American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter

Everyday Heroes Breakfast < Back

Meet the Everyday Heroes for 2002!

Tim Brown
Lucy Lyon
Alice Wyman
Tom Harrison
Mark Warnick
Heather Wooten
ReGen Technology Employees: Carl Adams, Kevin Dotson, Steve Gimlin, Amy Harlow, David Morelock

Randy Morelock
Kenneth Wilson
Rob Greenwood
Jessica Arnold
Ashlee Doolittle
Debra Mergen
Staff Sgt. Joseph G. Zilligen
Judy Ermold
Corporal Donald M. Ivie

Education Hero Tim Brown
Sponsored by ALLTEL

Tim Brown
L-R: ALLTEL representative Ted Dick, Education Hero Tim Brown, and Red Cross Board Chair Chuck Medley

Compassi-onate person, fearless leader, character builder, and valued educator are words that describe Tim Brown, Campbell Elementary principal. Through weekly character building assemblies, Mr. Brown instills respect and responsibility while promoting and encouraging daily attendance in a variety of fun ways. His personal attention to every child and staff member is filling the halls with Campbell Cougar Pride.

Going beyond the duties of a principal, Tim constantly challenges students to do their best and achieve their goals. Positive bulletin boards, attention grabbing announcements, and loud happy singing are common occurrences at Campbell Elementary. Tim�s costumes and cartwheels have been known to turn a few heads and make learning FUN! And it is working. Reading and math scores are on the rise! Campbell educators are motivated to reach inside themselves and beyond what appears possible. Mr. Brown�s leadership challenges teachers to implement new programs for diverse learners. His ability to make school fun has encouraged even the most reluctant student to attend, learn and enjoy school.

All students are encouraged to set high goals, not only with academics, but with life skills as well. By developing a character education support system for parents and involving community leaders as mentors, Campbell students are on their way to being great productive citizens.

Tim Brown may think that he is just doing his job and having fun, but the differences he is making will last a lifetime for many students.

Education Hero Lucy Lyon
Sponsored by ALLTEL

Lucy Lyon
L-R: Education Hero Lucy Lyon, ALLTEL representative
Ted Dick, and Red Cross Board Chair Chuck Medley

Lucy Lyon, Crane Elementary principal oversees the education of 274 students every school day. Mrs. Lyon wears many different hats during the course of a day. Sometimes Mrs. Lyon is a problem-solver, a substitute teacher, fundraiser or disciplinarian, but she is always a cheerleader. Her positive attitude directly influences Crane Elementary students. They are watching and learning from their Everyday Hero.

The fourth grade students of Crane Elementary said it best when each student wrote a letter stating why Mrs. Lyon is an Everyday Hero. Here are some excerpts:

She jokes around with us to show the Pirate Spirit, and that is why she is my Everyday Hero.
She protects the kids. She smiles a lot and never in the day has a frown.
If a kid doesn�t have a house, she will help and eventually work something out.
Mrs. Lyon deals with a lot of problems. She also solves the problems.
Mrs. Lyon gives us games, candy, pencils, and compliments.
She painted the halls of our school. I like her because she does so much for us.
Mrs. Lyon helps us solve problems.
She works long hours, getting to school at 6:30 a.m. and staying until 7:30 p.m.
She helps people to make this school better.
When I�m having trouble with a friend, she helps me straighten it out.
Mrs. Lyon is very cool.
She is a good person to look up to.
She doesn�t just act like she�s listening- she really listens. She helps teachers with their problems. I respect that.
She has a tough job so when she gets home she ought to be tired.
I like Mrs. Lyon because she is like a warrior and takes care of us. I know she is strong.

Family Hero Alice Wyman
Sponsored by Office Concepts

Alice Wyman is indeed a hero to her grandson, Tanner. Mrs. Wyman is truly an inspirational and guiding force in Tanner�s life. Read portions of his nomination letter to learn why Alice is Tanner�s hero everyday.

A week after my fourth birthday my mom died in a house fire (I was at Grandma�s house that night). It was just Grandma and me then, so she adopted me, gave me a good home, love and happiness. I am now twelve years old and in the sixth grade.

