Team Holloman member receives American Red Cross' highest honor

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Katherine Peel, American Red Cross instructor and trainer, presents Cassandra Hass, a seasonal employee for the 49th Force Support Squadron, with the Red Cross's highest national honor, the "Certificate of Merit," Feb. 18, 2011, for selfless and humane action in saving a life. Ms. Hass used the skills learned in the American Red Cross Health and Safety Services course to save the life of her grandmother after a snowmobiling accident. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Veronica Stamps/ Released)

Team Holloman member receives American Red Cross' highest honor

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Col. David Sullivan, 49th Wing vice commander, congratulates Cassandra Hass, a seasonal employee for the 49th Force Support Squadron, after being presented with a "Certificate of Merit," Feb. 18, 2011, awarded by the American Red Cross. The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States, who is honorary chairman of the American Red Cross, and the Chairman of the American Red Cross. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Veronica Stamps/ Released)

Team Holloman member receives American Red Cross' highest honor

Published Feb. 25, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Siuta B. Ika
49th Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The American Red Cross presented its highest national honor -- the "Certificate of Merit," which is signed by the President of the United States -- to a Team Holloman member in an awards ceremony at the Raptors' Nest Officer's Club Feb.18.

According to the citation, Cassandra Haas saved her grandmother's life following a horrific snowmobiling accident, using skills and techniques she learned through health and safety training with the local American Red Cross. Ms. Haas is a full-time college student, an Alamogordo resident and seasonal employee for the 49th Force Support Squadron at Holloman,

For her heroic actions, Ms. Haas was selected by a national committee to receive the prestigious public recognition.

"We are truly honored to have someone from our area receive this prestigious award. Knowing she was able to save a life using the skills Red Cross taught her is very gratifying -- we are proud of her and our instructors," said Melanie Mitchard in an American Red Cross news release. Ms. Mitchard is the Community chapter manager for the American Red Cross in Southwestern New Mexico.

According to the citation, the award, which has been given since 1911, typically goes to an individual or team of individuals who save or sustain a life using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Health and Safety Services course. The award recipient's actions exemplify the highest degree of concern for a human being in distress.

"When Cassandra told me about the event that happened, I immediately researched the awards Red Cross gives out and nominated her," said Katherine Peel, 49th FSS Aquatic Director. "I am very proud of Cassie. She is also one of my Lifeguarding and CPR instructors. In my 27 years with Red Cross, this was the first time I had the honor of nominating someone for an award."

For more information about the American Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org.