2013 Real Heroes: Emergency Response Rescue Hero Nathan Cook

Each year, the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross along with local business partners celebrate everyday Real Heroes at a reception and breakfast held in their honor.

Nominations for Real Heroes are received by the SW Washington Red Cross from people throughout the region. The 2013 Real Heroes were announced during a reception this week and will be honored March 8 at a breakfast in downtown Vancouver. For more information, or to reserve seating at the breakfast, contact the Red Cross offices at 360-693-5821.

Please note that while there is no charge for the breakfast, donations to the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross will be requested at the end of the meal.

Our next honoree receives the Emergency Response Rescue Hero award that is sponsored by Rehrig Pacific.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Nathan Cook

Nathan Cook, an off-duty firefighter and EMT, was at home with his family when he heard gun shots outside.

Without regard for his own safety, he ran outside toward the screaming he heard down the street.

A young neighbor who had been shot multiple times at close range was lying on the sidewalk with his hysterical sister standing over him.

Nathan began to provide Basic Life Support while scanning his surroundings for the shooter.

Nathan struggled with the victim, telling him he must lie still so his injuries could be assessed.

Of the seven bullet holes he found, two could have hit the spine, and two were so grave that had Nathan not provided the necessary first aid, the victim would have bled out.

Police arrived on the scene and protected Nathan; then, authorized Nathan’s own Fire Department to approach the scene and transport the patient.

Aaron Kraft of Rehrig Pacific introduces
2013 Emergency Response Rescue Hero Nathan Cook

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 A Red Cross thank-you to:

• Nathan for risking his own life to save another
• Fred Meyer (Presenting Sponsor)
• Rehrig Pacific (Emergency Response Rescue Hero Award Sponsor)
• iQ Credit Union (Real Heroes Reception Sponsor)
• The Grant House and co-owner/Red Cross Board Member Lynn Rullman for providing appetizers during the Real Heroes reception

About the Real Heroes Breakfast

The Annual Real Heroes breakfast began 16 years ago to recognize those whose actions resulted in saving the lives of others. In addition, it serves as a signature fundraising event for Southwest Washington American Red Cross.

The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of the desire to develop an event that closely aligns to the Red Cross mission: Saving lives through prevention, preparedness and response.

The program honors ordinary people and animals who have performed extraordinary heroic actions with the communities of Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

2013 Real Heros: Animal Rescue Hero Shadow

Each year, the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross along with local business partners celebrate everyday Real Heroes at a reception and breakfast held in their honor.

Nominations for Real Heroes are received by the SW Washington Red Cross from people throughout the region. The 2013 Real Heroes were announced during a reception this week and will be honored March 8 at a breakfast in downtown Vancouver. For more information, or to reserve seating at the breakfast, contact the Red Cross offices at 360-693-5821.

Please note that while there is no charge for the breakfast, donations to the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross will be requested at the end of the meal.

Our next honoree receives the Animal Rescue Hero award that is sponsored by Corwin Beverage.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Shadow, a one-year-old male black Labrador, was waiting to be adopted from the South Pacific County Humane Society while Sheila, a Catahoula dog, was on the operating table at Oceanside Animal Clinic.

Shadow

Sheila was having exploratory surgery when the veterinarian found her abdominal cavity filled with blood because her spleen had burst.

A blood transfusion was needed; however, no animal blood is stored in Pacific County.

Time was of the essence to save Sheila.

A staff member of the clinic contacted the local Humane Society Shelter to find a donor who met their blood donation requirements:

• a healthy dog weighing 50 lbs. or more
• free from disease
• had not donated blood in the last three weeks

Shadow, a “rambunctious” black Lab, was the perfect candidate.

Within 45 minutes of the crisis, Sheila’s procedure was complete and a groggy Shadow was back at the shelter.

Note: Shadow has since been adopted and is being loved and cared for by his new family. 

