Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

Some people only dream about being a super hero, but for 42 year old John Buckland, it's a full time job.

After finding the Dark Knight suit, Buckland started his business last September. It's called "Heroes for Hire,"an opportunity to entertain and inspire children.
Buckland says "We teach children to always do the right thing, to never give up,help others and the fourth is to never touch drugs."

Buckland calls it his be the hero message, teaching children to take what's bad in their lives and their communities and turn it into something positive.
Buckland says he has shared his message with more than 10 thousand children since he started his business, yet each time he's still touched by the reaction he gets from the little ones.

It's a profession that while rewarding, has also helped Buckland get back a part of his childhood that was taken from him.
He says he is a victim of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a person on an air-force base.

A pain made public, when just last year two decades of alleged covered up abuse by The Boy Scouts of America came to light. Documents detailing years of alleged abuse at the hands of scout leaders, brushed under the rug.

He says, "You lose a huge chunk of yourself when something like that happens. Every time I reach out to help, I get a piece of myself back and i'll be doing that until the day I die"

If you want to find out more information, head to Buckland's website at www.H4H.US .

***********

Heroes are not just the stuff of legend or comic books. They are real people who often overcome adversity to have a real positive impact on people’s lives.

Over the next few weeks, Eyewitness News will be bringing you special reports that introduce you to several people who have overcome obstacles and have been able to come out on top.

Join Eyewitness News Anchor Elizabeth Noreika tonight at 10 and 11 for her special report, “Heroes for Hire.” She will introduce you to John Buckland, a Huntington man who is only a phone call away. Buckland has a job that some people only dream about. He dresses up as a superhero, most often Batman, and makes appearances at events to entertain and inspire children.

Buckland came from a dark place, having suffered emotional and physical trauma at a young age. But he was able to rise above and started his business, Heroes For Hire, as a way to help children learn how to be heroes themselves.

So tune in tonight at 10 and 11 for more on Buckland’s story and to learn how you can hire a superhero to help inspire your children.

How To Contact WCHS-TV8 | Privacy Policy | FCC Public File | Terms and Conditions | DMCA Policy | Frequently Asked Questions

Home | Eyewitness News Newsroom | Storm Team Weather | Eyewitness Sports | Schedules

---

Send email to news@wchstv.com for information or comments concerning WCHS-TV Eyewitness News.

Copyright ©2013, WCHS-TV8. Portions are
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.