Steven Cutsail spent his entire career working tirelessly to support his country. In 1979, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and committed to active duty in 1981. He was on active duty for 32 years and just after a 10-month tour in Afghanistan retired in 2013. However, retirement has not slowed his passion for serving his country and he is being honored by Salute to Heroes for his unwavering commitment to supporting his fellow veterans.

Just after retirement, Steven worked as a government contractor supporting military families while their loved ones were deployed, also finding job opportunities for veterans. The experience opened the door for him to expand upon the work of supporting veterans by volunteering in his local community. The evidence of Steven’s commitment can be seen in his support of AMVETS (American Veterans) where he is the Post Commander of Post 13 in North Carolina, when volunteering with the Davidson County Veterans Honor Guard, in his role as Adjutant of Davidson County Honor Guard handling the administration for military honors for veteran funerals, in his role as Adjutant of Davidson County Veterans Council where he works to coordinate multiple initiatives between local veterans’ groups, and as Service Officer of VFW Post 3074.

Through the Davidson County Veterans Council, Steven handles the team of veteran volunteers that plan and execute the annual Veterans Day Parade in Lexington, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremonies at the I-85 Rest Area in Thomasville, and the annual Memorial Day Veterans Event at Forest Hill Memorial Park.

Over the years, Steven has amassed a large network of individuals and resources to support veterans and their families when they are in need. He is the person that people frequently call when needs are identified, and in those moments, he does all that he can to get those people the support that they need which often comes in the form of donations made by people within his list of resources. Steven says that he gets daily calls that someone needs help, from paying their electric bills to needing mobility aid. When the calls come Steven puts the calls out in his community and can usually get assistance within 24 hours. He even became a notary so that veterans could have access to these services and often helps veterans file their will and testament.

Steven said, “When you first join the Army, the core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage are instilled in you. When you leave the military, you are living by these values.” He says that these values are part of what drives him to continue supporting veterans and their families. According to Steven, many veterans need support when transitioning to civilian life and often it helps them to understand the resources that are available to them. The process of understanding what resources are available to veterans’ families can be even more difficult and helping families find the support they need is incredibly important.

Steven is grateful to be recognized by the community for his efforts; however, he is hesitant to call himself a hero. He reminds us that the “real heroes are the fallen and their families.” While the veteran might be gone, their families still need help. He says, “Their loved ones, also gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Nearly thirty years have passed since Hugh Honeycutt began volunteering with the American Red Cross. He credits his involvement to his former boss who asked him to replace him on the board of the Middle Georgia Chapter in Macon Georgia. Hugh’s boss was stepping down from his board position and was eager to have the company remain involved. Hugh eagerly agreed and his journey with the American Red Cross continues today.

Over the years, Hugh has given his time and energy in a variety of ways. When in Macon, he participated in the board through fundraising, public events, and governance. In 2002, he accepted the role of Chairman of the Board. A few years later, his family moved to North Carolina, and upon arrival, he became involved with the Lexington Chapter. Once again, he found himself serving on the board and eventually becoming the Chapter Chair. Although he does not currently hold a position, he remains involved in many ways.

Hugh became a Community Volunteer Leader in Davidson County. He has efforts have been instrumental in the “Sound the Alarm” initiative where he works with volunteers and local fire marshals to install fire alarms in homes throughout the community. To date, the American Red Cross has completed approximately 20 neighborhood installs in Winston Salem, Lexington, Denton, Asheboro, High Point, and the surrounding areas. Hugh also coordinates small teams for home installs that respond to requests.

As a community outreach volunteer, Hugh represents the American Red Cross at numerous events including United Way events. He is a blood donor ambassador, and he is currently training to be a CPR instructor. Hugh also volunteers with the Salute to Heroes program and often meets with local emergency services officials to promote the program and share the call for nominations. Whether hosting the Salute to Heroes event or getting tickets, Hugh recognizes the importance of honoring members of the community who are dedicating their lives to serving others.

