Mitzi Britt and her husband became involved with the Special Olympics program in the late 1990s. As parents of two sons, there were looking for ways to get involved in the community. During the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Game, the family became involved in hosting and were able to attend the opening ceremonies. This moment was a turning point, and Mitzi knew that for her son to be able to participate, there would need to be more Special Olympic programs in her local area. Mitzi’s son Marshall was diagnosed with Down Syndrome when he was only a day old. Today he is 23.

Mitzi continued to support the Special Olympics as a volunteer for many years and took over as Stokes County Special Olympics coordinator in 2017. Since taking the role, her mission has been to make Special Olympics a year-round program with activities and opportunities throughout each season. Mitzi has also worked tirelessly to make the Spring Games at West Stokes High School possible for all athletes in Stokes County with special needs to shine and be recognized for their achievements. She has also organized and conducted Medfests so that Special Olympics athletes can receive free medical screenings. Her friend Carol Borre said, “Mitzi will do all in her power to ensure those with special needs are recognized for all they are capable of and can contribute to our society when given a chance.”

Mitzi helped to create the Special Olympics bowling program for Stokes County Special Olympics at Rural Hall Lanes that will be taking four athletes to the State Games to be held in Raleigh June 3-5. Mitzi is eager to expand on these successes and offer different sports to participants. The support and interest in the program are spreading. One of the Athletes is now a Local Ambassador for the Special Olympics, and local law enforcement has committed to being Keeper of the Flame.

In addition to the community-level program that Mitzi is planning, her team is working to create unified sports programs in local schools. Due to her hard work and dedication, West Stokes High School in Stokes County is now a Unified Champion School with unified basketball, football, and cheerleading sports. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same athletic team. This program makes sports fun, challenging and inclusive. It is an opportunity to challenge bias and provide growth and development opportunities to students who often don’t get a chance to play on their school’s sports team.

To Mitzi, Unified Sports programs are logical and correct. She hopes more people can experience this type of athletic event because it offers a glimpse into how the world should be. She says, “Everyone is cheering for everyone – everyone is a winner.”  Mitzi says that Unified Sports and Special Olympics programs provide an opportunity to be a part of something special and make new friends. She said, “Love, comradery, and friendship are beautiful; everyone should be a part of it.”

Although the Unified Sports program was not started until Marshall was in the 11th grade, the opportunity to participate in flag football and basketball was terrific. The experience allowed him to make new friends, increase his confidence and grow more independent. Because Special Olympics are programs open to anyone over 8, he has thrived on the bowling team. Mitzi is grateful that she has been able to see him unfurl his wings. Marshall is treated differently in these activities, and people can see how wonderful he is. She said that every parent wants the world to see their children as they are; not as the child in a wheelchair, or with autism or Down Syndrome. Mitzi wants Marshall and all children to have the same respect given to all people.

Mitzi encourages all who want to be involved to sign up (https://sonc.net/) and volunteering. There is a critical need for coaches and people who can raise awareness about this remarkable program. Program support is also needed to reach more rural communities to ensure equal access to all populations through transportation and outreach.

Dennis Casey was sixteen years old when he joined the army to fight in World War II. Too young to be drafted, his mother signed his papers allowing him to enlist. Before being enlisted, his father had enlisted at the age of 42. At the time, Mr. Casey never considered that military service might become a career for him. However, he served 24 years in the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) and United States Army, which included time in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Mr. Casey is a highly decorated veteran. The medals he received include, but are not limited to, three Purple Hearts, two Combat Infantry badges, two Bronze Stars, one Air Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, and Occupational Medals for Germany and Japan. When asked about his awards, he said, "I got those medals for doing what I was supposed to do." Although he talks about his accolades quite modestly, it is evident that his awards represent an unwavering dedication to his country and the communities that he served. During his service, he was in Korea for three tours as an infantryman; he was a Green Beret in Vietnam and served there for two years in Special Forces. Over 24 years in the service, he spent 11 years overseas in Germany, Panama, Japan, Thailand, North Korea, and South Korea.

