FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2007
Contact: Mari Hamlin Fink, 858-309-1276, mari.fink@sdarc.org
or Peyton Roberts, 858-309-1271 (work), 619-417-2217 (cell), peyton.roberts@sdarc.org

American Red Cross Honors Local Lifesavers at 2007 Real Heroes Breakfast

(San Diego)—The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross was pleased to honor local heroes this morning at the 5th Annual Real Heroes Awards Breakfast, a community celebration that honors citizens in our communities who have made a difference through their individual acts of heroism.

"There are everyday heroes among us who inspire us by their actions and dedication to serving others,” said Joe Craver, Interim CEO, American Red Cross – San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter. “The Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast presents a forum for our community to come together to celebrate this spirit of humanitarianism by honoring these courageous, selfless individuals."

Awards were presented in twelve categories: Adult, Animal Rescue, Company, Emergency Response Operator, Fire & Rescue, Law Enforcement, Lifeguard, Media, Medical, Military and Youth. The Wendell Cutting Memorial Award was also presented to an extraordinary individual who embodies the true spirit of humanitarianism and public service.

The 2007 Real Heroes Honorees are:
Adult Honoree – Monroe Rostick (downtown San Diego area)
Animal Rescue Honorees – Robert, Claudia, Brian and Molly Walker (Scripps Ranch)
Company Honoree – U.S. Gypsum (Imperial Valley)
Emergency Response Operator – California Highway Patrol Border Communications Center (San Diego County)
Fire & Rescue Honorees – San Diego Fire Engine Company 12, Truck Company 12, Medic 32, Keith Mulfinger, Miguel Bibiano, Harold Miner (San Diego)
Law Enforcement Honorees – U.S. Border Patrol's Search, Trauma and Rescue Team (El Centro)
Lifeguard Honoree – Brian Duncan (Pacific Beach)
Media Honoree - Monica Zech (El Cajon)
Medical Honoree – Cathy Brugman (Clairemont area)
Military Honoree – Sgt. John P. Leiva (Camp Pendleton)
Youth Honoree – Jose Garcia (Brawley)
Wendell Cutting Honoree – Gary Becks (El Cajon)

As a surprise to the more than 600 sponsors and guests in attendance, the Red Cross announced that all proceeds of the Real Heroes Breakfast will support the Red Cross’s Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) program, a free service the Red Cross provides to military families, which helps them communicate during emergencies. The Red Cross operates a 24-hour call center at its headquarters in Kearny Mesa, where dedicated caseworkers help nearly 2,000 military families each month. Although the Red Cross is chartered by Congress to provide this service, it receives no government funding and relies on community donations.

About the American Red Cross, San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter:
The American Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on the generosity of the American people to provide our programs and services. The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter is leading the effort to make San Diego and Imperial Counties ‘America’s most prepared communities.’ With the public’s ongoing support we provide life saving preparedness training; disaster relief services; 24-hour emergency services to deployed military personnel and their families; and nutritional counseling through our Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. For more information about or to support the chapter please contact 858-309-1200 or visit www.sdarc.org.

For photos and stories of this year's Heroes, please visit www.sdarc.org/realheroes. Expanded stories of all our Heroes are available upon request.

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