American Red Cross Honors Real Heroes

How do we find local heroes to honor? That’s where you come in! If you know an “ordinary” person with extraordinary courage, someone who has saved a life, helped a neighbor in need, or made a positive impact in San Diego or Imperial counties, nominate them to be recognized at 24thd annual Real Heroes Awards event which honors local heroes who exemplify the mission of the Red Cross. 
 
The Oct. 2 event takes place aboard the USS Midway Museum, and recognizes heroes from eight categories: 

• Animal Welfare Hero — Presented to an animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, to a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation to an animal that is making a difference to impact someone’s life, or to an individual that cares for animals. 
• Corporate Hero — A business or organization that has contributed significantly to the American Red Cross mission and/or made a positive impact in our community. 
• Disaster Services Hero — An individual or an organization that has exhibited heroic efforts in any or all the areas of disaster services, including preparedness, response or recovery during a natural disaster or emergency situation through mission-driven response assistance to people in need. 
• First Responder Hero — Presented to a professional or volunteer serving as a law enforcement official, firefighter, first responder or responder in the medical or healthcare field. This award is presented to a person or persons who has exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency, on or off-duty, through acts of courage or selflessness. 
• Gift of Life Hero — An individual or group that supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross through blood or platelet donations or inspiring others to give blood or platelets. 
• Good Samaritan Hero — Presented to a person that has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment, or resourcefulness in attempt to save one or more lives by utilizing skills aligned with those taught in Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training. 
• Service to the Armed Forces Hero — Presented to a member or members of the armed forces (active or veteran, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose heroic action(s) demonstrated exceptional courage or improved the welfare of the military community. This award may be presented posthumously and may also be awarded to ROTC members or to civilians/organizations that have made a significant impact on the military community. 
• Youth Hero — Presented to a youth (age 18 or younger) in the community who has demonstrated courage, initiative, and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another individual or the welfare of the region. 

Nominating is free and easy. Anyone can submit a nomination online, via email, or regular mail. The nomination requirements are: 

• All nominees must work or reside in San Diego County or Imperial County. The heroic act may have occurred elsewhere. 
• The heroic act must be either an ongoing commitment to the community for more than one year or must have occurred this year or the previous year. 
• It is possible to have more than one person awarded in a category for the same act. 
• The 2026 Class of Heroes will be selected by the Heroes Selection Committee. 
• Nominees may meet the criteria for more than one category or be moved to a different category at the discretion of the selection committee.  

Visit the program page for more information and to access the nomination form. Nominations are due July 24.