On November 1, 1950, Mr. Casey was in the first unit hit in Unsan, North Korea‎. The unit was hit hard and suffered significant losses. It was the coldest winter in recorded history at the time, and temperatures were as low as 50 degrees below zero. During his time in North Korea, Mr. Casey says that the "frost bit was as dangerous as the Chinese" that they were fighting. He says that the soldiers were ill-equipped to deal with such harsh conditions and that it was a challenging time.

Mr. Casey also served in Special Forces in Thailand, where he oversaw a Special Forces Operational team in three countries. As Sergeant-in-Charge, Mr. Casey led two of the three teams. When stationed in Thailand, he was charged with catching infiltrators and would often go on missions in different parts of Southeast Asia. It was this experience that helped him to understand his gift for teaching and leading young people. After retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major, he started a new career teaching Forsyth County high school students in JROTC from 1971-to 1992. After retiring for a second time, he was asked to return to teaching and did so for another three years.

Mr. Casey said, "The best job I ever had was teaching. I loved teaching kids. I taught ROTC for 20 years – there is a lot that you can do for them if you are patient." He spent almost every weekend taking the cadets on a field trip to increase their skills and broaden their world knowledge. He taught them the importance of serving their community by helping with their School's PTA meetings and ushering at the Wake Forest University football games and the School of the Arts productions. They would also plant trees and serve as Honor Guards for State Conventions.

He loved watching his cadets grow and mature into respected adults. Thirty years later, he still enjoys seeing his former students, bringing them much happiness. He says, I still see my students all the time; we're just old buddies." He says that many of his students went on to serve in law enforcement. He said that he sees them often and knows many of their families. Mr. Casey said, "I just tried to help raise their self-esteem for them." Mr. Casey said that many of the students didn't have any money. Some students couldn't afford the costs of their uniforms or laundering their clothes, but he would always find the funds to support them. He said, "it doesn't cost anything to be nice to people. What you throw out on the wind will come back to you, and a kind word does many things for people. If you're good to people, they will be good to you. There is only one of you in this world – how do you want people to think about you, act that way."

Lieutenant Travis Curry of the City of Asheboro has been a police officer for 21 years and currently serves over the Vice and Narcotics Unit. In addition, Lt. Curry teaches in the law enforcement program at his local community college. However, it is for his bravery while off-duty that he is being recognized by Salute to Heroes.

In 2021, while on a fishing trip at Ramseur Lake, Lt. Curry noticed an older gentleman struggling to get out of his kayak at one of the piers. Lt. Curry’s family had just arrived at the lake and quickly noticed that several people were suddenly running by the pier, yelling for help and waving their arms. Lt. Curry promptly noticed that he could no longer see the gentleman who had been struggling with the kayak. Lt. Curry ran towards the water without pause and dove in from the dock. He found the man at the bottom of the lake, unconscious.

The water was about 6’ deep where the man had fallen in. Although Lt. Curry could hold the man above the water, the water was over Lt. Curry’s head. Despite the depth, he managed to pull the man onto the dock and immediately begin CPR. Lt. Curry was relieved and proud to learn that his young teenage son had independently called 911. The quick actions of Lt. Curry and his son saved the man’s life. After Lt. Curry resuscitated the man, Emergency Medical Services quickly took the man to Moses Cone Memorial Hospital for medical treatment and care.

Lt. Curry had not been trained in water rescue and said that diving in to save the man was “just an instinct.”  He says that his time as a police officer taught him to offer help when he sees someone who needs it. His strong desire to set an example for his children drives him to serve those in need.

Lt. Curry shared that he didn’t want to be a police officer. A chance encounter with the Sheriff of Randolph County gave him the idea in 2001. At the time, Lt. Curry’s brother worked at the Sheriff’s office. Lt. Curry met the Sheriff at the hospital when his brother suffered from an unexpected illness. The Sheriff offered him a job a few days later. Lt. Curry believes that God puts people in your life for a reason and at a point when you need it.

Despite not wanting to be a police officer, he has come to love his job of being a community servant. He loves helping people and strives to make a difference in all his work. Aside from his desire to make his family proud, he is also motivated by his team and students. He is committed to encouraging them all to be the best they can be and understands that being a public servant is part of a police officer’s job. Lt. Curry says it breaks his heart to see how bad people hurt good people in communities. He believes that a police officer’s job is to make communities better for all people.