Barb Geist of Corwin Beverage introduces
Shadow as the 2013 Animal Rescue Real Hero.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A Red Cross thank-you to:

• Shadow for giving the gift of life to save the life of another precious pet
• Fred Meyer (Presenting Sponsor)
• Corwin Beverage (Animal Rescue Hero Award Sponsor)
• iQ Credit Union (Real Heroes Reception Sponsor)
• The Grant House and co-owner/Red Cross Board Member Lynn Rullman for providing appetizers during the Real Heroes reception

About the Real Heroes Breakfast

The Annual Real Heroes breakfast began 16 years ago to recognize those whose actions resulted in saving the lives of others. In addition, it serves as a signature fundraising event for Southwest Washington American Red Cross.

The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of the desire to develop an event that closely aligns to the Red Cross mission: Saving lives through prevention, preparedness and response.

The program honors ordinary people and animals who have performed extraordinary heroic actions with the communities of Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

2013 Real Heros: Water Rescue Hero Michelle Rushing

Each year, the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross along with local business partners celebrate everyday Real Heroes at a reception and breakfast held in their honor.

Nominations for Real Heroes are received by the SW Washington Red Cross from people throughout the region. The 2013 Real Heroes were announced during a reception this week and will be honored March 8 at a breakfast in downtown Vancouver. For more information, or to reserve seating at the breakfast, contact the Red Cross offices at 360-693-5821.

Please note that while there is no charge for the breakfast, donations to the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross will be requested at the end of the meal.

Our next honoree receives the Water Rescue Hero award that is sponsored by Tidewater.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Michelle Rushing was wrapping up an annual family reunion near Gaston, OR, when she heard screams down the hill at the swift-moving Sain creek.

Michelle Rushing

A large family of eight children, ages 6-13, two mothers and a teenager – none related to Michelle – had been wading and splashing when the entire family dropped off an invisible ledge into the muddy stream.

Two girls immediately sank to the bottom.

Michelle and other family members ran from different locations to help.

Michelle immediately coordinated the frenzied rescue effort and entered the water where she stepped on one of the girls stuck in the mud. She had her family form a human chain to help bring the struggling family back to shore.

As each person was located, they were passed from one rescuer to the next.

Gaston, OR Fire Chief Roger Mesenbrink said, “I have been through every kind of rescue scenario you can probably dream of, yet never have I seen this sort of outcome. A trained team could not have done better.”

Carol Bua of Tidewater introduces
2013 Water Rescue Hero Michelle Rushing

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A Red Cross thank-you to:

• Michelle for her heroic efforts to save many lives
• Fred Meyer (Presenting Sponsor)
• Tidewater (Water Rescue Hero Award Sponsor)
• iQ Credit Union (Real Heroes Reception Sponsor)
• The Grant House and co-owner/Red Cross Board Member Lynn Rullman for providing appetizers during the Real Heroes reception

About the Real Heroes Breakfast

The Annual Real Heroes breakfast began 16 years ago to recognize those whose actions resulted in saving the lives of others. In addition, it serves as a signature fundraising event for Southwest Washington American Red Cross.

The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of the desire to develop an event that closely aligns to the Red Cross mission: Saving lives through prevention, preparedness and response.

The program honors ordinary people and animals who have performed extraordinary heroic actions with the communities of Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

2013 Real Heroes: Medical Rescue Hero Annalee Hoffman-Shives

Each year, the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross along with local business partners celebrate everyday Real Heroes at a reception and breakfast held in their honor.

Nominations for Real Heroes are received by the SW Washington Red Cross from people throughout the region. The 2013 Real Heroes were announced during a reception this week and will be honored March 8 at a breakfast in downtown Vancouver. For more information, or to reserve seating at the breakfast, contact the Red Cross offices at 360-693-5821.

Please note that while there is no charge for the breakfast, donations to the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross will be requested at the end of the meal.

Our next honoree receives the Medical Rescue Hero award that is sponsored by Waste Connections, Inc.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Annalee Hoffman-Shives, RN, was returning home from a long day at work.