My grandma is 75 years old, but seems a lot younger. We do a lot of fun things together. In the summer we go camping in our travel trailer, and go to the rodeo in Ozark. She even plays one-on-one basketball with me sometimes! But most important, we go to church regularly. My school grades are very good, with all A�s except for one B. That�s because Grandma taught me that my school work is very important, and we study a lot at home. She has also taught me to be kind, courteous, to respect other people�s feelings, to be my own self, and to love God.

She enjoys and encourages me in all my school activities and sports. We live in the country, but she takes me once and sometimes twice a week for summer baseball, and cheers me on at all my basketball games. She tells me that with determination and a belief in myself, I can fulfill my dreams for the future, which is to graduate from college, play in the NBA and become a cartoonist.

My Grandma is retired and could be doing the things she could not while working, but instead she selflessly chose to make a loving home for me. In my opinion, she is the best hero in the whole wide world. She also lets me know everyday how much she loves me, and I love her too!

Firefighter Hero Tom Harrison
Sponsored by Office Concepts

Late one evening, as volunteer firefighter Tom Harrison prepared to retire for the evening, he noticed a house fire approximately one block from his own home. He immediately alerted the Ozark fire department, and rushed to assess the situation.

When he arrived at the fire, Tom discovered a family of five completely unaware of the situation. An RV parked very near to the rear of their home had become fully engulfed in flames. Firefighter Harrison quickly evacuated all family members including a toddler who is waiting for a liver transplant. As he exited the house, Harrison closed all doors of the residence to hamper the spread of the flames. The fire from the RV spread to the house and damaged two-thirds of the home before it was extinguished.

The location of this home was outside Ozark city limits and has no fire hydrants. Two pumper trucks and two tanker trucks from Ozark delivered flame-dousing water. Nixa fire department also responded with one tanker truck. A propane heater intended to provide warmth to a liter of newborn puppies housed in the RV caused the fire.

Because of Harrison�s quick reaction, no lives were lost. An early warning from Firefighter Harrison allowed the evacuating family to gather some necessary medical equipment for their ill child.

Tom Harrison is to be commended for acting quickly and having the insight to protect neighboring properties by reducing the potential spread of flames. This volunteer firefighter is indeed a hero.

Adult Good Samaritan Hero Mark Warnick
Sponsored by A Friend of the American Red Cross

Many people believe that Mark Warnick�s extensive experience in both paid and volunteer firefighting has saved more lives and property than any 10 firefighters do in their lifetimes. He has done this not only through fighting fires, but also by relocating excess equipment to poor fire departments. Without financial backing, Warnick filled a lifesaving need fueled by his dedication to fire service and concern for the safety of others.

As a firefighter with the Brixey and Rockbridge Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Warnick was asked to find equipment for his struggling department. After testifying to the needs of rural Missouri firefighters before the Missouri Senate, offers of free equipment began pouring in. Warnick soon realized that there was more excess equipment than one department could use. Warnick�s desire to save lives resulted in the creation of Helping Our Own. This unique volunteer organization locates available firefighting equipment and coordinates its transfer to struggling rural fire departments. So far, Warnick has relocated over $13.8 million in excess equipment to poor departments including 70 departments in the Ozarks. Volunteers are recruited to spend time building new firehouses for departments lacking them.

Warnick is a true hero to thousands of firefighters. He holds training and command positions in volunteer fire departments, all while spearheading Helping Our Own. Mark�s dedication and desire to help others is multiplied many times through many fire departments. By empowering firefighters with proper equipment, lives are saved by many sharing the desire to save lives.

Youth Good Samaritan Heather Wooten
Sponsored by Howard Baily Company

Meet Heather Wooten. A healthy, active, adorable seven year-old who helped someone battle cancer. In her own way, Heather provided self-esteem and stability to a cancer patient whom she did not know.

As a kindergartner with gorgeous waist-length hair, Heather heard about the Locks of Love program. This program accepts donations of healthy human hair to make wigs for patients who have lost their own hair while battling cancer. When undergoing cancer-fighting radiation and drug therapy, many patients lose their own hair. Having a wig to replace their loss provides a sense of normalcy in an uncertain life. By donating just ten inches of her hair, Heather made it possible for someone fighting cancer to have a wig.

