Tickets on sale for 2013 Heroes Breakfast

The Highland County Press

On Wednesday, April 17 at the Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington, Highland and Clinton County Heroes will be recognized for their efforts and actions in the community.

"We are currently taking reservations for the event and look forward to having anyone in the community who would like to attend," said Kelley Robbins, Community Relations Coordinator, American Red Cross, Clinton-Highland County Office.

Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for students, and children 5 and under are admitted for free. Call (937) 382-0083 or email Kelley.robbins@redcross.org to reserve a seat.

• Highland County nominees include: Brandon Newland, Ernie Blankenship, Anna Spilker, Ted Rhoads, Tim Parry, Virginia Rhonemus, Fred Yochum, Terry Fouch, Bradley George, Mike Hurley, Marc Lewis, David Shafer, Mike Crone, Erica Hurless-Miller, Eric Luschek, John Moore, Danielle Sink, David Barrett, Bryon Morris, Hillsboro Ponderosa Steakhouse, and Sandy West.

Every year during the month of April, the Clinton and Highland County Office of the American Red Cross has the privilege of hosting the annual Heroes Awards Breakfast, a community celebration honoring local individuals whose extraordinary acts or efforts lead to saving or improving lives in Clinton or Highland County, made a difference or impact on another person or the community, committed a selfless act with no expectation of recognition, or is distinguished in their occupation or field of interest.

This year's heroes awards breakfast will be Wednesday, April 17 from 7-9 a.m. at the Roberts Centre near Wilmington.

The guest speaker will be Daniel Hernandez, Jr.

Hernandez, 22, is a Tucson native and a graduate at the University of Arizona. He was a congressional intern for the office of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District and while on the job assisting Congresswoman Giffords with a constituent event in Tucson on Jan. 8, 2011, Hernandez took actions for which he is widely credited with saving the life of the congresswoman after a gunman shot her and 18 other people.

"His medical training, quick thinking, and brave actions on that day have caused him to be celebrated as a true American hero, although he humbly rejects the title," the Red Cross said.