Although the events at the lake were frightening, Lt. Curry expressed pride that his family could see him in action. While they had heard his stories from work, they had not seen him at work before. For once, it wasn’t just a story; his family got to understand what he does.

When Lexi Eyer was younger, her brother enlisted as a Marine. That year, Lexi’s family decided to honor him during the holiday season. They began to collect photos from friends and family of people who serve in the Armed Forces. They then created ornaments from the images and hung them on their tree. Each year, donations to the family’s photograph project increased, and “Tree of Valor” was born. According to the group’s Facebook page, “The Tree of Valor is a traveling pictorial exhibit honoring those in the military, past, and present.” (https://www.facebook.com/thetreeofvalor/)

As interest in the Tree of Valor grew, so has the opportunity to expand the mission. To date, they’ve hung more than 300 pictures, and interest in the mission is only growing. This traveling exhibit has extended well beyond Greensboro, and Lexi’s family is committed to bringing it to every county in North Carolina.

Lexi was born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She has limited mobility and vision and cannot speak. Yet if you meet her, you will know that Lexi loves her country. Lexi’s mother, Lori Egerter, says that she is proof that anyone can serve our country. Even if you might not serve in the military, Lexi proves that anyone can do what they can do.

At Halloween, Lexi wanted to be Ms. America the Beautiful. She wanted to give out flags to every house that had a veteran.  When she saw people’s reactions to her gift, she was overjoyed.  For her 12th birthday, she wanted to go to the VFW. The veterans openly welcomed her and even signed a flag for her. Lexi’s family frequently finds opportunities to connect Lexi with veterans. Lori says, “it is like the law of attraction” because they often connect with veterans when out and about in their community. They were recently at Duke University for medical appointments when they met a veteran. Lori said Lexi wasn’t feeling well but remained eager to meet the veteran personally and share some of the cookies she often gifts to veterans. The gentleman was in a wheelchair but rose and walked to meet her. After their encounter, his wife let Lori know that the gentleman was on hospice and that these were his last days.

Veterans often say to Lori, “I was not going to come here today, but this has made my day.” Lori explains that meeting her daughter makes veterans think differently. She says that often meeting Lexi reminds them that despite their troubles, they can do so much. She says, “they have a voice; they are mobile.” In their experience, Lexi’s genuine affection for veterans reminds them of how special and lucky they are.

Lexi’s mom says, “America needs a hero – we are in a place where there is so much sadness.” Lexi is a shining example of what one person can do. She reminds us that we need more people telling our veterans thank you.

In 2018, Alison Huber's father was flown on an Honor Flight from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Washington, D.C. Her father, a Cold War veteran, served in the Army Special Forces in the United States Army Security Agency. Alison’s brother accompanied their father on the journey, and Alison surprised her father by meeting them both in D.C. Together they spent the day with a group of guardians and veterans touring the Nation's capital. Upon returning to her home in Stokesdale, Alison asked, "Why don't we do this here?"

Earl Morse began the Honor Flight program in 2004. As a physician's assistant working in Ohio, he asked his older patients if they'd ever been to Washington, D.C., to see the National World War II Memorial. He realized quickly that most of the veterans had not seen the memorial. As a retired Air Force Captain and private pilot, he began to fly veterans, which ultimately led to the creation of the Honors Flight program (Triad Honor Flight n.d.).

In 2018, Alison was unaware that the Honor Flight program existed in the Triad region. After a bit of research, she learned that a program had previously operated in her area and that it had been incredibly successful. However, at that time, there was not an active program in place. Inspired by an elderly veteran at her church, who at 97 had never been able to participate in an honor flight, Alison reached out to the national organization and requested to revive the local hub. Honor Flights' national office told her that she would need a phone number, a website, and a board to make it happen; that is precisely what Alison did.

In 2020, Alison worked with 11 other passionate people to start the board and raise awareness and funding. She stresses that today's successes depend entirely on the commitment and energy of these community members, as well as Rotary District 7690, whose members had been instrumental in the early days of Triad Flight of Honor and were equally committed to reviving it.

On November 11, 2021, the first Honor Flight out of Greensboro held 94 veterans and flew ten years to the date of the last flight out of Greensboro. Alison's mother and father surprised her in Greensboro to celebrate the occasion.

