The American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter, WAGM-TV 8/FOX 8, and Northern Maine Community College honored recipients last Thursday at the 10th annual Real Heroes Breakfast held at the NMCC Edmunds Conference Center.
Selection committee members Penny Kern and Peggy Bugbee said they were both impressed with this year’s nominees.
“Our honorees all stood for the values of the American Red Cross,” said Bugbee, “which are integrity, character, being able to be part of the community, and presenting yourself in a crisis … being able to keep your head and going above and beyond to help someone else.”
Once the selection committee made its decision, the real work began.
“WAGM-TV made stories about each honoree so we could publicize the information, we had the trophies and clocks made, had a booklet featuring the honorees’ stories printed, and solicited sponsors,” said Kern. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.
“I like being able to recognize people for doing great things,” she said. “A lot of people in Aroostook County do great things, and very rarely are people thanked. This is one way for us to recognize ordinary people who do extraordinary things.”
In delivering the keynote address, Jason Parent, director of development and college relations at NMCC,
noted that “not all of the heroes were cut from the same mold.”
“Their stories of heroism are as different as the varied individuals they are,” he said. “Our heroes are all very different people, and in one case, even a different species. In the face of a daunting challenge, they heroically and courageously made a difference. They unleashed the hero within, and we recognize the gold standard they have set for us all.”
Parent later introduced one of his personal heroes, Sarah Michaud, who he first met while videotaping a “Something Special” segment for WAGM-TV 15 years ago. The daughter of Chris and Rose Michaud of Fort Kent, Sarah was born with numerous health issues.
“She was born, with among other things, several missing ribs on her right side, and some of the ribs that she had were fused together. She only had half a lung on the right side, and her right kidney was missing. At birth, her esophagus and stomach were not connected together, and she had a 96-degree curve in her spine,” said Parent. “Defying all odds, the young miracle was as active as any child and enjoyed playing with her brothers and sisters. I felt so amazed at how carefree and fun loving she was. I remember fighting back tears as I interviewed Sarah, and how she wasn’t going to let anything stop her.
“Since that story back in 1994, Sarah has undergone 24 surgeries. If a hero is defined as someone who is presented with an extraordinary challenge and triumphed in the face of adversity, Sarah is definitely a hero. She plays sports including basketball, baseball and alpine skiing. Her story of heroism starts from within,” he said. “The story here is that whether your heroism comes in the form of a personal challenge that you thought might otherwise be impossible to overcome, or if it results from a situation that needs you to be the unlikely hero when others can not or will not, it can and will make all the difference.”
The 2007 Real Hero awardees include:
• Charles Mancib of Naples, Fla., the 14-year-old nephew of Peter Hunt Sr. of Fort Fairfield. When Peter Hunt Sr. lost consciousness at the wheel of his SUV while driving on Route 161 to his camp, Mancib, who was riding in the front seat, quickly responded to safely stop the SUV and boat trailer, called for help, and assisted motorists. Potential accidents and lives were saved due to his ability to think and respond quickly.
• Noah Garrison, Mapleton. Seven-year-old Noah became a super hero when he remained calm and courageous while experiencing an accident in the car his mother was driving just days before Christmas 2006. The car hit a patch of black ice and landed upside down in a ditch – the temperatures were frigid that day. Noah was able to get out of his seatbelt and crawled over to his mother who was wedged in the front seat to help her get untangled and finally crawled in the back to help his sister get free from her car seat. Noah’s quick response helped to prevent the possible onset of hypothermia and other potential injuries to his mother, sister and himself.
• The founders of Caribou Pet Rescue (Norma Milton, Connie Tucker, and Caprice Miller), Caribou. Each day, hundreds of animals are being neglected, tortured, abused, and/or abandoned. These three women took a stand and said, “Enough is enough!” They took action and helped to create a sanctuary for animals in need. Over 500 animals have been taken in to be nurtured and adopted into many loving homes. The women continue to work diligently to recruit volunteers, raise funds, and improve/expand living areas for the many animals taken in each week.
• Sam, the Dog, Stockholm. One night this past winter, Esther Caldwell was unable to wake up during an asthma attack. Sam, Caldwell’s 11-year-old German Shepard, came to her bedside and continued to hit her bed with his paw until she became alert enough to reach for her breathing equipment. Without being awakened by Sam, Caldwell would probably have died in her sleep. Sam has since passed away, but Caldwell will always remember fondly her special hero.
• Gregory Collagan, Eagle Lake. While on his way home from a late night get-together with friends this summer, Collagan, a high school senior, saw a house on fire. He stopped to help Juliet Pelletier who was trying to get her husband, Ray, out of their burning home. Collagan was able to convince Juliet to stay away from the flames while he approached the burning structure. He helped the senior citizen through the window and kept the couple from reentering the raging blaze until firemen could arrive. Collagan suffered from a little smoke inhalation, but was fine. Although the couple lost their home, garage, car, and puppy, their lives were spared because of Collagan’s courage and compassionate help.
• SSgt. Harold Maker, Houlton. SSgt. Maker serves in the Maine Army National Guard and is a member of the Army National Guard-Honor Guard, Maine Military Funeral Honors Program. This group of soldiers dedicates their time to honor those who served our country – past and present. SSgt. Maker leads a group of soldiers who ensure that those who have selflessly served our country and gave their lives for our freedom are given all the honor and respect they deserve. As the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, he goes beyond the call of duty to escort fallen soldiers from Boston’s Logan International Airport to their final resting place in northern Maine and follows up with loved ones in making sure they are cared for.
The 2007 Honorary Heroes include:
• Brenda Munn, Caribou. Because of her pride and deep concern for her community, Munn picks up trash and bottles daily along Caribou roads to help maintain the beauty of her hometown.
• Shirley Fortin, Caribou. Fortin was able to raise funds to keep the doors of the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen in Caribou open this year. She dedicates her time and efforts to ensure the kitchen is stocked, helps to prepare daily meals, and even walks up to two miles each day to volunteer her services to so many who are in need and appreciative of her help.
• Houlton High School Sports Booster Club, Houlton. When a student, who by doctor’s orders, needed an AED (automated external defibrillator), the club raised the funds to purchase the machine that allowed the student to even play at away games. Now the device is available, if needed, for other students or fans at all games and school activities.
“We were so touched by the many heart-warming stories that came from this year’s nominees,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter. “We have three heroes who are 18 years old and under. This speaks volumes about the courage and willingness our young people take to help others in need.
“Each one of the awardees reflects the humanitarianism of those who have made the American Red Cross the outstanding organization that it is today,” she said. “We are proud to honor such great individuals.”
Knorr said there were more than 200 guests in attendance at this year’s breakfast with donated proceeds from business/civic sponsors and guests totaling nearly $13,000. That money will go toward the Pine Tree Chapter’s local disaster relief fund.
“Our goal is to double that amount next year,” she said.
