Portsmouth Man Honored as 2014 Red Cross Hero

Submitted by the American Red Cross:

American Red Cross New Hampshire is proud to announce that New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan will be in attendance at Red Cross New Hampshire’s 2014 Heroes Breakfast on March 6th at Southern New Hampshire University’s Dining and Conference Facility from 7:30AM-9AM.

"The citizens and groups honored at the American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast exemplify the 'all-hands-on-deck' spirit of New Hampshire's people, proving that when we care for each other, we all get stronger," Governor Maggie Hassan said. "I want to thank American Red Cross New Hampshire, Unitil Corporation, and, most importantly, the 2014 Heroes for their unyielding dedication to helping their fellow citizens and for everything that they do to strengthen our communities and our state."

“We are pleased to have Governor Hassan attending this year’s Heroes Breakfast,” notes Maria White, CEO, of American Red Cross New Hampshire. “The Red Cross welcomes and appreciates our Governor’s ongoing support and recognition of our 2014 Red Cross Heroes.”

American Red Cross New Hampshire alongside Unitil Corporation, our Heroes Breakfast Title Sponsor, proudly join service areas nationwide in this signature event that recognizes and honors members of the New Hampshire community. These honored individuals made a significant difference in the lives of others by performing acts of extraordinary courage, or by selflessly giving their time and efforts to benefit those in need. Our Heroes this year are continuing proof that one person can indeed make a lasting and meaningful impact to human life with one caring act.

This event is open to the public and tickets are $25 per person or $200 for an eight-person table. To purchase tickets or for more details about the Heroes Breakfast, please contact Lucie Thibodeau by either calling (603) 889-6664 or emailing lucie.thibodeau@redcross.org. To see a full list of this year’s sponsors, please visit redcross.org/nh.

2014 Red Cross Heroes:

Kellie Barr-Foster, of Barrington, was rock climbing at Stonehenge Pond in Barrington when she heard shouting coming from the pond. A fisherman had capsized his boat and was under duress, weighted down by his waders and fishing line tangled around his legs. Kellie quickly jumped into the water and swam him to safety.

For over 13 years, Christopher Bridge, of Portsmouth, has been making it his priority to donate platelets on a regular basis. The time required to collect platelets is approximately 2 hours, so consistent donors are scarce and with a shelf life of only 5 days, the need for platelets is great. As a double needle triple unit donor, Chris’ commitment is invaluable.

Described as “an angel sent by God,” Robin Comstock, President/CEO of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, was behind a car when it was involved in a serious accident. She immediately stopped and ran to aide the driver of the car, who had been seriously injured. She provided a compassionate presence and support to the victim and her daughter until the EMTs arrived. 

Soldiers of the Fox Company, 1-169th AV of the New Hampshire National Guard performed hundreds of life saving missions in Afghanistan, carrying 527 patients to higher levels of care, and were the first aircrews to provide blood transfusions during flight.

The Waterville Valley Academy Staff sprang into action when a 14 year old at their summer training camp went into cardiac arrest during training. Several of the coaches worked together to perform CPR while a patroller quickly responded with an AED and oxygen.