In the quiet corners of our communities, heroes are made every day. They are not always found in the headlines, but in the classrooms, on the playgrounds, and in the hearts of those they serve. Today, we honor a remarkable hero, Ms. Amber Baker, a Pre-K teacher whose quick thinking and deep compassion saved a life.

Amber works at King Elementary School, where she teaches a class of eight to ten students with exceptional needs. Her students, who have a variety of developmental delays, require extensive care and supervision. But as her principal, Daniel Bryant, attests, Amber is an amazing teacher who pours her heart into her students, or as she calls them, "my babies."

One of her students this past year was a sweet, non-verbal little girl who has developmental delays and struggles with PICA, a condition that causes her to put non-food items in her mouth. As a result, Amber and her teaching assistants monitored her very closely.

On February 8, 2024, as the students were coming in from recess, the child began to choke. Unseen by her teachers, she had picked up two small rocks and tucked them into her cheeks. She was not coughing or struggling; however, her airway was completely blocked, and she was unable to breathe. Being non-verbal, she couldn't call for help.

Amber noticed something was wrong almost immediately. She quickly and calmly assessed the situation, performed the Heimlich maneuver, and successfully dislodged a quarter-sized rock, saving the child's life.

For Amber, this act of heroism was a combination of preparation, instinct, and a deep, loving connection to her students. "These kids are a part of me, they are my babies," she says. Her experience as a first responder for many years in her early career undoubtedly prepared her for this moment, allowing her to stay calm and take action.

Amber's path to becoming a Pre-K teacher for students with special needs was a decision she made with great care and prayer. After 16 years of teaching kindergarten, she switched to Pre-K and, three years ago, took on the role of teaching a separate class
for children with exceptional needs. It's a challenging job, but she finds immense joy in seeing her little ones learn and grow right before her eyes. She also works as a helper for afour-year-old boy with autism, a role that further deepens her commitment to helping children with special needs thrive.

Amber Baker's story is a powerful reminder that our most vulnerable citizens are often cared for by heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty. Her preparation, awareness, and love for her students ensured that a child would continue to see success in the future and brighten the day of all who encounter her. We are proud to honor Amber with a Salute to Heroes award, celebrating a life dedicated to caring for others.

Heroism often emerges in the most unexpected moments, showcasing the extraordinary courage of ordinary people. Today, we want to shine a lighton four such heroes, whose quick thinking and selflessness saved lives during a perilous whitewater rafting trip.

The serene beauty of the with a minor rapid, which unexpectedly tossed both the guide and Amber from the raft. Savannah, with impressive strength, managed to pull them both back in. This incident, while unnerving, was a precursor to the true test of their resilience. Unbeknownst to them, their raft was supposed to have set up safety nets further downstream—a crucial step that, unfortunately, never happened.

The real challenge arrived at the last rapid, a notorious stretch of the river. Chaos erupted. Rosalie, with incredible presence of mind, clung to Chloe, keeping them both secured in the raft. Amidst the swirling water, Abby was easily pulled back into the raft by her quick-thinking companion.

But the most dire situation unfolded with Amber. She had been sitting on the right side of the raft, yet was flung out to the left, her right foot becoming entangled in a string attached to the Nantahala River provided the backdrop for what began as an exciting Girl Scout adventure. The raft carried two Girl Scout Leaders, Amber and Savannah, along with four eager Girl Scouts: Abby, Madison, Rosalie, and Chloe, who shared her incredible account of that day. Their guide, relatively new to the role, had only two months of experience under their belt.

The initial signs of trouble appeared side. Trapped and repeatedly submerged, Amber was in grave danger. It was the young Girl Scout, right beside her, who realized Amber was stuck and, with admirable composure, unhooked her foot, freeing her from the perilous snag.

