Elmhurst man named a Red Cross hero

Mark Dyer of Elmhurst was honored as a local hero at the 10th annual American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Heroes Breakfast in Chicago. Sixteen heroes were recognized for their dedication and service to others at the event attended by 700 Red Cross supporters.

Dyer received the Disaster Relief Award and a medal for his work as a ShelterBox Response Team member. His work with ShelterBox, a Rotary disaster relief charity, has taken him around the world to deliver tents and lifesaving equipment that provide shelter, warmth and dignity to victims of natural and man-made disasters.

In 2011 alone, Dyer responded to the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, tornadoes in the United States and flooding in Columbia. He has also responded to the earthquake in Haiti, civil unrest in Somaliland, flooding in Niger and the 2010 flooding in Columbia. He has worked alongside International Red Cross Societies in Columbia, Niger and Haiti, as well as civil defense groups in Columbia and Japan.

"Mark's ability to go anywhere in the world on a moment's notice - often in perilous conditions - to bring hope and relief to distressed, homeless people is heroic. His missions require the ability to go into unknown situations, cultures, languages and customs and deliver humanitarian comfort and assistance," said his nominator Lee Strouse, a fellow Rotarian.

"Mark has made me, the members of the Elmhurst Rotary Club, Rotary districts in the area and our local community aware of the perils of global disasters and the need for humanitarian care.

"Inspired by his exceptional service, Elmhurst Rotary, Rotarians throughout northern Illinois and many community organizations have raised funds to support the work of ShelterBox in giving hope and the tools needed for survival to devastated survivors," Strouse added.

The 16 heroes honored included outstanding commitments in categories such as law enforcement, military, firefighters, nursing, community service and also recognized outstanding acts of valor from citizens within the community.

Television personality Nate Berkus was honored with the Crystal Cross Award for his commitment and dedication to furthering the mission of the American Red Cross.