LIHU‘E — Jonathan Herbert, 8, and his father Michael were enjoying a snack in their living room, laughing and eating. Suddenly, in the midst of the revelry, a chunk of candy became lodged in Michael’s throat. “I’m going to die
LIHU‘E — Jonathan Herbert, 8, and his father Michael were enjoying a snack in their living room, laughing and eating.
Suddenly, in the midst of the revelry, a chunk of candy became lodged in Michael’s throat.
“I’m going to die in front of my son,” was the thought racing through Michael’s mind as he got up and sprinted toward the kitchen.
But the incident triggered young Jonathan into action, the 8-year-old applying a hard karate chop to the back, effectively dislodging the candy bar from Michael’s throat.
That life-saving deed earned Jonathan accolades as the 2010 Red Cross Youth Hero of the Year on a statewide level. The Herbert family is also being honored during a Kaua‘i ceremony at the American Red Cross headquarters, Wednesday afternoon.
Understanding that, in this case, a call to 9-1-1 would have been too late to save his father’s live, Jonathan serves as an example of why all youth should learn lifesaving skills, states a release from the American Red Cross.
Joining Jonathan Herbert, Steve Soltysik was recognized as the 2010 Kaua‘i County Red Cross Volunteer of the Year at the ceremony where both outstanding citizens were congratulated by not only Red Cross officials, but also by Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. as well.
Soltysik started his 44 years of service to the American Red Cross while in college, utilizing his lifesaving skills as a National Ski Patrol volunteer.
After moving to Kaua‘i in 1986, he became the Red Cross Disaster Action Team Leader for the island.
When Hurricane Iniki devastated Kaua‘i in Sept., 1992, Soltysik and his family were affected, as were thousands of other residents and visitors.
To make sure his family was safe, Soltysik walked to the Kaua‘i Community College shelter at midnight, where he organized relief efforts for the 2,000 people who had gathered at the emergency shelter site.
In the weeks that followed Iniki, Soltysik secured and hauled emergency food and water supplies to shelters throughout the island, the release states.
Soltysik continues to be an invaluable asset to the community as the volunteer Kaua‘i Disaster Services Logistics Lead.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit humanitarian organization which provides assistance for immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters.
All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free.
The Red Cross is not a government agency, but depends on public contributions to help others. People’s gifts supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in their community, across the country, and around the world.
Go to www.hawaiiredcross.org for more information, or to make a donation.