Annalee Hoffman-Shives

At an off-ramp into rural Kelso, Annalee spotted a motorcycle lying suspiciously along the road. She pulled over, walked toward the motorcyclist in the grass, and found him gasping for breath and unresponsive.

She took off his helmet; then, asked the people who arrived behind her to call 911. For the next 15 minutes, Annalee took control of the scene.

With her official RN name badge still attached, she showed one volunteer how to help with chest compressions and asked others to direct traffic. She focused on keeping the motorcyclist’s airway open and monitoring his pulse until emergency help arrived.

Annalee later said, “I felt like I was still on the job – only with the office in the grass!”

Chris Thomas of Waste Connections introduces
Annalee Hoffman-Shives as the 2013 Medical Rescue Hero

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A Red Cross thank-you to:

• Annalee for her heroic efforts to save a motorcyclist’s life
• Fred Meyer (Presenting Sponsor)
• Waste Connections Inc. (Medical Rescue Hero Award Sponsor)
• iQ Credit Union (Real Heroes Reception Sponsor)
• The Grant House and co-owner/Red Cross Board Member Lynn Rullman for providing appetizers during the Real Heroes reception

About the Real Heroes Breakfast

The Annual Real Heroes breakfast began 16 years ago to recognize those whose actions resulted in saving the lives of others. In addition, it serves as a signature fundraising event for Southwest Washington American Red Cross.

The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of the desire to develop an event that closely aligns to the Red Cross mission: Saving lives through prevention, preparedness and response.

The program honors ordinary people and animals who have performed extraordinary heroic actions with the communities of Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

2013 Real Heroes: Youth Good Samaritan Hero John Clark

Each year, the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross along with local business partners celebrate everyday Real Heroes at a reception and breakfast held in their honor.

Nominations for Real Heroes are received by the SW Washington Red Cross from people throughout the region. The 2013 Real Heroes were announced during a reception this week and will be honored March 8 at a breakfast in downtown Vancouver. For more information, or to reserve seating at the breakfast, contact the Red Cross offices at 360-693-5821.

Please note that while there is no charge for the breakfast, donations to the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross will be requested at the end of the meal.

Our next honoree receives the Youth Good Samaritan award that is sponsored by TwinStar Credit Union.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

John Clark

John Clark, 17, was flying kites while vacationing with his family at Rockaway Beach, OR when he heard screaming.

He quickly scanned the area and saw a boy about age 12 thrashing in the ocean.

John, who had just completed his life guard certification, ran into the water and swam out to the boy to tow him back as he had been trained.

Upon reaching him, John discovered that the current was too strong for him to swim against it.

John comforted the boy, instructed him how to breathe and promised to hold onto him until help arrived.

The waves crashed against them continually, pushing them under the surf. They responded by pushing off the sand and springing back to the surface.

Help arrived about 20 minutes later to pull John and the young boy back to the beach – safe and sound!

Teedara Garn of TwinStar Credit Union introduces
2013 Youth Good Samaritan Hero John Clark

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

A Red Cross thank-you to:

• John for his heroic efforts to save a young boy from drowning
• Fred Meyer (Presenting Sponsor)
• TwinStar Credit Union (Youth Good Samaritan Hero Award Sponsor)
• iQ Credit Union (Real Heroes Reception Sponsor)
• The Grant House and co-owner/Red Cross Board Member Lynn Rullman for providing appetizers during the Real Heroes reception

About the Real Heroes Breakfast

The Annual Real Heroes breakfast began 16 years ago to recognize those whose actions resulted in saving the lives of others. In addition, it serves as a signature fundraising event for Southwest Washington American Red Cross.

The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of the desire to develop an event that closely aligns to the Red Cross mission: Saving lives through prevention, preparedness and response.

The program honors ordinary people and animals who have performed extraordinary heroic actions with the communities of Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

2013 Real Heros: First Aid/CPR Hero Anne McEnerny-Ogle

Each year, the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross along with local business partners celebrate everyday Real Heroes at a reception and breakfast held in their honor.

