AIKEN, S.C. – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has been a long-standing supporter of the American Red Cross and its mission in the community. This year, the American Red Cross of East Central Georgia combined two of its signature events—the Dueling for Disaster fundraiser and Heroes Breakfast—into a single event, the Boot Scoot Boogie. This unique evening brought the community together to celebrate those who exemplify courage and selflessness, while raising vital funds for Red Cross programs.
On Saturday, May 9, the all-new Bell Auditorium came alive as guests enjoyed food, music and camaraderie. Red Cross Heroes honorees were recognized for their lifesaving actions during an exclusive reception held prior to the main event.
This year, four SRNS employees were recognized, including:
- Joseph Gray, H Canyon Operations Manager: An avid fisherman, Gray acted heroically when he rescued a child whose sailboat capsized on Clarks Hill Lake. The child had been separated from their father, who was on a separate boat, when the incident occurred.
- Russell Hannah, Site Services Shift Operations Manager, and Josh Givens, Fleet and Fuel Manager: During the Heroes and Hope deer hunt, a veteran suddenly fell ill, and Site Services employees took swift and decisive action. Hannah recognized the veteran’s condition, promptly contacted emergency medical services via the Savannah River Site emergency number and facilitated immediate medical assistance. Givens accompanied the ambulance to the hospital, staying in touch with the veteran’s family to provide updates. The veteran was later admitted to the hospital and underwent a life-saving medical procedure.
- Charles Moore, retired Senior Work Control Planner: While exiting the men’s restroom, Moore heard a co-worker collapse. Acting without hesitation, he immediately provided assistance. He recognized that the employee was unresponsive and took all the necessary steps to summon medical help. The employee was transported to the hospital, admitted for several days and later recovered sufficiently to return to work.
“It was an honor to recognize all the heroes nominated for their courageous acts while also raising funds to support those in need within our community,” said Rodell Evans, SRNS Red Cross Board Member and Spent Fuel Project Area Manager. “As an SRNS employee, I am extremely proud of their willingness to help others. These four honorees exemplify the selflessness that I witness every day at work.”
“Every day, ordinary people step up in extraordinary ways to help others. These everyday heroes don’t act for recognition. They act out of compassion, responsibility and a deep commitment to their community,” said Executive Director, East Central Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross Thomas Fairley. “We are especially proud of the SRNS employees being recognized this year, whose actions reflect the very best of service and selflessness. It was truly an honor to celebrate and thank them for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of others.”
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides disaster response and education through its volunteers and donors. To learn more about the Red Cross, visit https://www.redcross.org/.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.
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