2012 Finalists and Honorees

SINGLE ACTS

  • John Conley
    • Barrington, RI
      John Conley of Barrington, Rhode Island has been recognized for heroically rescuing a woman after her car crashed into the water on August 7, 2010. Conley was walking to the docks when he noticed a car roll out of the parking lot and plunge into the water. Conley immediately ran to his boat and grabbed his snorkel and a tool to break the windows. He then dived into the water and swam after the car. As the car sank, Conley tried breaking the rear window when he discovered the woman was stuck behind the steering wheel. He then attempted rescue through the driver’s window. After submerging three times, he was finally able to pull the woman from the car and swim her to shore. John Conley’s act of extraordinary heroism and bravery continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Rhode Island and to his fellow Americans.
  • Walter Jennings Fowler
    • Kaneohe, HI
      Walter Jennings Fowler of Kaneohe, Hawaii has been recognized for his valiant efforts in subduing and disarming a robber on December 28, 2011. While Fowler was sitting at a restaurant, he observed commotion at the cash register. He noticed an armed gunman was trying to rob the cashier. Fowler waited for the suspect to become distracted and then acted on instinct. With no regard to his own safety, he physically confronted the man and began to struggle with him until he was able to disarm the suspect and detain him until the police arrived. Walter Jennings Fowler’s act of extraordinary heroism and bravery continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Hawaii and to his fellow Americans.
  • Claudia Gonzalez
    • Kansas City, KS
      Claudia Gonzalez of Kansas City, Kansas has been recognized for heroically risking her own life to save the lives of her two children and attempting to save the third during a house fire on October 1, 2011. It was around 5:30 a.m. when the fire department responded to a call that a fire broke out in an apartment building. Gonzalez had gone into the building at least twice in an attempt to rescue her children. She succeeded in getting two of her children out safely, but despite her efforts, she and her neighbors were unable to save her three year-old son. Gonzalez sustained severe burns to more than forty percent of her body and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. She continues to receive treatment for her burns. Claudia Gonzalez’s willingness to risk her own life to save the lives of her children is an act of selflessness and bravery which continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Kansas and to her fellow Americans.
  • Donald Melvin
    • Atlanta, GA
      Donald Melvin of Atlanta, Georgia has been recognized for heroically helping to save the life of an off-duty police officer who had been shot five times by an assailant on May 29, 2010. As the officer was driving home from work, he heard gun shots and saw an armed man running away. He immediately got out of his car and commanded the man to stop and get on the ground. While trying to detain the assailant, they became engaged in a physical altercation, and the officer was shot multiple times. Melvin, believing that the officer was going to be killed, refused to stand by and watch. He drove his vehicle into the gunman and knocked him away from the officer. Melvin then got out of his car and physically struck the gunman, allowing the officer to grab the man’s gun and detain him. Donald Melvin’s act of extreme heroism and bravery continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Georgia and to his fellow Americans.
  • Montell Mixon
    • Saint Paul, MN
      Montell Mixon of Saint Paul, Minnesota has been recognized for valiantly rescuing a woman from her burning home after she had been locked in the bathroom by her boyfriend who had set the house on fire on August 16, 2011. Mixon was in his home when he heard distressed yelling. He immediately went outside to find a nearby house on fire. Without regard for his own safety, Mixon entered the burning home, fought off the boyfriend who blocked him from getting to the bathroom, broke down the door, and got the woman to safety. After ensuring the woman and her two children’s safety, Mixon went back into the house to help the other tenants. Montell Mixon’s act of selflessness and bravery continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Minnesota and to his fellow Americans.
  • Eugene Pitt
    • New York, NY
      Eugene Pitt of New York, New York has been recognized for heroically coming to the rescue of an off-duty police officer who was wounded during an armed robbery on April 16, 2011. Pitt was in an auto body shop when four robbers entered and ordered everyone to the ground. An off-duty police officer was among the civilians inside. When the robbers confronted him and patted him down, they discovered his gun and subsequently forced him to the ground and shot him. The officer was able to fire a few shots before becoming unconscious. Pitt immediately stepped in, grabbed the gun, chased the men, and ultimately shot at them as they fired at him. Arriving police were able to catch two of the wounded robbers. Eugene Pitt’s act of extraordinary heroism and bravery continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of New York and to his fellow Americans.
