailey, and he insisted that others remember them for their courage and sacrifices.