Issue: 916 Date: 3/13/2008

First Lady Recognizes Heart of a Hero Award Recipients

March 6, 2008 - Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt, along with their son, William Branch, visited students and teachers at Johnson-Wabash Elementary School in Ferguson to celebrate the 104th birthday of Dr. Seuss. The Governor and First Lady read Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You’ll Go!" to 50 first and fourth grade students.
        JEFFERSON CITY-First Lady Melanie Blunt today joined the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross for their sixth annual Heart of a Hero event to honor Mid-Missourians who make a difference in the lives of others.

        "Today I am pleased to recognize these fifteen unsung heroes who make a difference every day in the lives of those around them," said Mrs. Blunt, Heart of a Hero honorary chair. "I congratulate these men and women and thank them for their sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to their fellow Missourians."

        The following are the recipients of the 2008 Heart of a Hero awards:

        Business Hero - Sam Bushman

        Law Enforcement Hero - Cole County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Petty

        Emergency Responder Hero - Charles Dinan

        Medical Hero - Dr. Richard Graham

        Youth Good Samaritan - Kelsey Ousley

        Adult Lifesaver - Tom Pohlman

        Marylyn DeFeo Good Samaritan - Gary Wilbers

        Youth Lifesavers - Joel Thomas and Tyrel Garrison

        First Lady Heart of a Hero - Carol Scott

        Local Volunteer Hero - James Klahr

        Firefighter Hero - Fulton Fire Chief Dean Buffington

        Social Services Hero - Betty Chesnut

        Education Hero - Denise Crider

        Family Hero - Heather Renkemeyer

        Military Hero -Officer Candidate Neilson Rudd

        The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross covers 20 counties and one-fifth of the state. Last year the group helped 275 families who lost their homes to disaster, provided assistance to 751 military families, trained 5,600 Mid-Missourians in disaster preparedness, and taught more than 12,560 individuals life-saving skills like CPR and First Aid.

        Mrs. Blunt serves as honorary chair of the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. She also serves as honorary chair for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign and as spokesperson and honorary chair for the Susan G. Komen Mid-Missouri Affiliate. Mrs. Blunt also established the First Lady Awards to honor Missouri women who are making history.




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