  • Michael Thornton
    • San Antonio, TX
      Michael Thornton of San Antonio, Texas has been recognized for his valiant efforts to help a stranded motorist and to fight against drunk driving after being seriously injured in the line of duty. On January 23, 2011, officer Thornton stopped to assist a stranded motorist on the shoulder of the highway. Aware of the danger of intoxicated drivers in the area, he parked his car 50 feet behind the vehicle to protect the motorist and offered help. A few minutes later, Thornton noticed a truck barreling towards them. The intoxicated driver crashed into the safe zone just as Thornton was jumping over the wall next to the highway. Unable to get over in time, he lost the lower part of his right leg when his patrol car severed it. After receiving a prosthetic leg, Thornton remained in the hospital for a month before returning to work. During his recovery, he fought against drunk driving while assigned to the DWI Enforcement Unit in addition to attending media events, raising funds for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, speaking out against drunk driving, and using his story to educate others. Michael Thornton’s act of extraordinary bravery and persistence in fighting for a cause continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Texas and to his fellow Americans.
  • Brandon Wemhoff
    • Lincoln, NE
      Brandon Wemhoff of Lincoln, Nebraska has been recognized for heroically risking his own life in an attempt to protect the people around him by foiling a robbery on May 29, 2011. After noticing a man walk into the pharmacy wearing a ski mask and carrying a handgun, Wemhoff immediately alerted the other customers as to what was occurring. He then started to throw items at the man in an attempt to distract him. When the robber got to the pharmacy, he turned toward Wemhoff, flashed a knife and threatened to cut him. Wemhoff grabbed the assailant and managed to twist the knife out of his hand. He then knocked the gun away and took the man down, pinning him to the ground. Even though the robber struggled and resisted, Wemhoff was able to hold him down until the police arrived. Brandon Wemhoff’s act of extraordinary heroism and bravery continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Nebraska and to his fellow Americans.
  • Keenia Williams
    • San Francisco, CA
      Keenia Williams of San Francisco, California has been recognized for valiantly risking her own life to rescue a man after his truck had overturned and caught on fire on October 19, 2011. Early that morning, while driving her five year-old daughter to school, Williams witnessed a vehicle accident and saw, in her rear-view mirror, a large tractor-trailer overturn and burst into flames. While other vehicles continued driving, Williams pulled over to help. Without regard for her own safety, she instantly got out of her car, ran into the flames and through the leaking diesel fuel to the unconscious truck driver. Suspecting that inaction would lead to his death, Williams brought the driver to safety. She helped him regain consciousness and summoned the firefighters to help. Keenia Williams’ willingness to risk her own life to save the life of a fellow citizen is an act of selflessness and bravery which continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of California and to her fellow Americans.
  • Wayne Yirsa
    • Phoenix, AZ
      Wayne Yirsa of Phoenix, Arizona has been recognized for his valiant efforts in subduing and disarming a man who was severely beating a woman outside of his home on October 24, 2010. When Yirsa attempted to call police, the man pointed a handgun at him and commanded him to stop. Yirsa then wrestled the man and obtained the gun, which malfunctioned when he tried to shoot. As they fought, the man produced a knife and Yirsa sustained a serious cut to his forehead. When the man eventually fled, Yirsa called the police. Police officers caught the man, took him into custody and provided aid to the woman. Wayne Yirsa’s act of extraordinary heroism and bravery continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Arizona and to his fellow Americans.

