The Pecan Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross held their Everyday Heroes Celebration Dinner on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Mabee Center at Howard Payne University. Guest speaker for the event was Brownwood’s own Roy Spence, Jr., who is chairman and CEO of GSD&M Idea City, a leading national marketing communications and advertising company.
This Everyday Heroes event was not just a fundraiser, but a celebration of local residents making a real difference in the lives of the people around them. Those who go above and beyond the call of duty and take action to make a difference are the true heroes.
“The Red Cross empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” Spence said.
Spence also talked about the good memories he had growing up in Brownwood and of his family and childhood friends. 
“I would not be me without being from here,” Spence said. “I was blessed to come from a place like Brownwood Texas.”
The Everyday Heroes Awards were given to people who had extraordinary accomplishments. Heroes who were nominated live or work in the Brown, Mills, McCulloch and San Saba County areas. Award recipients were chosen from 6 categories that include Fire, Law Enforcement, Military Support, Medical Response, Educator and a Youth Hero (18 and under).
Here are the 2010 Everyday Heroes and their special accomplishments:
Cole Gordon: Cole is a sophomore at
Michael Bohensky: Nominated by his supervisor, Leigh Ann Glaze, Michael is the principal at San Saba Middle School. While there is no one specific act of heroism, there are 187 days of the school year in which Michael has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and wellbeing as well as academic learning and behavior changes of each individual student so they can reach the success he feels they each deserve. He is a light in the darkness for many of his students. Michael Bohensky is the Educator Everyday Hero for 2010.
John David Howard: Nominated by his neighbor Samantha Spearman, David Howard, chief of the Zephyr Volunteer Fire Department suffered second degree burns over his face and arms when fire overcame the fire truck he was driving. He had given his protective equipment to another person just moments before because he was “just driving.” Having been a volunteer fireman for over 20 years, he now finds himself unable to stay away and continues to assist with firefighting efforts. John David Howard is the Firefighter Everyday Hero for 2010.
Arthur Riggs: Arthur Ray Riggs was nominated by his fellow workers Deqayne Shaw, Susie Jimenez, and Sabrina Maultsby. Ray has worked in law enforcement all over central Texas and has served as Chief of Police for San Saba for the past 24 years. He is respected by the citizens he serves and the police officers that work with him. Ray stands for what he believes in and is respected for his wisdom and knowledge of the law as well as being a trustworthy and upstanding peace officer. Ray Riggs is our law Enforcement Everyday Hero for 2010.
Bobby Wallace and Dorman Pitcox: On the morning of May 14, 2009, a head on collision occurred on Hwy 190 east of Brady. Two trucks were locked together. While one driver was killed instantly, the other was pinned in his truck. Bobby Wallace and Dorman Pitcox happened on the scene seconds later and called 911, then one of the pickups burst into flame. The men sprang into action and were able to pull the trucks apart and stayed with the pinned man until more help could arrive. Had it not been for their response and disregard for their own safety, Truman Farris, husband and father of three would have perished that day. Bobby Wallace and Dorman Pitcox are the emergency response Everyday Heroes for 2010.
Terry and
Top Photo: Award Winners – (l to r) Michael Bohensky, Dixie Pitcox, Cole Gordon, Terry & Pat Way, Zoe Ortiz (grandaughter for Dorman Pitcox), John David Howard, Arthur Riggs, and Bobby Wallace.
Bottom Photo: Roy Spence embraces a woman who came to the area after she was rescued by the Red Cross during the flooding in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina.
