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185th Heroes Honored at Red Cross Event

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot, PA
  • 185ARW
03/18/08 --  Master Sgt. Lee Phelps and Tech. Sgt. Aaron Barge were honored at the 5th Annual American Red Cross Heroes breakfast on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. 

The event was held at the Sioux City Convention Center in Sioux City, Iowa. 

"Siouxland Heroes" is an event recognizing heroes among us in Siouxland.

Area heroes were recognized in seven categories: Fire-Rescue, Law Enforcement, Good Samaritan (18 and over), Good Samaritan (under 18), Medical, Education and Military. The Military category honors a uniformed member of the armed services for an act of heroism undertaken in the line of duty, or an extended period of extraordinary service, anywhere in the world.

Master Sgt. Phelps and Tech. Sgt. Barge, both members of the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing, were honored in the Military category for action taken in March of 2007. Phelps and Barge came upon an overturned vehicle in the median of Interstate 29. The occupant of the overturned vehicle was trapped inside and could not move. Under harsh sub-zero conditions Barge and Phelps were able to free the occupant by prying the doors open of the crushed Sport Utility Vehicle, thus feeing the occupant. Thanks to the efforts of Sergeants Phelps and Barge the young motorist did not sustain any life threatening injuries.

"Siouxland Heroes" is an annual event sponsored by the Siouxland area chapter of the American Red Cross. You can find out more about the event and how to nominate a Siouxland hero on the web at http://www.siouxlandredcross.org/heroes.htm.