What does HDB stand for?

HDB is named for 1st Lt. Henry Dennis Babers, USMC, the brother of HDB's Executive Director, Cynthia Babers Stafford. 1st Lt. Babers died on September 17, 1967 in Quang Tri Province, South Viet Nam.

Dennis was not killed by enemy gunfire. He died because he felt an uncommon commitment to other human beings who were his responsibility.

In brief, Dennis was a Marine Corps Lieutenant in charge of a platoon of men. In the context of armed conflict, relationships in a platoon are a lot like those in a family, with Denny the responsible parent, and his men the family members he swore to lead well and to protect.

September in Viet Nam is known for its sudden, heavy downpours. One night in September, Denny’s Colonel ordered all platoon commanders to move their men to high ground because the stream near their camp was rapidly overflowing its banks, threatening to cut them off form safety. Reports indicate that the water rose six feet in about an hour. When the men began moving to a bridge, the muddy river banks collapsed; several of 1st Lt. Babers’ men were swept away by angry, rising waters toward heavily barbed wire that was stretched across the stream.

We are told by those who were present and knew Lt. Babers that, without hesitation, he went into the deep, rushing water and pulled each man to safety. After the last man was saved, Denny became caught in the barbed wire and was drowned.

HDB is based on the example set by 1st Lt. Babers: Be so committed to building and keeping relationships that you consider them before yourself. We simply must become involved in building supportive relationships with challenging children and the adults around them (those who are in need). That’s the only chance our society has.

Our business is much more than services, contracts, or payments. It’s a way of honoring a man who showed us what caring and commitment mean; one who was willing to stake his life on his word.