Loretta Sanchez: "American Hero"

​Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove) is an "American Hero."

ProtectingAmerica.org--"the largest national coalition of first responders, businesses and individuals concerned with improving preparedness in advance of massive natural events and speeding recovery in their aftermath"--recognized Sanchez as one of 67 "American Hero" recipients for 2009 for her "tireless efforts in preparing for and protecting families and communities from natural catastrophe."

"The American Hero Award is one way for us to thank and recognize the recipients for their ongoing commitment and dedication to preparing families for the unthinkable," said ProtectingAmerica co-chairman James Lee Witt, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Their efforts will ultimately save lives and protect property when massive natural catastrophes strike."

Sanchez is vice chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and FEMA is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

"Through the efforts of this year's awardees, we are confident that America will move closer to the kind of comprehensive and integrated program that is needed to truly protect the 6-in-10 American families that live in areas that are vulnerable to massive hurricanes and earthquakes," Witt said.

ProtectingAmerica.org boasts membership from more than 20,000 individual members, the American Red Cross, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and more than 300 other organizations and businesses.