Alison is overcome with emotion when she describes how deeply rewarding this experience has been to her, the veterans, and their families. For many, the experience is therapeutic; it is a time to reminisce, remember and reflect. Alison shared a story of a veteran who broke down after getting off the plane. He told Alison that he had never been proud to be a veteran before that day. After serving in Vietnam, he lost family and friends, returned to the United States, and was spit on. He had been through a horrific experience, and the opportunity to connect with veterans through such a cathartic experience changed his perspective.

Alison also has stories of serendipity and (as she calls these moments) “God Winks.” During an Honor Flight this past April, her daughter served as a guardian to a Cold War veteran who (like Alison's father) served in the Army Special Forces. Although they'd never met, Alison's daughter and this veteran realized that Alison's father was at the same place at the same time for the same mission. Alison's father has now connected with this veteran, and despite the decades it took to meet, they now find a connection around a stunning twist of fate.

In preparing for that April flight, Alison thought she had all seats filled. Towards the end of planning, she received a call from a hospice nurse informing her that a veteran had just been diagnosed with 4 inoperable brain tumors. When first asked, Alison thought there would be no way to accommodate the veteran. However, after recounting, she realized that there were two spots. Because she miscounted, she could get the veteran on the flight.

Early in the history of the Triad Flight of Honor, participation was limited to WWII veterans. Today, it is open to all veterans 65 and older, whether they served in WWII, the Korean War, Cold War, or Vietnam. Triad Honor Flight is driven 100% by volunteers, and every dollar donated goes to Triad flights' operation. During the flight, the veterans will have a guardian. Often these guardians are family members or pastors. Each flight has 189 people on board, including the veterans, guardians, and medical volunteers.

The guardian is an escort to the veteran who pays their way. We fundraise for every veteran to go for free but for us is 600 dollars – their role is to keep the veterans safe all day. It is someone to look after them for the day. Half of the veterans take a guardian who is a family member 18-70 who can't be a spouse or a girlfriend – ideally one generation or below. Perhaps a son, daughter, or pastor. For the flights, we have 189 people (guardians, veterans, and medical volunteers).

Although Alison's title is Executive Director, she calls herself "Chief Passionate Volunteer." She stresses that this program wouldn't be impossible without outpouring volunteers and community donors. To get involved as a participant, donor, or volunteer, you may learn more at the organization's website:  https://triadhonorflight.org/

Hannah Johnson was nominated for Salute to Heroes because of her unwavering commitment to her community and fellow firefighters. She has served the City of Greensboro for nine years as a firefighter and EMT. She has consistently exceeded expectations in her role and sought ways to improve the livelihoods of those around her.

Hannah describes her journey to become a firefighter as serendipitous. In her early career, she was a truck driver, but a dear friend working as a firefighter encouraged her to apply. Her friend told her, “you can drive anything, fix anything, and love people. Becoming a firefighter is an opportunity to make a difference!” She said that he made her believe she could do it, which is precisely what she did.

Hannah felt called to support people from an early age, and her mother set an example for her. She describes her mother as “the closest human to an angel I ever met.” Growing up, Hannah saw how much joy her mother received from caring for people. Although they were from a small tobacco farming town, her mother would often take great joy in secretly helping others. Hannah associates serving with her mother and finds these acts of kindness fulfill her similarly. She also believes that serving is a way to honor her mother. Hannah says that even when you feel like you can’t help someone else, you can push through. In return, she says, you will receive great joy.

The lessons from her mother are evident in many of the unique ways that Hannah contributes to her community. For example, Hannah serves on the department’s peer support and mentorship board. She speaks of a stigma amongst firefighters that they must always be strong and acknowledges that sometimes that stigma causes individuals to internalize pain. Hannah is involved with the board to advocate for mental health and wellness within the fire department. Hannah says, “You can’t pour from an empty cup. We can’t give if we aren’t refilling that cup somehow.”

In 2014, her colleague’s son was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Immediately she started fundraising and quickly learned she was pretty good at it. She spends a tremendous amount of time working to raise awareness around how firefighters and their families are in need so that she can create community and ultimately help those who mean so much to her.