With the guide now swimming to safety and no safety nets in place, Amber's actions truly cemented her heroism. Despite the ordeal she had just endured, she selflessly mustered her remaining strength and pushed the raft with the remaining Girl Scouts towards the exit and safety. Meanwhile, Savannah, demonstrating herincredible fortitude, managed to grab Madison and navigate them both to a large rock in the middle of the raging river. There, they held on, exposed to the elements, until a rescue boat could backtrack and bring them to safety.

Amber's story is a powerful reminder that heroes aren't just figures from comic books; they are individuals who, in moments of crisis, exhibit profound courage and prioritize the well-being of others above their own. Her swift actions, even after being in a life-threatening situation herself, were instrumental in ensuring the safety of the Girl Scouts in her care.

We are incredibly proud to honor these Girl Scouts with the Salute to Heroes award. Their compassion, bravery, and unwavering dedication to protecting those around them truly embody the spirit of this recognition. Their actions on the Nantahala River will forever serve as an inspiring example of courage.

Born in Winston- Salem, North Carolina, Mr. Pouncey's journey of service began during the Vietnam era. "After school, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew it was important to sign up and serve my country," he recalls. His three years in the Army included a posting inSouth Korea before he was sent back to the U.S. to attend Drill Sergeant School at Fort Bragg.

During the time that Mr. Pouncey was in the Army, there was a great need for drill sergeants. "I thought it was a great honor to train new soldiers," Mr. Pouncey shares. This physically demanding role required high standards: a background investigation, a diploma, and strong communication skills. His primary duty was to train recruits, many of whom, he knew, would soon be heading to Vietnam. He understood the enormity that this training would have on the lives of these soldiers. He said, "I knew that most of these soldiers would be going to Vietnam; once they did eight weeks with me, they would have another eight weeks, and then they’d be going into a war zone."

Mr. Pouncey's appointment as the first African American Drill Sergeant at Fort Bragg in July 1966 was not just a personal milestone; it was a turning point in military inclusion. At a time when African Americans were still striving for full recognition and equality, he rose above adversity, leading with strength, dignity, and grace. He helped shift the culture within the armed forces, creating space for leadership that reflected America’s diversity. His position brought visibility and opportunity to African American servicemembers and inspired a new standard of representation in uniform. "Most of my class in drill sergeant school were white; I was the only black sent to Ft. Bragg at that time," he recounts, emphasizing the significance of his assignment to restore the training base there. His groundbreaking role is training the first group of recruits at Ft Bragg and even made the front page of the newspaper in July 1966.

"Serving in the Army taught me discipline, sacrifice, and brotherhood," Mr. Pouncey states, values that guided his path beyond the military. After three impactful years in the service (including one in South Korea), he joined the Winston-Salem Police Department, serving for 24 years and 8 months. "It was another honor to serve the people of Winston-Salem," he notes, reflecting his continuous dedication to public service. As a police officer, he rose through the ranks, eventually achieving the rank of Captain.

Mr. Pouncey's contributions extend far beyond his uniformed service. He was a leader with the American Legion Post 128 in Winston-Salem, serving as its Post Commander for about three years and offering crucial support to fellow veterans. His mentorship, presence at community events, and ongoing engagement have made him a beloved figure whose legacy continues to inspire youth, veterans, and leaders alike. He still maintains a close friendship with someone he met in Korea, highlighting the enduring bonds formed through service.

Beyond titles and ranks, Mr. Pouncey is a father, mentor, and role model. His life reflects the quiet strength and service-minded spirit that defines a true hero. He credits his family and teachers for keeping him "straight and narrow." A highlight for him was taking the Flight of Honor trip with Triad Honor Flights to Washington, D.C., a couple of years ago, accompanied by his son.

"This is a great honor to be nominated, especially with a great organization like the American Red Cross," Mr. Pouncey shares. "They have the same spirit that I want to be associated with. An unwavering commitment to service, and I’m proud to be honored by the American Red Cross."

