Imprecisely accurate: “My Hero!” He-ro (hir’o) n. 1. A mythological or legendary figure, often of divine ancestry, who is favored by the gods, endowed with great courage and strength, and celebrated for bold exploits.

Now, Mak Sou is not mythological, she is a daughter, favored by the one and only God, has courage and strength, and does perform bold exploits. So, we think she’s qualified, and at least the Prime Minister of Cambodia agrees. Sou was awarded the “Medal of Service” by Prime Minister Hun Sen through the Minister of Social Affairs, Ith Sam Heng, at a special ceremony.

Sou was recognized, as the President of FCOP, for the contribution the organization has made over the past fourteen years to Cambodian orphans, widows and the poor. A special certificate of appreciation was also awarded by the government. Present to receive this honor were several orphans who have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, dentists, engineers, nurses, mechanics, agriculturists, and medical technicians through continuing education funded by the donors of FCOP.

The ceremony was shown repeatedly on Cambodian television for several days, and appeared on the front page of Cambodia’s most widely read newspaper. It made this position in the paper due to the request of the orphans who benefited from FCOP.