Nominations for Real Heroes are received by the SW Washington Red Cross from people throughout the region. The 2013 Real Heroes were announced during a reception this week and will be honored March 8 at a breakfast in downtown Vancouver. For more information, or to reserve seating at the breakfast, contact the Red Cross offices at 360-693-5821.

Please note that while there is no charge for the breakfast, donations to the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross will be requested at the end of the meal.

Our next honoree receives the First Aid/CPR Hero award that is sponsored by Vesta Hospitality.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Anne McEnery-Ogle

Anne McEnerny-Ogle was driving one of three support vehicles for Boy Scouts of America Troop 525’s bike trip at 7100‘ near the rim of Crater Lake when she noticed one of the adult riders was falling behind.

The woman later vomited and became unresponsive.

Using her first aid skills, Anne was able to determine that her friend was having a heart attack.  Swiftly, the woman was put in the car and rushed to the Ranger Station where emergency help was requested.

While at the station, Anne’s friend Gloria lost consciousness in the back seat and slumped over. In order to do CPR, Anne hoisted her friend under the shoulders and pulled her out onto the pavement to assess her condition and start CPR.

Anne and her husband continued CPR until the paramedics arrived about 15 minutes later.  Gloria was airlifted to RougeValleyHospital and survived.

Mark Goeman of Vesta Hospitality introduces
Anne McEnery-Ogle as the 2013 First Air/CPR Real Hero.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A Red Cross thank-you to:

• Anne for her heroic efforts to save her friend
• Fred Meyer (Presenting Sponsor)
• Vesta Hospitality (First Aid/CPR Hero Award Sponsor)
• iQ Credit Union (Real Heroes Reception Sponsor)
• The Grant House and co-owner/Red Cross Board Member Lynn Rullman for providing appetizers during the Real Heroes reception

About the Real Heroes Breakfast

The Annual Real Heroes breakfast began 16 years ago to recognize those whose actions resulted in saving the lives of others. In addition, it serves as a signature fundraising event for Southwest Washington American Red Cross.

The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of the desire to develop an event that closely aligns to the Red Cross mission: Saving lives through prevention, preparedness and response.

The program honors ordinary people and animals who have performed extraordinary heroic actions with the communities of Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

2013 Real Heroes: Fire Rescue Hero William Melton, Jr.

Each year, the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross along with local business partners celebrate everyday Real Heroes at a reception and breakfast.

Nominations for Real Heroes are received by the SW Washington Red Cross from people throughout the region. The 2013 Real Heroes were announced during a reception this week and will be honored March 8 at a breakfast in downtown Vancouver. For more information, or to reserve seating at the breakfast, contact the Red Cross offices at 360-693-5821.

Please note that while there is no charge for the breakfast, a donation to the SW Washington Region of the American Red Cross will be requested at the end of the meal.

Our first honoree receives the Fire Rescue Hero award that is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It was 2:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve, 2012.

William Melton, Jr.

Fifteen-year-old William Melton, Jr. was playing video games while the rest of his family slept. Suddenly, the surge protector at his feet became red hot, blew up and seared the wooden floor.

“Mom, get up! Something is wrong with the house!” William yelled. Smoke was spewing profusely and light bulbs were exploding.

Amazingly calm, William called 911 and directed his sister to gather their four pets, put them in the car and stay there with them.

His mother screamed to wake up Bill, Sr., who is a deep sleeper. Bill struggled to consciousness and headed for the circuit breaker to turn off the power.

Everyone had gotten out of the house before the fire department arrived.

Later, William’s dad asked him if he realized he had saved the family, the pets, and the house from burning down. No, William said, it had not sunk in.

Rebekah Nelson of Kaiser Permanente introduces
William Melton, Jr. as the 2013 Fire Rescue Hero.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 A Red Cross thank-you to:

• William for his heroic efforts to save his family and their pets
• Fred Meyer (Presenting Sponsor)
• Kaiser Permanente (Fire Rescue Hero Award Sponsor)
• iQ Credit Union (Real Heroes Reception Sponsor)
• The Grant House and co-owner/Red Cross Board Member Lynn Rullman for providing appetizers during the Real Heroes reception

About the Real Heroes Breakfast

The Annual Real Heroes breakfast began 16 years ago to recognize those whose actions resulted in saving the lives of others. In addition, it serves as a signature fundraising event for Southwest Washington American Red Cross.