His humility shines through as he adds, "So many families have had to sacrifice, and so many didn’t make it home. It is a blessing to be here." Mr. Roscoe Pouncey Jr., whose life embodies courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to service. We are privileged to celebrate him with the Salute to Heroes recognition, acknowledging his groundbreaking role as the first African American Drill Sergeant at Fort Bragg.

In the wake of a disaster, when chaos reigns and communities are in crisis, a special kind of hero emerges. They are the volunteers who deploy without hesitation, working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring order and comfort. Susan Steed, an American Red Cross volunteer since 2013, is one of these heroes. With a calm demeanor and a compassionate heart, she is a force for good, and we are honored to recognize her with the Red CrossMission Hero Award.

Susan's journey with the Red Cross began as a way to fill the void after her mother passed away and her children went off to college. Her husband encouraged her to find a new purpose. "You’re too young not to be anything," he told her. She had a history with the American Red Cross, having taught swimming lessons as a youth, so she submitted a volunteer application. It was an instant match. "I'd like to be a welcoming face," she said, and the Red Cross volunteer coordinator told her she would be perfect for staffing and welcoming the workforce.

This work became her passion. Susan has become an "ultra-frequent deployer," taking on roles in Staff Services and Logistics Transportation. In the last year alone, she deployed 12 times. She has volunteered in 30 of the 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan. She has been on the ground for major events like Hurricanes Debby and Helene, serving as a Chief and Administrator to ensure that teams had the right people in the right places.

Her colleagues describe her as a problem-solver with a quiet, calm manner. Mandy Shields, a fellow volunteer, says she's seen Susan in very stressful situations and is always impressed by her ability to assess potential conflicts and provide the support her team needs to keep the mission going. Susan sees herself as a
"concierge for the workforce," ensuring that her fellow volunteers are taken care of so they can focus on helping those affected by the disaster.

"My Southern charm will come out, and I very rarely get told no," Susan says with a laugh. She has a talent for connecting with people and persuading them to volunteer, even when they are tired. It's a skill she attributes to a simple philosophy: "I'll treat you like I want to be treated."

When she's not deploying, Susan is a Blood Donor Ambassador at a local Greensboro Red Cross location. She greets blood donors with a warm smile, makes sure they are comfortable and hydrated after their donation, and provides a friendly presence during their recovery. Her support for the American Red Cross mission is constant, whether it's on the front lines of a disaster or in the quiet of a blood donation center. Susan understands that volunteering is about making an impact, no matterhow small. She recognizes that it's getting harder for people to volunteer due to generational differences and a loss of corporate support, which is why she's a strong advocate for programs like "Shelter Heroes," which allows people to give just a few hours of their time.

For Susan, the American Red Cross is a second family. The bonds forged with other volunteers during deployments, working together through long days and nights, create friendships that last a lifetime. "There is so much love and so much togetherness," she says. "The volunteers are your second family."

Susan Steed is a true Mission Hero. She embodies the spirit of the American Red Cross, supporting both disaster victims and the volunteers who serve them. Her life is a powerful testament to the idea that one person's commitment can bring hope and healing to countless others.

Michael Horan is being honored by Salute to Heroes as a man whose life was a testament to service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to others. While his presence is deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the profound legacy he leaves behind.

Mike's journey began with the rhythm of the ocean. Raised in New Jersey, he spent every summer immersed in the beach life, a love that shaped his early career. As soon as he was old enough, he became a lifeguard on Long Beach Island, a role that ignited his passion for service. It was there, with the Beach Haven Beach Patrol, that he realized his calling to help others, all while indulging his love for the water. His family later moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1997, where he graduated from Northwest High School.

When his family moved to North Carolina during his junior year of high school, Mike's dedication to lifeguarding continued, with summer trips back north. He also discovered surfing, spending countless hours riding waves with friends along the North Carolina coast. After graduating from Northwest High School in Greensboro and a brief stint in college, Mike knew the Coast Guard was where he truly belonged.