Hugh credits the American Red Cross for allowing him to know his community. Since 1995, Hugh has offered his talents as a relationship-builder to raise awareness, fundraise, and recruit volunteers to serve the organization. He is being recognized by Salute to Heroes for his unwavering commitment to the American Red Cross and the people that the American Red Cross serves in all our communities.

Anthony Haymore is an EMT-Paramedic with Guilford County Government Emergency Services. On Dec 30, 2023, Anthony was at the Sheetz Gas Station on Sandy Ridge Rd in Colfax, NC filling the ambulance with gas when he heard gunfire. From his vantage point, he observed the suspects flee the scene in their vehicle and an injured patient in the parking lot. Without regard for his safety, Anthony immediately ran to assist the patient. He was quickly joined by Officer Cameron Peach who was also at the gas station at the time of the shooting. The two worked relentlessly to administer lifesaving care. Despite their best efforts, Sergeant Nix succumbed to his injuries later that day.

When he approached the scene, Anthony was not aware that it was Sergeant Dale Nix who was injured. He describes the experience as one where he saw someone in need, and he acted. Typically, with violent crimes, paramedics will stay at a staged safety location until the scene has been secured. However, on this day, Anthony knew that time was of the essence, and he did not hesitate to assist. Anthony Haymore ran towards danger that afternoon without any protective equipment.

At the time of the shooting, the Sheetz was exceptionally busy, and Anthony describes it as a situation where more people could have easily been injured. Amidst the urgency of the situation, he was able to find steadiness and do the work that he had been trained to do. He credits the partnership that he formed with Officer Peach as being an integral part of his ability to stabilize Sergeant Nix.

Anthony is being recognized for his courageous commitment to helping community members in need and his selfless decision to take immediate action when he saw that Sergeant Nix had been injured.

Sergeant Philip Dale Nix was a law enforcement officer who made a difference in the City of Greensboro, in Guilford County, and across the nation through his unwavering commitment to serving his community and advocating for the most vulnerable- victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. On Dec 30, 2023, Sergeant Nix was reading a book outside the Sheetz Gas Station on Sandy Ridge Rd in Colfax, NC. At the time, he was off duty, yet he was quick to intervene when he witnessed a crime in progress. Sergeant Nix was shot and killed that day, serving and protecting the community he so loved.

Sergeant Nix was an avid reader who would often read a book while enjoying a cup of coffee. On this day in December, he was sitting at a table outside of the gas station when two suspects pulled up in their vehicle and proceeded to steal cases of beer from the store. Staff at the Sheetz knew Sergeant Nix and knew that he was an off-duty police officer. As the crime transpired, one of the clerks called out to Sergeant Nix for help and he immediately jumped into action. He approached the vehicle to confront the suspects who then opened fire.

Sergeant Nix was a 22-year veteran of the Greensboro Police Department who spent the last six years as the Detective Supervisor over the Family Victims Unit (FVU) based at the Guilford County Family Justice Center. Dale was known for his work giving a voice to victims and families exposed to domestic violence and abuse. Through his dedication and hard work, he saved thousands of lives. He was skilled at connecting directly with victims, becoming their greatest champion and hero.

Sergeant Nix had an unbelievable ability to make someone feel safe, seen, and heard. He worked tirelessly, supporting victims on their darkest days and sticking with them throughout their healing journey with a fiery, contagious passion. His leadership was profound locally and nationwide. He placed a high priority on mentoring and training his FVU Detectives and new officers in Greensboro’s Police Academy. He also conducted training at the state and national level on things like successful partnerships with law enforcement in Family Justice Centers, establishing high-risk teams, and building successful elder justice teams to combat elder abuse.

Since his death, the GPD has heard story after story from community members and past victims, describing how he went above and beyond every day, demonstrating compassion and service excellence. He leaves behind a lasting legacy at the Greensboro Police Department and in his community.