Volunteer Heroes Awards

Nominations for the 2026 Heroes event are closed (and the event has already happened) but people can still learn about our 2026 Volunteer Heroes at this link: https://www.redcross.org/local/pacific-islands/about-us/news-and-events/news/2026-volunteer-heroes-awards.html

The American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region Volunteer Heroes Event is a moment to pause and honor the people who bring the Red Cross mission to life across Hawai‘i, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. It recognizes volunteers who step forward, often quietly, to provide comfort, hope and strength; whether responding to disasters, supporting families after emergencies, preparing communities, teaching lifesaving skills or standing alongside military members and their loved ones. Rooted in island culture of helping one another, their service strengthens our region and ensures the Red Cross is there when it matters most.

In March 2026, volunteers, employees, community partners and board members gathered at the Alohilani Resort in Waikiki to celebrate the 2026 Volunteer Heroes awardees. Heroes traveled from across the region’s chapters, while those unable to attend in person joined from watch parties in their home communities. Together, in person and virtually, the event reflected a shared spirit of selflessness, commitment and community care.

Join us here to relive the memories from this meaningful celebration. And stay tuned for details on the next Volunteer Heroes Event, planned for spring 2027.

group photo of the 2026 Volunteer Hero awardees at a red cross event holding their awards.

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2026 Volunteer Hero awardees were celebrated at the ‘Alohilani Resort in Waikiki. Volunteer Heroes traveled from across the region, while others took part through watch parties in their home communities. (Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross).

A group of people smiling and posing in a room. Many wear purple leis and red cross shirts.

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Group of people gathered around green picnic tables inside a wooden pavilion. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying food together, with an ocean view in the background.

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Group of red cross volunteers, many wearing Red Cross shirts, smiling, and seated at tables with food containers.

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A group of nine people poses indoors, smiling and holding a framed red cross certificate and a gift basket with red ribbons.

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Meet our 2026 Volunteer Heroes

O‘ahu Volunteer of the Year, Dan Anderson holding a red cross award.

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O‘ahu Volunteer of the Year, Dan Anderson has been a dedicated Red Cross volunteer since September 2023 and, in just over a year and a half, has contributed more than 7,000 hours of service. He supports preparedness, technology, mass care, logistics and disaster assessment, and serves as both a Disaster Action Team Officer and Supervisor. His willingness to respond day or night truly reflects what it means to be committed to our mission. 

Big Island Volunteer of the Year Peggy Beckett Hanson holding a red cross award.

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Big Island Volunteer of the Year Peggy Beckett Hanson has volunteered with the Red Cross since July 2018, giving nearly eight years and more than 2,900 hours of service. She supports our sustainability actions through the Green Team, workforce engagement and communication to all Big Island volunteers, staff planning and calling down the roster when there’s a disaster, and going into the field with the Disaster Action Team. She always bringing compassion, steadiness and heart to every response.

Maui Volunteer of the Year Denise Cohen holding a red cross award.

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Maui Volunteer of the Year Denise Cohen has been volunteering with the Red Cross since August 2023, contributing more than 1,400 hours to Health Services, Client Care and Recovery Intake. As a skilled nurse, she has used her skills and has become a trusted, compassionate presence for survivors across Maui, meeting every family with empathy and dignity.

Kaua‘i Volunteer of the Year Roger Erickson holding a red cross award.

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Kaua‘i Volunteer of the Year Roger Erickson joined the Red Cross in August 2023, and in less than two years he has contributed more than 500 hours, responding to disasters and supporting major operations with calm leadership and genuine care. His quick rise as a dependable responder speaks volumes to the care for his community.

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COMING SOON: Guam Volunteer of the Year Richard Defan

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COMING SOON: American Samoa Volunteer of the Year Valua Esekielue

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COMING SOON: Northern Mariana Islands Volunteer Hero of the Year Maria May Agui

Mission Hero Michael Baumann holding a red cross award.

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Mission Hero Michael Baumann has been a Red Cross volunteer since August 2023, contributing more than 5,800 hours in under two years. He supports Disaster Action Teams, Mass Care, Logistics and Sheltering, and is often one of the first to step forward when disaster strikes. His dedication to helping families through crisis is extraordinary.

Mission Hero Joyce Harada holding a red cross award.

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Mission Hero Joyce Harada has been a Red Cross volunteer since August 2023, giving more than 1,450 hours to Preparedness, Mass Care, Service to the Armed Forces and clinic support at Tripler Hospital. Her warmth, reliabilityand dedication shine through every shift.

Mission Hero Joe Melanson holding a red cross award.

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Mission Hero Joe Melanson joined the Red Cross in August 2023 and has already contributed more than 3,100 hours. Supporting External Relations, Information and Planning and serving as our regional Logistics Program Lead, Joe brings steady leadership and unmatched dedication to every response.

Mission Hero Laury Scott holding a red cross award.

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Mission Hero Laury Scott has been a Red Cross volunteer since February 2013, offering more than 13 years and 6,100 hours to Mass Care, Sheltering and Disaster Action Team response. His experience, compassion and steady leadership represent the very best of our mission.

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Mission Hero Celeste Duncan has been a dedicated Red Cross volunteer since January 15, 2018. With more than 4,600 total service hours, Celeste brings experience, leadership and steady compassion to every disaster response she supports. Celeste has served in key disaster cycle services roles, including Information and Planning and Mass Care, and currently serves as a PIR Recovery Program lead, helping individuals and families navigate the road to recovery after disasters. Her commitment is reflected in her service hours: more than 1,274 worked hours, 74 on-call hours and over 3,260 hours supporting disaster relief operations.

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COMING SOON: Mission Hero Steve Davidson

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COMING SOON: Mission Hero Anthony Nail

Mission Heroes Nursing Team Members U‘ilani Chow-Rule and Denise Cohen holding red cross awards.

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Mission Hero Nursing Team Member U‘ilani Chow-Rule (left), joined the Red Cross in May 2024, and in her first year she has already made a meaningful impact through the Nursing Network, Health Services and recovery care. Her compassion and professionalism lifts up every family she meets.  

Mission Hero Nursing Team Member Denise Cohen (right),  has been volunteering with the Red Cross since August 2023, contributing more than 1,400 hours to Health Services, Client Care and Recovery Intake. As a skilled nurse, she has used her skills and has become a trusted, compassionate presence for survivors across Maui, meeting every family with empathy and dignity.

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Mission Hero Nursing Team Member is Cyndi Davies Wong has been a dedicated member of the Red Cross Nursing Team since October 24, 2017. Serving as a Nursing Network Team member and supporting Disaster Cycle Services in health services and mass care, Cyndi brings compassion, skill and steadiness to every response.Throughout her service, she has contributed more than 1,600 worked hours, supported on-call operations and completed extensive disaster response operations, helping ensure communities receive critical care during times of need.