Our 2013 Heroes Breakfast Event

Lance Corporal Marine Michael Boucher, receiving

 an award for evacuating injured marines after an explosion. 

In the process, he lost both of his legs due to a second explosion. 

However, he has recovered excellently and is now living life to the fullest.

On May 15, 2013, the East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross held its annual Heroes Breakfast, an event where the organization recognizes and celebrates heroes that live among us. Men, women, and children were nominated and then selected by a committee of leaders in the local community for their demonstration of courage, compassion, and selflessness. One honoree worked closely with our organization abroad during World War II, and then returned home to serve on several community boards. Another great accomplishment was registering over 4,000 individuals in a bone marrow-thon. Whether it was generating involvement with the Red Cross through a club or fraternity, or stabilizing and even saving a person in need of medical help, the Red Cross seized the opportunity to share these awe-inspiring stories of local heroes.

The 6th grade class of Athens Academy, receiving an award for 

hosting a 24-hour bone marrow-thon registry for a fellow classmate in 

need of a bone marrow transplant. They set a Guinness World Record for number

 of people registering for bone marrow donations with over 4,000 individuals.

The breakfast celebrated the following citizens for their admirable actions: Becky Davis, Animal Rescue Hero Award; Corporal Melvin Cheek, Fire Rescue Hero Award; Donna Perry, Emergency Medical Hero Award; Michael Boucher, Military Rescue Hero Award; Clementi Holder and Elizabeth Powell, Humanitarian Hero Award; the 6^th Grade of Athens Academy, Good Samaritan Youth Hero Award; Brian Cathey, Blaine Norris, and Shannon Coffey, Good Samaritan Hero Award; Andrew Cook and Michael Young, Law Enforcement Hero Award; Lee Perkins, Nurse Hero Award; Sandy Adams, Citizenship Hero Award; Butch McDuffie, Highway Medical Emergency Hero Award; Sam Craig, Chris Kasuya, and Mack Leath, Community Impact Hero Award.

The Red Cross holds this event to show its appreciation for those who have embodied its central missions of helping prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Whether it was by saving a life or contributing lifelong service, these brave citizens exemplify and inspire a happy and safe community.

 The East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is thankful for the support of its sponsors: A.C.T. Home Care Inc., Athens Regional Health System, Georgia Power, Merial Ltd., Athens Banner-Herald, BOS Staffing, Zaxby’s, St. Mary’s Health Care System, TenCate, JWR Jewelers, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Rotary International, Community Bank & Trust, Berryman Foundation, Athens Family Dental, Robin Hagel/Jennifer Pate, Oconee Rotary Club, and Classic City Rotary Club.