Heather�s generosity grew far beyond this one act of kindness. Word quickly spread through McBride Elementary School. Three teachers and two students were inspired to grow their hair or donate existing hair. Heather�s desire to help just one person has been magnified several times. Instead of helping one person, six cancer patients will now have human hair wigs to boost their spirits.

Heather�s generosity proves that one young person can make a difference. She plans to donate her hair again as soon as it grows long enough. Until then, sharing her story will hopefully inspire others to make a difference. It doesn�t take much, just a willing heart and ten inches of hair. Thanks Heather, for showing us how to be a Good Samaritan.

Industrial Safety Heroes ReGen Technologies Employees:
Carl Adams, Kevin Dotson, Steve Gimlin Amy Harlow, David Morelock, Randy Morelock, and Kenneth WilsonSponsored by KY3

ReGen Technologies Employees
L-R: KY3 General Manager Mike Scott, Industrial Safety Heroes: Kenneth Wilson, Kevin Dotson,
Randy Morelock, Carl Adams, David Morelock, Amy Harlow, Steve Gimlin, and Red Cross Board
Chair Chuck Medley

Last December, ReGen Technologies employee Bob Volner experienced a medical emergency while at work. Without warning, Bob collapsed to the floor, striking his head on metal shelving on the way down. Immediately, the ReGen team of First Responders reacted by checking the scene for safety, calling for help, and caring for Bob�s injuries.

Randy Morelock cleared Bob�s obstructed airway and restored his breathing while Carl Adams called 911. Amy Harlow applied pressure bandages to the deep gashes on Bob�s head and face. Kenneth Wilson and Randy Morelock worked together to prevent Bob from moving as he drifted in and out of consciousness. Steve Gimlin obtained an oxygen tank while David Morelock disbursed the crowd of onlookers and provided additional bandages. Kevin Dotson made sure that all blood soaked bandages were properly deposited in a biohazard bag. After EMTs arrived, Bob was transported to the nearest trauma facility.

According to physicians, Bob had a seizure that caused him to collapse. Each person contributed a vital element that completed the lifesaving steps of check, call, and care. There is no doubt that the combined selflessness of this team saved Bob�s life. ReGen Technologies is very proud of the training and quick response of individuals who came to Bob�s aid. But most of all they are proud to say that Bob is alive and well, and still part of the ReGen family.

Adult Lifesaver Hero Rob Greenwood
Sponsored by The American Red Cross

Friends Rob Greenwood, Chris Lewis, and Vince Cummings were on a hunting expedition last fall that could have ended tragically. At the end of day, a boat ride carried the hunters back across the ice-cold lake to their vehicles. Striking an unseen obstacle, the boat capsized and tossed the friends into the freezing water. Rob and Chris barely managed to reach shore, and they noticed Vince was still in the water. Being a smaller man, the frigid water was limiting his ability to swim. He started going under again and again.

Rob realized that Vince was not going to make it to shore and he entered the painfully cold water for a second time. He summoned the power and courage to swim out to Vince and tow him to the shore. Vince was blue, and convulsing from the traumatic experience. Rob picked up Vince and ran to the nearest house located more than two hundred yards away. At the hospital, Vince was admitted and after one hour of medical attention, his core body temperature was still 90 degrees.

Vince has experienced a full recovery. He survives to be part of future hunting and fishing trips with his buddies. Vince states that he owes his life to Rob, acknowledging that he didn�t expect to be rescued, but he is thankful for Rob�s heroic act.

Everyday Hero nominator Eugene Murray summed up Greenwood�s heroic act by saying, �Bravery is when you are scared to death and you save someone else�s life.�

Youth Lifesaver Hero Jessica Asbell
Sponsored by Linda�s Flowers

Last August, on one of those unbearable, steamy hot days, Jessica Arnold decided to wash her car. On the same day, Lee Asbell decided to cut tall grass with his tractor that was equipped with newly installed blades. It was around noon, and Jessica didn�t see any other neighbors outside, so she was puzzled when she kept hearing someone call for help.

