Heroes can assume all forms, bipedal and otherwise.

Self effacing community heroes, both human and canine, were honored for their varied accomplishments on Tuesday morning at the Island County Chapter of the American Red Cross’ ninth annual Real Heroes Breakfast.

A diverse cross section of the county assembled at the Elks Lodge, fending off sleep and guzzling coffee, the obligatory early morning social lubricant. A stirring invocation by Pastor Ben Norris of the Church of the Nazarene applied the perfect amount of reverence to the occasion. Charisse Waldron and Connie Almon then primed the crowd and helped set the tone with a resonating song.

Educator Award

Former teacher Marvin Reed was the first recipient of the morning, receiving the Educator Award. Reed was nominated by former student, Ada Ayer.

During Reed’s 32-year teaching career, 22 of which were in the Oak Harbor School District, he said the number of kids that filed through his classrooms was staggering.

“You teach thousands and everyday you attempt to make a difference,” he said. “I didn’t do much for Ada. I simply gave back to her what I saw in her.”

Ayer, who now teaches preschool, distinctly remembers the lessons taught years earlier by an educator who chose to make a difference. Her memories are markedly different from her humble, former teacher’s.

“He saw the best in me,” she said.

During a taped statement, Reed encouraged Ayer to pursue her passion and persevere as the body is worn down by the grind of years of teaching.

“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” he said with a laugh. Fighting off tears, the longtime educator expressed his appreciation to Ayer for nominating him for the award.

“It’s very kind of you. It’s an honor.”

Humanitarian Award

Frank O’Brochta, recipient of the Humanitarian Service Award, was recognized for helping save the life of a young girl choking on a piece of food. O’Brochta was working as a volunteer at the Whidbey Island Academy, a small, parent-partnered program that serves home-schooling families on South Whidbey, when he suddenly noticed 10-year-old Chloe Huffman standing up and clutching her throat. Brushing the cobwebs from his previous military and Red Cross first-aid training, he began administering back blows and abdominal thrusts. On the third try the obstruction was dislodged.

“The Lord had me in the right place at the right time. I didn’t even think. She was in distress. I just thank God I was there. Chloe’s still here,” O’Brochta said. And Chloe was there on Tuesday morning, joining her savior after he graciously accepted the award.

Canines honored

The third award for Emergency Services was presented to members of Whidbey Search Dogs, a volunteer community group that trains dogs to help work directly with law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Mark Brown, having experienced firsthand the group’s effectiveness and dedication, nominated the organization for the award.

Member Jerry Beck said each person and canine adds uniquely to the group. The team was called in last year in Langley to assist in the search for an elderly man. With extraordinary cooperation and efficiency, the man was located in a short amount of time and received medical attention.

“We have a great success record of locating the item we’re out there searching for,” Beck said.

The volunteers foot the bill for all training and search costs.

“It’s out of the love for their pets and their love for the community,” team member Edith Bryan said. “It’s quite a time commitment. For the dogs it’s just a game. They love it.”

Military Award

The Military Award went to Gunnery Sgt. Cameron Hillis Jones, USMC. The Marine and his family have made an indelible impression on their Penn Cove Park neighborhood, helping turn an average street into a family.

Jones gradually became a fixture in the neighborhood after meeting Eileen Brown, who introduced him around the neighborhood. Before he knew it, Jones was mowing lawns and fraternizing with people he now refers to as friends.

“The entire neighborhood works so well because everyone wants to help each other,” he said. “It’s not really just a street anymore.”

Jones and his family will ship out next month, leaving behind a neighborhood that has become a part of their lives.

“I’ll miss it up here,” he said.

Good Samaritans

Fran and Zane Malloy were shoo-ins for the Good Samaritan Award after plucking a baby out of the cold water in May of last year when heavy winds blew its stroller down a dock and into the drink. The audience in the Elks Lodge was held rapt as the brothers recounted the heroic rescue.

“It was scary, but we reacted,” Fran said. “I think that the timing was impeccable … It was all in a day’s work.”

Judy Allen and Grace E. O’Jalia were runners-up for the Humanitarian Service Award and Pat Wilson was runner-up for the Good Samaritan Award.