SERIES OF ACTS

  • Sam Below
    • Menomonie, WI
      Sam Below of Menomonie, Wisconsin has been recognized for helping more than 70 former prisoners struggling from substance abuse by helping develop two safe, sober houses that have helped keep many out of prison. After identifying a need to prevent recidivism by offering better transition services to former prisoners struggling with addiction issues, Below engaged community investors to buy the first safe, sober transition house. Following his development of an extensive business plan for transition houses, two safe, sober houses were developed. These houses have helped those who have experienced trauma or are in recovery, and need affordable sober housing. His efforts have yielded a rate of 95 percent of prisoners who have stayed out of prison and saved his county hundreds of thousand of dollars per year. As a full time volunteer, he manages two houses and fifteen people, where he coaches those in distress. Sam Below’s dedication to fighting recidivism by creating safe houses continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Wisconsin and to his fellow Americans.
  • Marnie Bernard
    • Boise, ID
      Marie Bernard of Boise, Idaho has been recognized for volunteering thousands of hours to help returning service members reintegrate back into their communities and families by creating both a non-profit, Twisted Sisters, and a Veterans Court in the state of Idaho. Since 2005, Bernard has used her organization, Twisted Sisters, to mobilize the community to help care for returning military and their families. She established a Veterans Court that generates awareness and provides training to communities, law enforcement and military members about Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and veterans in crisis. The Court also receives redirected cases, which helps ensure a more positive and mutually beneficial outcome. Bernard specifically oversaw and coordinated the production of training materials (films and seminars). Marie Bernard’s persistence in serving our returning military and their families to ensure better reintegration within communities continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Idaho and to her fellow Americans.
  • Tracy Della Vecchia
    • Columbia, MO
      Tracy Della Vecchia of Columbia, Missouri has been recognized for developing an informational website in addition to a comprehensive outreach support program to help Marines, their parents and families. As a mother of a Marine who deployed in January 2003, Della Vecchia realized there was a lack of information about what was happening in Iraq and what to expect as a parent of a Marine. In realizing that there were thousands of other parents needing the same information, Della Vecchia developed a comprehensive website, MarineParents.com, to connect Marine parents with one another and provide them with a platform to share the latest news. Since then, the site has evolved into seventeen informational websites in addition to a multitude of outreach support programs. The Care Package Project™ provides care packages to deployed troops and has sent more than 32,000 boxes. The Purple Heart Family Support™ provides support for families of wounded heroes, and specifically has provided more than 16,230 meals. Operation PAL™ has sent more than 50,000 cards and letters from marine parents to wounded marines. Tracy Della Vecchia’s dedication to helping thousands of Marines, their parents and families continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Missouri and to her fellow Americans.
  • Victoria Farrar-Myers
    • Arlington, Texas
      Victoria Farrar-Myers of Arlington, Texas has been recognized for her selfless efforts in changing and influencing the lives of many students by helping them reach their full potential often at her own expense and despite suffering from Lupus. As a political science professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, Farrar-Myers has served as a mentor, counselor, friend, and parental figure. Twice, she helped prevent two students from committing suicide. She has spent countless hours volunteering with numerous civic and scholastic organizations to make a difference to her community and those around her. Farrar-Myer was awarded the Academy of Distinguished Teachers award. Though her illness forced her to quit her job, she continues to advise and counsel students. Victoria Farrar-Myers’s dedication to changing and influencing the lives of many students for their betterment continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Texas and to her fellow Americans.
  • Terrence Kelsor
    • Newark, NJ
      Terrence Kelsor of Newark, New Jersey has been recognized for saving two lives during two separate incidences, one in 1985 and another in 2009.  The first instance occurred in 1985 while he was working as a security officer on Doremus Avenue.  Late at night, Kelsor saw a traumatized and injured woman stumbling towards him; she had been sexually assaulted.  He calmed the woman down and called for assistance through WNJR radio host Gwendolyn Moseley Grant, whose call-in show was airing.  In response to the broadcast appeal, the Newark Police were alerted and responded immediately, as did a Newark cab driver who took the victim to the hospital. The second instance was on the evening of February 27, 2009, when he was working security at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PATH) station in Newark.  Kelsor witnessed an intoxicated person stumble from the PATH train platform onto the tracks as a train was entering the station.  Kelsor was able to reach the man and pull him back onto the platform and out of the path of the approaching train, saving the man’s life. Terrence Kelsor’s selfless acts of courage are an inspiration and a credit to the state of New Jersey and his fellow Americans.
