Eight Anthem Angels HonoredINDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Colts and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield teamed up during the 2008 season to honor 'first-respondents' who continuously go above and beyond the call of duty in their communities. Through their Anthem Angels program, one "angel" was recognized at each regular season home game.
Numerous Indiana natives shared stories of heroism, integrity and compassion shown by others in fields from the police force to social services. From nominations submitted by family, friends, coworkers and those helped by the "angel," eight honorees were selected.
In honor of their dedication, each Anthem Angel received four VIP Club Seat Tickets to a Colts game, a feature story with his or her photo in the Colts gameday magazine (the Scout) and on www.colts.com, as well as recognition on the hhGregg Big Screens in Lucas Oil Stadium during the game.
Below are the 2008 Anthem Angels listed by name, hometown, occupation and game honored, with a brief summary of their service:
Mike Jones, Swayzee, IN – Chief Deputy of the Swayzee Police Department
Colts v. Bears game
Chief Deputy Jones arrived first on the scene of a late 2007 house fire and saved three children.
Bonnie Lucas, Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis Fire Department Dispatcher and Supervisor
Colts v. Jaguars game
Bonnie responded to calls of distress and tragic misfortune during tornados that traveled through the Indianapolis area on September 20, 2002; May 25, 2007; and May 30, 2008.
Nicole Hosier-Bullington, Jeffersonville, IN – Clarksville Middle School Teacher
Colts v. Ravens game
Two days a week, this "angel" mentors homeless students after school. Every year during the holidays, the school has a giving tree with the names of children who will not be receiving any gifts and year after year and when the deadline nears and names remain on the tree, Nicole takes all the remaining names and makes sure every child has a gift.
Robert Miller, Cedar Lake, IN – Cedar Lake Volunteer Firefighter and EMT
Colts v. Patriots game
Miller assisted in the 2008 Hurricane Ike evacuations and provided medical services to individuals that were injured during and after the storm, staying two weeks after the wreckage to help stabilize the area.
Tamara Munoz, Avon, IN – Hendricks County Psychotherapy Social Worker
Colts v. Texans game
Tamara helps her patients and voluntarily disaster victims to deal with anxiety, depression and loss and grievances.
Maria Held, Indianapolis, IN – St. Vincent's Hospital Registered Nurse
Colts v. Bengals game
Held, a very attentive registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Thoracic Recovery Unit, takes time on her days off to host spa days for her patients who do not have family or friends nearby.
James Dunbar, Greenwood, IN – Omniflight EMS Lifeline Pilot
Colts v. Lions game
James Dunbar's life experience as a U.S. militant of 29 years gave him the foundation for his desire to save lives as an EMS pilot.
Jack Taylor, Crawfordsville, IN – Crawfordsville Police Department
Colts v. Titans game
Taylor, a member of the SWAT team, also stresses the importance of refraining from drug and alcohol usage, in addition to violence and peer pressure, to local 5th grade students as a D.A.R.E. instructor.
"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.
For more information about Anthem Angels, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, please visit www.colts.com/anthemangels.
