It was a day to honor and celebrate the real heroes in our community.
On Wednesday, the American Red Cross recognized 13 people during the 9th annual Real Heroes luncheon.
Hundreds of people welcomed this year's real heroes with a standing ovation at the Marriott Hotel.
"Today we have the opportunity to recognize 13 very caring individuals," said Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall.
The youngest recipient was 8-year-old Braylin Camp who saw a child without a jacket and went on to collect a trailer full of coats for people in need.
The oldest recipient was Dr. Hans Einstein, who received the new Life of Service award for his decades of dedication in finding a vaccine for valley fever.
"I was allowed by whatever God may be, to do what I love to do each and every day of my life," said Dr. Einstein.
A humble Sgt. Jamin Moore accepted an award for his service in Iraq. He was the only survivor of an attack on his Humvee.
"I was just doing my job," said Moore.
And, in an emotional tribute three fallen heroes were honored... Lance Cpl. Joseph Lopez, Sgt. Brian Pedro and Cpl. Brett Land, who was killed two weeks after his daughter was born. Six-month-old Rileigh Land was there to accept the award on his behalf.
17's Jim Scott and Robin Mangarin emceed this year's luncheon, which also had some lighter moments.
Officer Chris Messick was reunited with Hall Ambulance paramedic George Baker, who responded the night he was shot in the leg.
"He was the one that got there and told me to stop crying," joked Messick.
"He likes to spread the thought that we were calling him a little girl, which is not necessarily true. We offered him morphine and he declined it because he wanted to keep his head straight for the post-shooting interview," said Baker.
13 deserving very people from all walks of life who selflessly gave of themselves.
"I just think it really reminds people of what they can do in the community to help others. It's just a great message all the way around, and it's just wonderful to recognize the heroes," said Holly Arnold, CEO, American Red Cross.