  • Janet Manion
    • Doylestown, PN
      Janet Manion of Doylestown, Pennsylvania has been recognized for selflessly serving America’s fallen heroes, veterans and the military community through her creation and leadership of the Travis Manion Foundation. After learning her only son, First Lieutenant Travis Manion, had been killed in action, Janet Manion developed the foundation with a mission of assisting the families of fallen heroes, America’s veterans and the military community through three landmark programs. The Honor the Fallen program offers grants to keep the legacies of fallen heroes alive. The Character Does Matter leadership program brings the stories of fallen heroes to schools around the nation to inspire young men and women. The Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run brings local communities together for a run to remember, honor and support those lost on September 11, 2001. A total of 35 races occurred in 2011, the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. Janet Manion’s dedication to assisting the families of Fallen Heroes, veterans and the military community continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Pennsylvania and to her fellow Americans.
  • James McCormick
    • New Haven, WV
      James McCormick of New Haven, West Virginia has been recognized for selflessly helping thousands of homeless veterans find jobs and housing through his non-profit, Raising Cane Farms. In addition, he honors their sacrifice and provides valuable counseling. After serving his country for 25 years, Captain James McCormick, USA (Ret), uses his free time to serve America’s veterans. His organization, Raising Cane Farms, employs returning combat-wounded veterans adjusting to post-war life. In his spare time, he provides help with veteran casework, provides counsel to veterans with suicidal tendencies and makes arrangements for various veterans parades and tributes through his role on the New Haven City Planning Committee. James McCormick’s dedication to helping thousands of homeless veterans continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of West Virginia and to his fellow Americans.
  • Ted & Doris Redding
    • Parnell, IA
      Ted & Doris Redding of Parnell Iowa have been recognized for their decades of service to others both individually and collectively by volunteering for numerous non-profits and programs. Ted, a science teacher, used his free summers to coordinate and direct volunteers, and build several houses for Habitat for Humanity. He was a regular volunteer for local Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) projects, where he organized and led a group of volunteers to Honduras for a service project. Doris is a longtime caretaker in her church’s nursery and is a tireless volunteer for the church’s Women’s Missionary Service Commission. The Reddings volunteer several times a month at The Crowded Closet in Iowa City, Iowa, a second hand thrift store run by area Mennonite Churches of Johnson. Ted & Doris Redding’s selfless acts of volunteering for numerous non-profits and other programs are an inspiration and a credit to the state of Iowa and their fellow Americans.
  • Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt
    • San Antonio, TX
      Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt of San Antonio, Texas has been recognized posthumously for providing a scholarship fund, the Benjamin W. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship Fund that provides financial assistance to graduate students. Before deploying on his second tour of duty as a Marine in Afghanistan, Schmidt wrote a will directing that his life insurance payment would endow a scholarship for a graduate student in history. His ultimate goal was to help another realize his/her own dream. Schmidt was killed in Afghanistan on October 6, 2011. His will provided a $200,000 scholarship to a Texas Christian University (TCU) graduate and was matched by a $200,000 contribution from his father. As others learned of Schmidt’s generosity, they donated to create the Benjamin W. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship Fund, which currently totals $465,000. Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt’s dedication to providing scholarships to graduate students after sacrificing his own life in Afghanistan continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Texas and to his fellow Americans.
  • Mark Swann
    • Portland, ME
      Mark Swann of Portland, Maine has been recognized for providing decades of service by creating a community resource center, Preble Street Resource Center that has benefited thousands of homeless people. After a handful of shelters in his area closed, Swann mobilized resources and developed a shelter that has saved thousands of lives. As executive director of Preble Street Resource Center, Swann developed an organization to empower people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty and to advocate for solutions to those problems. As the local hub of programs for the most vulnerable and underserved residents of Portland, Preble Street offers three soup kitchens, a food pantry, a medical clinic, a day shelter, social services, a housing location program, and a homelessness prevention program. Mark Swann’s dedication to helping thousands of homeless people continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Maine and to his fellow Americans.