By Julie Schroeder, volunteer writer
The Pueblo Hometown Heroes dinner honored heroes in the community on Thursday, February 26. With approximately 300 community members in attendance, it was a wonderful night to honor local heroes.
The night opened with a presentation of colors by Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team, the recipients of last year’s Military Hero award. It was an honor watching these ambassadors as they exemplified a positive image of service and country. After the ceremonial display of colors, Tom Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Red Cross Pikes Peak Chapter, commenced the ceremony recognizing selfless acts of ordinary people doing extra ordinary things.
The American Red Cross recognized the heroic actions of seven individuals and two organizations.
– Humanitarian Hero – Burnie Zercher
– Military Hero – Dr. Graham Hoffman
– First Responder Hero – Justin Hunter
– Adult Hero – John Volk
– Community Service Partner – Pueblo Community College
– Community Service Hero – Colonel, U.S.A.F.(Ret.) R. J. Schultz
– Youth Hero – Jace Martellaro
– Animal Hero – Koa, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office
– First Responder Organization Hero – City of Pueblo Police Department
An in-depth description of each recipient’s significant contribution can be seen here,
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| Burnie Zercher – Humanitarian Hero |
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| Jace Martellaro – Youth Hero |
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| Koa – Animal Hero with her human partner Pueblo County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Bernal |
In addition to appreciating our heroic community members, the Hometown Heroes Dinner allows attendees to partner with the American Red Cross through financial support. Partnering with the American Red Cross allows all individuals to become a local hero by providing the means to further the touch of the Red Cross during times of crisis locally, nationally and worldwide. Whether by serving, saving, volunteering or donating financially, the Red Cross appreciates all the heroes who give back to the community. Thank you to all the Pueblo Hometown Heroes!
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| Casey Colleti and Kacee Willbanks show their support for the American Red Cross |
To view all the pictures of our recipients, attendants, and presenters of the Pueblo Hometown Heroes Dinner please visit the Flickr album here, https://www.flickr.com/photos/redcrossmilehighchapter/sets/72157650630796028/