The Real Heroes Breakfast grew out of the desire to develop an event that closely aligns to the Red Cross mission: Saving lives through prevention, preparedness and response.

The program honors ordinary people who have performed extraordinary heroic actions within the communities in Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Klickitat, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.

2012 Real Heros: Workplace Hero

March is Red Cross Month. During this time of celebration, SW Washington Red Cross along with corporate sponsor Fred Meyer, is honoring Real Heros in our region. Today, we salute the recipient of the Workplace Hero award which is sponsored by the Stichman Family.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Early one morning, Waste Connections employee Brian Croft was driving his garbage truck in a residential area when he noticed something odd on the sidewalk; two ladies distraught and starring across the street , one of them holding a kitchen fire extinguisher. 

He hurriedly parked and ran to the ladies where the home owner said a grease fire had started in her kitchen.

Brian quickly retrieved the commercial fire extinguisher from his truck and cautiously entered the house.

Inside, flames were licking up the wall above the stove. He kept yelling for everyone to get out while he worked to extinguish the flames.

The residents were so lucky that Brian jumped into the fray, as several family members were upstairs with no clue about what was happening downstairs. Thank you, Brian!

2012 Real Heroes: Animal Rescue Hero

March is Red Cross Month. During this time of celebration, SW Washington Red Cross along with corporate sponsor Fred Meyer, is honoring Real Heros in our region. Today, we salute the recipient of the Animal Rescue Hero award which is sponsored by Corwin Beverage.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In September, Goldendale suffered a major fire, creating massive evacuations of not only people but animals.

Although the Red Cross had set up a shelter at the fairgrounds for humans, there was no place to shelter the countless homeless animals nor was there a plan how to evacuate animals from ranches and farms threatened by the rapidly spreading fire.

Animal lover Melody Bazzel volunteered to take on this overwhelming responsibility. Immediately, Melody secured a safe place at the fairgrounds for the animals in barns and fenced areas.

Melody coordinated evacuations, obtained donated food for each breed, and kept track of their owners all the while ensuring each animal was fed and watered daily.

At one time Melody had over 300 animals in her care, including: horses, llamas, alpacas, turkeys, chickens, ducks, goats, rabbits and sheep. Animals would have perished without Melody’s unique skills and unwavering passion for animals. Thank you, Melody!

2012 Real Heros: Water Rescue

March is Red Cross Month. During this time of celebration, SW Washington Red Cross along with corporate sponsor Fred Meyer, is honoring Real Heros in our region. Today, we salute the recipients of the Water Rescue Heros award which is sponsored by Waste Connections.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Water-rescue-trained volunteers Doug Knutzen and Eddie Mendez were notified through a 911 dispatch that a 12-year-old boy was under the surf in Long Beach, Pacific County, WA.

Nicole Kissel, also 12, had tried to help Dale Ostrander after he was swept off his board. She’d quickly paddled toward him; then, held on to him while he climbed back on his board.

Paddling ferociously toward shore, another wave knocked the pair off their boards, this time pulling Dale underwater and out of Nicole’s reach.

Nicole was able to get back to shore safely. Doug and Eddie arrived with their gear and a water craft to swiftly get into the surf where they saw Dale’s lifeless body two feet below the surface.

By then, the riptide had kept Dale underwater for at least 15 minutes.

Eddie dove into the water to retrieve Dale; then, Doug pulled Dale onto the water craft and jetted to shore. Doug carried Dale’s lifeless body to a paramedic who was standing by to administer CPR and First Aid.

Many other trained responders continued to keep Dale alive as he was Life Flighted to the hospital.

Miraculously, Dale survived and is working his way back from death’s door. Thank you, Doug and Eddie!