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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts are proud to announce Krystal Shirrell, an Indianapolis, Ind. resident as a 2013 honoree of the Colts Anthem Angels program, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Shirrell will be recognized at the Colts home game this Sunday, October 20, 2013, for her outstanding contributions to the community.
At 19-years-old, Krystal Shirrell has made outstanding contributions to the community by becoming a "first respondent" for Veterans through her countless hours of public service as a volunteer. Shirrell has donated more than 500 hours to the Richard L. Rodebush VA Medical Center in the areas of Voluntary Service, Domiciliary, and Pharmacy. She has served hundreds more hours through additional activities for U.S. Military Troops, Veterans and Wounded Warriors.
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Shirrell is also credited with starting numerous outreach programs within the VA. One of her most impressive programs was a campaign to decorate 100 Christmas trees and collect gifts for 525 care packages for the Troops and Veterans overseas for the holidays. Each program she started has succeeded in enriching the lives of the VA residents by providing them with goals and a purpose. One veteran said, "She has a special place in our hearts and helped us to see good in ourselves. Krystal gave us encouragement and the hope we needed to battle through our recoveries."
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Some of her largest recognitions include being selected as the Veterans Administration National Youth Volunteer of the Year, receiving the Governor's Service Award for Volunteerism and being honored by The White House for her volunteer efforts. Shirrell has been an inspiration in her volunteerism and selfless dedication to others, all while continually being a leader in the classroom and athletics.
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"Anthem Angels…Honoring Everyday Heroes" was established by the Indianapolis Colts and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to pay tribute to Hoosier "First Respondents" who may have received little or no recognition for the strides they have made to help others in human-service related professions.
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In honor of Shirrell's heroism, she will receive four (4) VIP Club Seat Tickets to the Colts game, a feature story with her photo in the Colts gameday magazine (the Scout) and on www.colts.com, as well as on-field recognition at the game.
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Nominations are currently being accepted for upcoming 2013 home games. For more information about Anthem Angels, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, please visit: www.colts.com/anthemangels.
For more information, media may contact Stephanie Cassel, Colts Community Relations, at 317-808-5143.
