Crescent River Port Pilots Dubbed Heroes at Red Cross Banquet

The Red Cross honored the Crescent River Port Pilots’ Association in their Heroes’ Banquet Feb. 20, 2002. Capt. A.J. Gibbs, president of the Pilots’ Association, accepted on behalf of the pilots, who had given $10,000 to the Red Cross relief fund for the victims of Sept. 11.

Donald Stephens, director of the Red Cross Sept. 11 operation at the Pentagon and former Red Cross Director of Disaster and Safety Services for the Louisiana Chapter, spoke about America’s heroes at the banquet.

“The word hero took on a new definition after Sept. 11. It has now come to mean someone who is admired for their demonstrated bravery and is recognized by the contributions they have made. There are heroes doing noble deeds each day, and everyone in this room should be recognized for their good works and noble qualities,” Stephens said. “I thank God for the supporters of the American Red Cross and the donations they have given from the heart.”

Capt. Gibbs expressed sincere pride for the pilots and their contributions.
“All of the Crescent pilots should be commended for their donations to the Red Cross and the Sept. 11 fund. As soon as they heard about the horrific terrorist attacks, each and every one of them jumped at the chance to help out,” Capt. Gibbs said. “New York, like New Orleans, is a port city, and we all felt a camaraderie with the citizens and had to do something to make it easier for them.”