Mr. Asbell had raised the blades and shut off the tractor to climb underneath it to adjust the blades. The hydraulic cylinder leaked oil and dropped down on his leg, pinning him to the ground. He started yelling for help, and after about an hour, he thought he saw a deer coming through the tall grass. He says it wasn�t a deer after all, but a �dear.� Jessica who heard his persistent calls from nearly one-half mile away.

Jessica had traveled through two neighboring one-acre yards, across Kissick Road, up a ditch, climbed over a fence and waded through pasture and trees to discover Mr. Asbell. She asked if he wanted her to get help, and he said, �No, young lady, I want you to get on the tractor and start it up!� She claimed that she didn�t know how to operate a tractor, but Asbell said he would tell her how. Because Asbell had left the tractor in reverse, he instructed Jessica to push in the clutch pedal and hold it down while she started the tractor. Asbell was freed with leg lacerations and some bruising, but no broken bones.

Mr. Asbell credits Jessica with saving his life and calls her a guardian angel. Jessica could have easily dismissed his cries for help that day, but she didn�t, and Mr. Asbell is gratefully alive today.

Youth Lifesaver Hero Ashlee Doolittle
Sponsored by Linda�s Flowers

Training for an emergency can really pay off. Ashlee Doolittle is a certified American Red Cross Babysitter who was called to action while on the job one evening. Read her exciting account to find out just why it pays to be prepared. Hey, guess what? I am SO glad I took that babysitting class!! I was sitting for a 2-month-old named Hailey tonight, and she was asleep and everything was fine. When I went to check on her I saw that she had vomited. Both her mouth and nose were blocked�she was choking!

So I did the back blows and abdominal thrusts a few times like they taught us to do in class. I listened closely, but she still wasn�t breathing, so I checked her airway again. Then I turned her over and upside down, and hit her back with the palm of my hand again. She finally got a few breaths. I thought it was over, but she did it again, at this point she was turning blue! So I thought I would try it one more time before I called 911. As I ran towards the phone I did it one more time and she then was fine. She just cried a little bit and I watched her real close. I was there by myself, and the baby�s mom said she was glad that I was the one with her when it happened because she would have freaked out and not known what to do. So that class did pay off!!! Love, Ashlee

After the incident, Ashlee learned that Hailey had a medical condition that caused her airway to become easily obstructed. Thankfully, Ashlee had taken the training that prepared her to respond to this lifesaving event.

Medical Hero Debra Mergen
Sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Gregory Haake

It takes a community of people providing a variety of services to ensure that children have a safe environment where they can learn. One Springfield parent has taken notice of how an elementary school nurse is making a difference in children�s lives with her actions. Read Mary Ann Dahlgren�s account of how one person is making a difference everyday.

Debra is the school nurse at Disney Elementary. She provides care to over 650 children every school day. Not only does she take care of stomachaches, sore throats, and cuts, but she also gives each child respect and love from deep within her. A child never walks by her office that doesn�t get a smile, a wink, a high-five or a hug. She speaks to parents frequently to let them know of any difficulties their child may be having. In a nonjudgmental way she refers low-income parents to clinics to get their children the needed medicine or glasses they wouldn�t be able to afford. She has excellent assessment skills to identify children in crisis who otherwise would not have a voice in abuse situations. She constantly teaches the children ways to stay healthy. She identifies an emergency, remains calm, and reassures the child until help has arrived. Debra is an everyday hero for every child at Disney Elementary School.

Military Hero Staff Sergeant
Joseph G. Zilligen
Sponsored by Corporate Business Systems

SSgt Joseph G. Zilligen
L-R: Staff Sgt. Phil Hampton, Missouri National Guard, Staff
Sgt. Dan Roeckle, Air Force, Military Hero SSgt Joseph G. Zilligen, Captain Donny Mihalevich, Missouri National Guard, retired Major Kenneth Fields, United States Army,
Red Cross Board Chair Chuck Medley (not shown)

Heroes are heroes because they perform acts that cause someone to take notice. When one person�s actions have a positive impact on others, it is both exciting and rewarding to know that others are watching and learning from your example. Marine Staff Sergeant Joseph G. Zilligen�s examples have caused others to notice his actions. His nomination by Captain Tom Przybelski explains how SSgt Zilligen makes a difference not only as a Marine, but also as a resident of southwest Missouri.