He entered the Coast Guard in January 2000 as the Honor Graduate of Company U-156. Upon completion of boot camp, Petty Officer Horan was assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter Point Warde in Wrightsville Beach, NC, where he was part of the decommissioning crew. He then commissioned the Coast Guard Cutter Beluga, reaching the rank of Boatswain’s Mate third class in 2002. While on the Beluga, Petty Officer Horan responded to the attacks of September 11th, 2001, providing security in and around New York Harbor before shifting focus to protecting the Military Outload Terminal in Sunny Point, NC.

His remarkable career continued with an assignment to the newly formed Maritime Safety and Security Team91101 in Seattle, WA, where he was a member of the Maritime Law Enforcement Force Protection (MLEFP) team and tactical boat crew, earning his tactical coxswain certification. In 2004, Petty Officer Horan reported to the Special Missions Training Center (SMTC) at Camp Lejeune, NC, serving as a tactical coxswain and pursuit coxswain instructor. During his tenure at SMTC, he trained over 900 future tactical and pursuit coxswains, shaping the next generation of Coast Guard leaders.

In 2008, Petty Officer Horan was assigned to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the Executive Petty Officer of the Boat Interdiction Team. There, he conducted maritime defense operations to counteract threats against cruise ships and led counter-drug and alien migrant interdiction operations (CDAMIO), later transitioning to the Maritime Enforcement Specialist rate. He then reported to Sector New York in 2010, conducting harbor defense operations for the Port of New York and New Jersey. His team set a record for the largest amount of cocaine seized off a freight ship in Sector New York history. In 2014, Petty Officer Horan reported to Training Center Cape May (TRACEN), where he quickly rose from Deputy Chief of Police to Chief of Police. While serving as Chief, he and his officers conducted over 1300 vehicle inspections, responded to over 800 calls for service, and assisted local and state agencies.

In 2018, after 18 distinguished years of active-duty service, Petty Officer Horan transferred to the reserve force.

In 2017, he applied to the Greensboro Police Department and was officially sworn in to the department in early 2018. As Officer Horan, he served on the department's violent crime reduction team, crimes against persons unit, patrol districts 2 and 4, and the special events team. He was also an instructor for rapid deployment and active shooter training, bringing his wealth of experience to his community.

His dedication didn't go unnoticed; he earned numerous honors and was featured in the Coast Guard Reservist Magazine. In March 2024, Mike received the news he had long worked for: a promotion to Chief Warrant Officer. This coveted advancement, which he was set to begin in March 2025, was a testament to his persistent pursuit of excellence, culminating in a desired posting in Wilmington.

Mike's commitment to duty was ingrained in his very being. His wife shared how, even off duty, he saw himself as a public servant, always ready to assist those in need. He was a natural leader, described by fellow officers as a "cop's cop"—brave, unafraid to tackle dangerous situations, and an excellent trainer. Whether working on the special events’ rapid deployment team, with vice narcotics, or on the violent crime reduction team, Mike embraced the challenge. He enjoyed working in plain clothes and, after a period as a detective in crimes against persons, eagerly returned to patrol, preferring to be out on the street. Even the Chief of Police recounted a humorous story about Mike's "creative language," acknowledging that while rules existed, they needed officers like Mike who were willing to charge into peril. Hisbig, loud, and sometimes abrasive demeanor, the Chief noted, made him an exceptionally effective officer.

Beyond his professional life, Mike was a man full of life and love, deeply engaged with his family. He met his wife in 2019 at a swimming pool, both single parents. Their connection was immediate, and from that summer on, their blended family, including his daughter Kayla and her son Nate, became inseparable. To him, his daughter, Kayla, was his whole world. Their bond was deep and unwavering, and he would have moved mountains to make her life extraordinary. Mike embraced Nate as his own, forming a profound bond that brought immense joy to their lives. The family's happiest times were spent together outdoors, riding bikes on greenway trails, playing pickleball, attending baseball games, and their annual summer beach trips with his parents and sister. Mike had a diverse taste in music, from punk to country, enjoying concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and many more.