Hannah is a champion for the Greensboro Firefighters Fund. Monies raised for this 501c3 go entirely to the families of the firefights and their communities. The fund has helped people in cancer treatment, who lost loved ones, purchased coats for children, and assisted those in need in the community in various ways.  -

She has also supported Autism Awareness Month by selling T-shirts and stickers. This initiative was so successful that the volunteers raised enough money to replenish every ‘sensory bag’ on the Greensboro fire truck. In addition, they donated ten bags to Thomasville Fire Department (enough bags for each firetruck) and six bags to the Greensboro Police Department so that each of the Community Resources Officers would have one.

In 2020, Hannah developed a program for the Greensboro Police Department that educated them on medical emergencies. The program aims to reduce the possibility of use of force incidents, create public trust, and interagency awareness. The training program’s pilot was well received, and each class graduating from the academy will soon participate.

In addition, Hannah supports David Morris’ food and dignity item donation program, and Bob’s Closet which is a subsidiary of Replacements, Ltd. Both programs offer free resources to anyone in need.

Hannah makes it clear that her success is due to the support of fellow volunteers and donors. She dedicates her award to all who work with her to be changemakers. If you would like to know more about the programs Hannah supports, you can learn more from the following websites:

https://www.greensborofirefighters.org/our-members/support-greensboro-firefighters

Bob’s Closet at https://www.replacements.com/

David Morris’ Meal & Dignity Donation Program https://www.facebook.com/david.morris.3517563

This Salute to Heros award goes to the 261 Winston-Salem Fire Department (WSFD) personnel who worked the Weaver Fertilizer Fire from the initial alarm on the evening of January 31 until the afternoon of February 4, when the event was declared under control. The Weaver Fire involved 500 tons of ammonium nitrate (AN) in two piles inside the plant, plus 90 tons on a rail car adjacent to the plant. Additionally, 5,000 tons of finished products were on-site, bagged, and palletized.

Fire Chief William Mayo recalls that the day began as routine, but that quickly changed upon receiving the alarm. One of the first firefighters to the scene was Engineer D. Johnson. They said, “During the dispatch for a structure fire, your mind is racing 1000 miles a minute. The amount of fire I saw on arrival made my body go into a calm and relaxed state of mind. The magnitude of this fire will get anyone excited. Too much excitement in the fire service will get firefighters hurt. As the First Officer and a BRAND-NEW DRIVER, I had to stay calm, alert, and tentative to the crew and the crews responding to assist. That anxious and nervous feeling will never leave any scene. Just remain calm; remember we are there to fix the emergency.”

Chief Mayo said, “Firefighting is inherently dangerous – you have to measure risk before benefit.” One of the ways that the WSFD measured risk was to compare the circumstances in Winston-Salem to a similar event in West, Texas. In 2013, a fire and explosion involving between 40 and 60 tons of AN in West, TX, killed 15 people, including 12 firefighters, injured 260, damaged or destroyed 150 buildings, and created a crater eight feet deep and approximately 75 feet across. Chief Mayo credits good early decisions and actions by initial-arriving Winston-Salem Fired Department crews, including hazard identification, research, sound tactics, and evacuation and isolation, as responsible for the Weaver Fire turning out differently than West, TX.

In West, TX, a piece of equipment fell into a heated pile of AN, which had become shock-sensitive and caused the explosion. If crews in Winston-Salem had continued to fight the fire using the heavy streams required to control a fire of that magnitude, they could have easily shocked the AN piles or pushed a piece of equipment into them. Over the week, WSFD personnel utilized their expertise in hazardous materials response, along with personnel and equipment resources from as many as 40 mutual aid agencies, to assess the incident as it evolved and make continuous adjustments in the interest of the public and responder safety. Volunteer evacuations were ordered within a one-mile radius and impacted approximately 6,500 residents. The WSFD worked closely with Emergency Management, the Winston-Salem Police Department, and the Department of Prison to get community members to safety.

Calls, texts, emails, and cards from across the country expressed support and appreciation for the bravery and accomplishments of the crews. Chief Mayo said, “The Weaver Fire was the most dangerous fire in the history of Winston and Salem and had the potential to be one of the worst explosions in US history. It is important to recognize the risks taken and courage demonstrated by firefighters during the event.”