Silent heroes shy away from the limelight, yet their contributions deserve recognition.
These individuals go the extra mile to uplift the Wiregrass community, whether it’s cleaning up roadways, connecting children from single-parent homes with mentors, helping women in addiction recovery or restoring historic landmarks. To celebrate these unsung champions, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation, in collaboration with WTVY, established the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass program.
“These individuals, most of them are doing what they’re doing because they believe in stepping up and doing the right thing by their neighbors or their community,” ORU Foundation Board President David Hall says. “They don’t seek recognition. They are nominated by others who notice and appreciate their efforts in the community, and want to see those efforts rewarded.”
In addition to acknowledging their service, ORU also supports each hero with a $1,000 grant to further their community work. The grants, funded by WEC members who elect to round up their bills to the next dollar, are carefully allocated by volunteer board members. These funds support a range of causes, from scholarships to equipment for volunteer fire departments.
“People are absolutely having their lives changed because of Operation Round Up,” WEC CEO Brad Kimbro says. “What people see through this program, and through our partnerships with organizations like WTVY, is people working together and small acts of kindness and generosity adding up to make a big difference.”
The recent banquet at WEC’s Hartford headquarters was an opportunity to honor the 2023 award recipients.
“Meeting you all and telling your unique stories is a highlight of my job,” WTVY anchor Beyla Walker told attendees. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this program, and hopefully inspire others in the community with your stories.”
“There are so many great things you are doing out in our communities, and we just are so thankful to be able to come together to recognize your efforts and to contribute to the mission that you guys are carrying out each and every day, making our communities a better place to live,” Stevie Sauls, WEC’s vice president of member services and communication, added.
About The Silent Heroes
The Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass banquet highlighted the commendable efforts of community members who contributed, in their own ways, to the betterment of their communities. Here is a summary of each award winner’s contributions:
Amy Mims
Recognized for her role in aiding addiction recovery as the women’s director at the Ark of Dothan, where she has been instrumental in the women’s program over the last 5 years.
Terry Jackson
Honored for his commitment to public safety, Lt. Jackson has dedicated 4 years of service to the Hartford Rescue Squad, embodying the vital role of first responders in communities like Hartford.
Mark and Susan Anderson
Selected for their involvement with Wired Ministries since 2008. Their efforts have significantly impacted local organizations and students, who are instilled with practical life lessons while building lifelong connections.
Matt Pollard
Acknowledged for his dedication to community cleanliness. The youth minister at Rehobeth Baptist Church is often seen picking up trash and maintaining local school properties.
Sarah Tucker
Known for her generosity in Florala, Tucker has spent 30 years serving not just her restaurant’s visitors but also senior citizens, needy families and individuals, providing meals free of charge.
Allen Singley
Praised for his involvement with Wicksburg Church and Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, helping provide groceries to students and others in need and significantly impacting the community through initiatives like a Hartmobile food pantry and the Pack the Backpack campaign.
Boyd Deal
With a focus on enriching the lives of children who have lost a parent, he has led activities like fishing trips and deer hunts.
Steve Smith
Commended for his efforts in preserving the historic Dupree schoolhouse in Ashford. His leadership in the Friends of Dupree School group has been pivotal in revitalizing this community landmark.
Vernon Alford
Recognized for his extensive volunteer work with Geneva County High School, where he has contributed as a bus driver for sports teams and supported the girls basketball team through various means.
Harold Mixon
Honored for his dedication to the renovation of a 114-year-old building in Samson, transforming it into a community bistro.
Jerry Tew
Applauded for his community service, including building over 50 wheelchair ramps and assisting the Southern Baptist Association with remodeling projects in disaster-stricken areas.
Cliff Morrison
Acknowledged for his volunteer efforts in local high school sports programs and for providing spiritual guidance through weekly devotions.