Real Heroes to be honored at Nov. 8 breakfast

    PRESQUE ISLE – The American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter, WAGM TV, and Northern Maine Community College are pleased to announce their selection of the six 2007 Real Heroes and three Honorary Heroes for the 10th Annual Real Heroes Breakfast to be held Thursday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 a.m. at the NMCC Edmunds Conference Center.     The heroes selected include those who have assisted others during an emergency situation or provided incredible assistance that made a difference in someone else’s life. These brave individuals were each nominated by the public and later selected by a group of community leaders because they went above and beyond the call of duty to exhibit a true act of selflessness, and their heroic acts embody the principles and ideals of the Red Cross’ humanitarian mission.
    “We were so touched by the many heart-warming stories that came from this year’s nominees,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Red Cross. “We have three heroes who are 18 years old and under. This speaks volumes about the courage and willingness our young people take to help others in need. Each one of the awardees reflects the humanitarianism of those who have made the American Red Cross the outstanding organization that it is today. We are proud to honor such great individuals.”
    The 2007 Aroostook County Real Heroes were determined by a Selection Committee chaired by Penny Kern, along with committee members Brian Massey, Cathy Martin, Jason Parent, Vern Ouellette, Kelly Landeen, Steve Corbin, Peggy Bugbee, and Ruth Kern-Doherty.
    The 2007 Real Hero awardees include:
    • Charles Mancib, 14-year-old nephew of Peter Hunt Sr., Fort Fairfield. When Peter Hunt Sr. lost consciousness at the wheel of his SUV while driving on Rt. 161 to his camp, Mancib, who was riding in the front seat, quickly responded to safely stop the SUV and boat trailer, called for help, and assisted motorists. Potential accidents and lives were saved due to his ability to think and respond quickly.
    • Noah Garrison, Mapleton. Little 7-year old Noah became a super hero when he remained calm and courageous while experiencing an accident in the car his mother was driving just days before Christmas 2006. The car hit a patch of black ice and landed upside down in a ditch – the temperatures were frigid that day. Noah was able to get out of his seatbelt and crawled over to his mother who was wedged in the front seat to help her get untangled and finally crawled in the back to help his sister get free from her car seat. Noah’s quick response helped to prevent the possible onset of hypothermia and other potential injuries to his mother, sister and himself.
    • The Founders of Caribou Pet Rescue (Norma Milton, Connie Tucker, and Caprice Miller), Caribou. Each day, hundreds of animals are being neglected, tortured, abused, and/or abandoned. These three women took a stand and said, “Enough is enough!” They took action and helped to create a sanctuary for animals in need. Over 500 animals have been taken in to be nurtured and adopted into many loving homes. The women continue to work diligently to recruit volunteers, raise funds, and improve/expand living areas for the many animals taken in each week.
    • Sam, the Dog, Stockholm. One night this past winter, Esther Caldwell was unable to wake up during an asthma attack. Sam, Caldwell’s 11-year-old German Shepard, came to her bedside and continued to hit her bed with his paw until she became alert enough to reach for her breathing equipment. Without being awakened by Sam, Caldwell would probably have died in her sleep.
    • Gregory Collagan, Eagle Lake. While on his way home from a late night get-together with friends this summer, Collagan, a high school senior, saw a house on fire. He stopped to help an elderly woman who was trying to get her husband out of their burning home. Although the couple lost their home, garage, car, and puppy, their lives were spared because of Collagan’s courage and compassionate help.
    • SSgt. Harold Maker, Houlton. SSgt. Maker serves in the Maine Army National Guard and leads a group of soldiers who ensure that those who have selflessly served our country and gave their lives for our freedom are given all the honor and respect they deserve. As the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, he goes beyond the call of duty to escort fallen soldiers from Boston’s Logan International Airport to their final resting place in northern Maine and follows up with loved ones in making sure they are cared for.
    The 2007 Honorary Heroes include:
    • Brenda Munn, Caribou. Because of her pride and deep concern for her community, Munn picks up trash and bottles daily along Caribou roads to help maintain the beauty of her hometown.
    • Shirley Fortin, Caribou. Fortin was able to raise funds to keep the doors of the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen in Caribou open this year. She dedicates her time and efforts to ensure the kitchen is stocked, helps to prepare daily meals, and even walks up to two miles each day to volunteer her services to so many who are in need and appreciative of her help.
    • Houlton High School Sports Booster Club, Houlton. When a student, who by doctor’s orders, needed an AED (automated external defibrillator), the club raised the funds to purchase the machine that allowed the student to even play at away games. Now the machine is available, if needed, for other students or fans at all games and school activities.
    The presentations will be held at the Real Heroes Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 8 at Northern Maine Community College, where their amazing stories will be recounted. The doors will open at 7 a.m. and Master of Ceremonies Rene Cloukey of WAGM TV will begin the program at 7:30 a.m.
    Community and business members are invited to celebrate the heroism of these local individuals, while at the same time supporting the local disaster relief and preparedness efforts of the Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross. Table sponsorships are available at various recognition levels. Individual tickets can be purchased for $25 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 762-5671 or stop by the Red Cross office at 141 State St.