2026 Pacific Islands Region Volunteer Heroes Awards

The American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region Volunteer Heroes Event

honored the volunteers who bring the Red Cross mission to life across Hawai‘i, Guam,

the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.

Rooted in the island values of caring for one another, the celebration recognized individuals whose service provides comfort, hope and strength — from disaster response and emergency preparedness to teaching lifesaving skills and supporting military families.

Held in March 2026 at the ‘Alohilani Resort in Waikiki, the event brought together volunteers, staff, community partners and board members both in person and virtually. Heroes traveled from across the region, while others joined through watch parties in their home communities, creating a shared moment of gratitude, connection and community care.

The gathering reflected the collective spirit of selflessness and commitment that ensures the Red Cross is there when it matters most.

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).

View the 2026 Volunteer Heroes Event Video

View Volunteers of the Year Vignettes View Mission Heroes Vignettes

Meet our 2026 Volunteer Heroes

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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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Guam Volunteer of the Year Richard Defan...

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American Samoa Volunteer of the Year Valua Esekielue..

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Northern Mariana Islands Volunteer Hero of the Year Maria May Agui...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Mission Hero Steve Davidson...

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Mission Hero Anthony Nail...

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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.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.