SPRINGFIELD –– The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross received over 150 nominations for individuals who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish character. Nine of those individuals, and one surprise community hero, were honored on Wednesday at the Eleventh Annual Everyday Heroes Recognition and awards ceremony.
A graduate of Ava High School, Linda (Harnden) Meeker was among the nine honored for helping people, and saving lives.
Linda, who lives in Springfield, was recognized for reacting quickly to a neighborhood accident, and performing CPR until medical help arrived on the scene. Through her actions, she saved a life.
Along with Harnden, honorees were listed as:
Nate Adams, Springfield;
Michelle Oliver, Rogersville;
Mike Pittsenbarger, Lockwood;
Clint Hunt, Springfield;
Joel Alexander, Springfield;
Melissa & Randy Lewis, Licking;
Ellie Hagen, Seymour.
Over 350 people attended the event, and at times, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place as the videos rolled with stories of bravery and unselfish concern for others. Stories ranged from a firefighter, Clint Hunt, who rescued a victim trapped in a storm drain, to a couple from Licking, Melissa and Randy Lewis, that donated a kidney to strangers.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
