'Heroes Among Us' highlights contributions of women in the military

The loudest cheers at FLA Live Arena usually come during the second period.
But this roaring ovation isn't for a highlight-reel goal, a booming hit or a silky dangle through the neutral zone, but rather for a single person usually sitting a few rows above the ice in the stands.
A hero.

Launched in 2013, the "Heroes Among Us" program has been a fundamental initiative for the Florida Panthers organization for nearly a decade. At each of the team's 41 home games, the Panthers honor someone who has served or is currently serving in any branch of the military.
In those games, a hero, who is usually nominated by family or friends, is able to share their story of service in a video on the arena's jumbotron. After the clip airs, a spotlight then shines on the hero in the stands and he or she receives a standing ovation from the crowd as a thank you.
On the ice, players from both teams also tap their sticks as a sign of respect.
"We're really proud of what our Heroes Among Us program has evolved into since 2013," said Panthers President & CEO Matt Caldwell. "This program gives fans a chance to reflect on and celebrate the sacrifices and bravery of the diverse heroes in our community."
In looking at the hundreds of heroes that have been honored by the Panthers over the years, one of the things that sticks out is the diversity. Whether it's their gender, personal background or the military branch that they served with, it's safe to say that no two heroes are exactly alike.
As part of Women's History Month, the Panthers honored two female heroes in March.
On March 3, the organization first celebrated U.S. Army veteran Jennifer Kimmey, who was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal during his time in the service from 1990-2014.
"I think being a female in the military has its challenges," Kimmey said. "The expectation when I first joined the military was that females couldn't bring as much to the table as a man. They gave me the ability to show that I have just as much, if not more, to offer to our country."
The following game on March 5, U.S. Army Latoya Green was honored. Deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Green was the recipient of multiple medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
"The military for me is about the camaraderie," Green said.
Since Feb. 2021, the Panthers have honored 10 female heroes, a group that includes veterans from the Vietnam War, WWII and Operation Iraqi Freedom, among other many other conflicts.
In addition to Kimmey and Green, below is a closer look at the eight other female heroes.
Paula Redden
Redden served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1990-2013. She was deployed to the UAE in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.
"I feel like I did something that I wanted to do and that my country asks of people to do," she said. "It was just an honor. That's all I really can say."
Linda Rodriguez
Rodriguez served at the Pentagon for the Army Discharge and review Board that was set up by former President Jimmy Carter. She is the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Ribbon.
"I think women are able to do it all," she said. "If you're able to take care of children on your own, which I have, you can do anything. … It made me feel good to know I was doing my little part. If I had been called to infantry, I would've done it in a minute."
Carolina Ortiz
Originally from Colombia, Ortiz served nearly four years in the U.S. Army. As a single mom, she was deployed to Afghanistan for 13 months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She is the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars.
"I know it was very hard for my family], but they were so proud of me to help the United States to protect our country and our freedom," she said. "I'm so proud. If I have to fight even when I'm 60 years old or in wheelchair, I will."
**Beth Grauer**
Grauer served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2002-2017, with deployments in 2005 and 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She has received the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Iraq Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars.
"I feel like I made a difference in Iraq," she said.
**Wilmayra Colón**
Originally from Puerto Rico, Colón enlisted with the U.S. Coast Guard in 2015 and is still currently serving. She has been deployed to the Eastern Pacific and is currently based in Miami. She has earned the USCG Achievement Medal, USCG Letter of Commendation, and USCG Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
"I feel proud every day to serve," she said. "I did security for the President of the United States and protected Navy Submarines. … It's very honoring and humbling to know that I take part in a bigger picture."
**Jennifer Brande**
Brande served in the U.S. Army from 2000-2012 with deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and South Korea. She is the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star.
"I'm proud of being a veteran because it's really exciting to say that I was part of the biggest team," she said.
**Helen Brauer**
Brauer's military service began when she joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1943. She then went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945, including a two-year deployment overseas during the China Burma India Theater. She was chosen in 1943 to be one of six women to be sent over overseas to help set up military headquarters during the CBI Theater.
"I was honored to be picked to represent the United States," she said. "We tried to honor that no matter where we went so there was a lasting impression of Americans. … Sometimes it was scary, but you're given a job and you do it. I'm proud I was able to donate something to the war."
**Connie Christensen**
An Army trained Operating Room Nurse, Christensen served in South Vietnam from 1970-1971. She retired following nearly 40 years of military service in both the Active and Reserve Components. In 2001, she was awarded the Legion of Merit by the Secretary of the Army.
"I feel that those of us that choose to defend our country, whether we do it in combat or combat support like I did, are essential to the American Dream," she said.
To learn more about the "Heroes Among Us" program, click
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