Mike's heart was truly immense. He sacrificed his time, money, and energy to ensure his family's happiness and well-being. He often worked off-duty to support their aspirations, including building a new home in 2022. He consistently put others before himself, a quality that extended to his final moments, when he prioritized the safety of patrons at the Food Lion.

In a poignant ceremony, the Coast Guard honored Mike posthumously with his well-deserved promotion, a testament to his enduring impact. They also recognized his family by gifting custom-made surfboards to the children, a touching tribute to "the fish in our family" and a promise of future lessons from a Coast Guard gentleman.

Officer Michael Horan's life was a masterclass in compassion, perseverance, and unwavering service. He was a husband, a father, a mentor, and a hero who lived his life with purpose and put the well-being of others above all else. His story will forever inspire us to live with the same dedication, bravery, and selflessness that defined him.

In the world of emergency comm- unications, where every second counts, some voices stand out. They are calm, compassionate anchors in moments of panic and chaos. Laura Everhart was one of those voices, a remarkable 911 operator whose life was a testament to service, empathy, and unwavering dedication. Laura Everhart is honored with the Emergency Communications Salute to Heroes award for being a hero who served with her whole heart.

Laura’s passion for helping others began long before she answered her first 911 call. Her mother, Vanessa, describes her as a kindhearted, solutions-minded person with a "soft, soft heart" and a fierce loyalty to those she loved. This was evident in her work as a CNA at a memory care facility and later at Highpoint Pediatrics, where she was trusted and adored by both children and their parents. One mother of an autistic son recounted how Laura would go to the hospital after her shift to sit with the boy during his treatments, a simple act of compassion that spoke volumes about her character.

Her deep empathy led her to consider pursuing a career as an oncology nurse, a path she chose because of the highest level of compassion required for the role. This was a cause dear to her heart, as she lost several family members, including a beloved aunt, to breast cancer. Laura became an avid supporter of breast cancer foundations and other causes, always the first to buy a T-shirt, wristband, or ticket to support anyone in need. Her car tags, one for breast cancer and another for children’s cancer, were a constant symbol of her commitment to helping others.

These experiences shaped her into the exceptional 911 dispatcher she became. She had a unique ability to pick up on critical details and provide rapid, calm instructions. She would physically push on her desk while giving CPR instructions over the phone, channeling her real-life experience to guide callers with intensity and clarity. Her husband, a first responder, shared how she would hold him accountable for his tone on the radio, reminding him that the communicators on the other end were there to help, just like he was there to help them. She was always striving to bridge agencies and improve communication, knowing that a collaborative spirit could save lives.

Laura’s compassion extended beyond the official calls for help. She was known for her countless small acts of kindness, from leaving a sticky note to giving a favorite ink pen to a coworker to brighten their day. One of her coworkers credits Laura with saving her life after noticing she wasstruggling and getting her the help she needed. Laura's husband told a story about a first responder who recalled that after responding to difficult calls, Laura would reach out to talk to him, helping him clear his mind and process the experience.

She was also a lover of the outdoors, finding joy in hunting, fishing, and working in the greenhouse. Her father taught her how to plant flowers from seeds, and she would sell them at cost to friends so they could save money—another example of her generous spirit. This passion for the outdoors, especially hunting, was a source of great joy and a way for her to bond with her husband, bringing out a playful competitive streak
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When she was a teenager, Laura chose to be an organ donor when she got her permit. Because of her family’s heroic decision to honor her wishes, she was able to fulfill this final act of selflessness.

Her legacy of helping others will continue through the creation of the Laura Everhart Foundation. Her family, friends, and coworkers are working to establish the foundation to support 911 communicators, EMS personnel, and officers in need across Central North Carolina. It is a fitting tribute to a woman who was "tough as nails but very kindhearted," and who "would take that call and do her best to help whoever was on the other line."

