Eagle Scout who collected 400 pairs of shoes for homeless among Red Cross honorees — VIDEOS
Opulence in a Paris Las Vegas hallway and ballroom — complete with sparkling chandeliers and marble furniture — belied the atmosphere Wednesday of the awards ceremony it housed.
That atmosphere was humility, as more than 500 people honored stories of bravery and human kindness from "everyday heroes" chosen by the Southern Nevada Red Cross. The organization handed out 17 awards to individuals and groups in the annual ceremony.
Among the highlights was the announcement of that Christian Otter won Youth Good Samaritan, for heroes under 18.
He stood before attendees in an Eagle Scout uniform, earned as a promise to his late dad. The red ribbon strung through his medal stood out from his countless patches. His scouting project was a collaboration with Catholic Charities to collect 400 pairs of dress shoes for homeless men.
"Our youngest award winner sets an example for all of us," announcer and Vice President of Southwest Gas Chris Sohus proclaimed.
Smiling faces were the real reward for the teen, however.
"I just really loved that moment," Otter said. "Just to see how directly my project impacted those men's lives."
Otter wasn't the only honoree in uniform.
Nellis Air Force Base airmen Capt. Lance Bacon, Senior Airman Gregory Tamuzza and Senior Airman Jerome Coley also wore theirs to take the stage to accept their award in the Military category.
The three were returning to base after a car show when they saw a burning car on Interstate 15. They could hear a woman screaming, they said.
"I initially got on top of the vehicle and tried punching through the driver's window," Tamuzza recalled.
With the help of two others, the airmen pulled the male and female occupants to safety. They offered what medical care they could to the man and woman until medical responders arrived.
"Three brave Air Force airmen showed just what they're made of on and off the clock," NV Energy Senior Vice President Tony Sanchez said, presenting the award.
For the first time ever, the organization this year gave out a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Elynne Greene was recognized for four decades of contributions to the Las Vegas Valley.
Through various charity organizations and nonprofit startups, Greene helps victims of crime to navigate the criminal justice process with counseling and support services.
Ron Cornell said via video that Greene consoled, comforted and connected him to more people who could help him after his 16-year-old son was slain.
"She has a job working with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, but it's more of a passion than I think it is a job for her," Cornell said.
Her career is far from over, said The Shade Tree's Executive Director Marlene Richter. But, "she's served lifetimes in the work she's already accomplished."
It was the final award given, and the applause for Greene went on for nearly a minute.
Since 2007, spokesman Frank Rutkowski said, the American Red Cross has celebrated "ordinary people from southern Nevada that have committed extraordinary actions in the name of helping other people."
They do so in an annual Everyday Heroes Awards ceremony. This year 8 News Now anchors Kirsten Joyce and Paul Joncich hosted the fitting French toast breakfast.
Go to redcross.org to nominate an everyday hero. A committee chosen by the organization selects winners.
Contact Kimberly De La Cruz at kdelacruz@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter:@KimberlyinLV