SSgt Zilligen has been a key member of the Marine Corps� active duty staff, reserve support staff, and the Springfield community for over three years. His dedication and knowledge contribute greatly to the readiness of Springfield�s 160th Marine reserve unit. As the unit�s supply and embarkation officer, he works diligently to ensure that the unit�s equipment is ready and that the unit is able to deploy on a moment�s notice. More noticeable to the Ozarks is Joe�s long-term commitment to the community. In October, our unit�s headquarter in St. Louis recognized his community involvement by awarding him the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. This medal is a rare award that is presented for at least three years of sustained and substantial volunteer service in the local community. In addition, from October through December this past year, SSgt Zilligen was the Marine Corps� Toys for Tots coordinator for the Southwest Missouri area. In this role he supervised the collection and distribution of 16,000 toys to 8,000 children in 16 counties. SSgt is a vital part of my staff and an unsung part of the Ozarks� family.

Woodruff/Community Justice Hero
Judy Ermold
Sponsored by Ozark Crime Prevention Council

Loving life, living it to its fullest, and using a wealth of special talents for the service of others makes Judy Ermold an Everyday Hero. The Victim�s Center is truly blessed by the gifts of time and energy that Judy continues to share. Since the spring of 1999, Judy has been a volunteer victim advocate for The Victim Center. She has worked countless hours on the 24-hour crisis hotline answering calls from victims of violent crimes and their families who were in crisis. Her support
and guidance has comforted many
when all hope seemed lost.

Additionally, Judy attended monthly volunteer victim advocate meetings and training sessions required of advocates to perform their duties. She created a �mini-manual� for volunteer advocates that is a quick guide and resource for new volunteers. Ermold has also provided training sessions for new volunteer victim advocates, and created T.I.P.S. (To Improve Peace and Serenity/To Impede Panic Sessions) for volunteer advocates.

Judy initiated, developed and continues to write the monthly Advocate Spotlight that features both volunteers and staff members from The Victim�s Center each month. She now serves as a member of The Victim�s board of directors. This unique role allows her to share her experiences as an advocate with other board members. By chairing the public relations committee, Judy has been instrumental in educating the public about The Victim�s Center mission, services, and outreach to violent crime victims, their families, and the community.

Thanks for all you do, Judy!

Woodruff/Law Enforcement Hero
Corporal Don Ivie
Sponsored by Ozark Crime Prevention Council

Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. Last year, Trooper Don Ivie was instrumental in diffusing an extremely serious situation that could have had fatal results.

On June 6, the Webster County Sheriff�s department requested Missouri State Highway Patrol assistance with a suicidal subject who was intoxicated and in possession of a handgun. When sheriff deputies arrived, the subject began firing his weapon in the air. Troopers Don Ivie, Mike Cary, and Trenton Badgett were dispatched to the incident. Troopers Cary and Badgett took up positions at the front of the residence. Trooper Ivie and Fordland Police Chief Castleberry circled the residence to gain a better observation point of the incident.

After arriving at the rear of the residence, Trooper Ivie made the decision to position himself on the southeast corner. Radio contact was established with Trooper Badgett who advised that the subject was on the front deck of the residence with a revolver in hand. Fearing there were other occupants in the residence who might be in danger, Trooper Ivie made entry into the basement at the rear of the house.

Trooper Ivie cleared the immediate area and made his way up the stairway. He then observed the subject from inside the house. Seeing that the subject had placed the weapon on the ground, Trooper Ivie ran across the living room, through the front door, and tackled the subject before he could reach for the weapon. The subject was taken into custody, bringing the volatile and dangerous situation to a peaceful end. Trooper Ivie is commended for his courageous act in the line of duty.

2002 Everyday Heroes

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