Laura Everhart was a remarkable young woman who loved hard and was fiercely loyal. She was her husband's rock, her mother's pride, and a true hero to her community. She lived by her own motto: "What can I do to help others?" and her life inspires us all to do the same.

Alexis, a dedicated paramedic from Guilford County, embodies this truth with every fiber of her being. Her unwavering commitment to helping others, even in the face of personal adversity, makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Salute to Heroes award. Her storyis a testament to the true meaning of compassion, perseverance, and unwavering humanity.

Alexis's journey into paramedicine began humbly. Born in Morristown, New Jersey, and later living in Pennsylvania before moving to North Carolina in 2006, she recalls being fascinated by ambulances as a child. Despite this early curiosity, the path wasn't immediately clear. "I wasn't sure, and I thought, let me give it a try," she reflects on her decision to pursue the field. Ten years later, it's evident she found her calling.

Alexis's compassion extends far beyond her professional duties. Her remarkable act of donating a kidney to a young girl is a testament to her profound empathy. As a paramedic, she frequently witnessed the struggles of patients undergoing dialysis, a heartbreaking process that keeps them alive but consumes countless hours each week. "It is extremely sad," she notes. "Folks are in there 4-8 hours three times a week, and it’s the only thing keeping them alive. If they don’t go to dialysis, they will die. It is a horribly difficult thing to see and hard to go through."

When she encountered the story of a young girl in need, it resonated deeply. This girl was a mutual friend of Alexis's best friend, and her story, shared on YouTube, prompted Alexis to research and understand the process of organ donation. Initially, she kept her intentions private, even from family and friends, wanting to understand what the commitment entailed.

The decision was solidified by a poignant connection. The recipient had experienced kidney failure during pregnancy, leading to an early delivery and the tragic loss of her baby two months later. Alexis, who had undergone a hysterectomy at 28 and lost the ability to have children, saw a unique opportunity for impact. "Knowing she lost her child and still wants to have children and can have children, it seemed like the perfect opportunity," Alexis shares. With the support of her family, a crucial requirement for organ donation, she moved forward.

The transplant was a success, and the recipient is thriving. Alexis recalls the immense relief when she learned the recipient's creatinine levels, a key indicator of kidney function, had plummeted from over 13 to near normal immediately after surgery. However, Alexis's journey took an unexpected turn. Upon waking fromher own surgery, she discovered she couldn't feel her left leg. What was initially thought to be a side effect of anesthesia soon revealed itself as a severe injury to her left femoral nerve. This rare complication left her in excruciating pain and confined to a wheelchair for months.

The road to recovery has been long and arduous, marked by multiple hospitalizations, numerous MRIs, and several complex surgeries to address the nerve damage and remove scar tissue. In April, Alexis underwent a pioneering nerve transfer procedure, the first of its kind, where a healthy nerve from her thigh was connected to her injured femoral nerve. The healing process is slow, and it will take a year to fully assess the extent of her recovery, with ongoing tests to monitor motor function.

Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, Alexis's determination has never wavered. Some friends and family members suggested she consider a different career, but her passion for paramedicine burned brighter. "I was determined, and I still struggle some days," she admits. "I have to be strategic with how I do things. I can’t walk up stairs normally – I have to lead with my good leg. I have to pick my leg up at times."

Against all odds, Alexis is back in the ambulance, serving her community. While she still experiences discomfort and pain, the burning sensation has subsided, and she's learned to adapt. Her first call back was a cardiac arrest, a poignant reminder of why she loves her job. "We actually had a CPR save on my first call back to work, and it was really rewarding," she proudly shares.

Alexis's story is a powerful testament to compassion, perseverance, determination, and humanity. She is a true hero, not just for the lives she saves as a paramedic or the life she gave through organ donation, but for her unwavering spirit in the face of immense personal challenge. Her scars are not a symbol of weakness, but a badge of honor, reminding us that the greatest heroes often walk among us, their courage illuminated by the sacrifices they make.