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2006 National Crime Victims' Rights Week The honorees received special recognition during the awards ceremony hosted April 21, 2006, by the Office for Victims of Crime to honor victim advocates, organizations, and programs in the field of victim services.
To view more details, click on a photo for an enlarged view. Special Courage Awards
Pan Am Flight 73 flight attendants and the Pan Am Director for Pakistan The hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan, on September 5, 1986, was one of the most violent terrorist acts of the 1980s. Four gunmen boarded the plane while it was on the ground in Karachi. They held the passengers and crew hostage for 16 torturous hours, until a final bloody assault when the hijackers opened fire on the defenseless passengers with automatic weapons and grenades. At least 21 people were killed, including two Americans, and more than 100 others were injured. The 16 flight attendants and the Pan Am Director for Pakistan, Viraf Daroga, showed incredible courage throughout the ordeal. Their combined efforts most likely saved the lives of more than 350 people and provided comfort and hope to the hostages during their captivity. The flight attendants risked their own lives to protect American citizens by hiding American passports from the hijackers, who were planning to execute Americans in support of their demands. Director Viraf Daroga bravely stood within firing distance of the hijackers to negotiate in an attempt to prevent passenger executions. During and immediately after the final deadly assault by the hijackers, the flight attendants heroically saved hundreds of lives by helping to open the emergency exits and evacuate the passengers. Flight attendant Neerja Bhanot lost her life during this act of heroism. Below the plane, Director Daroga assisted the injured passengers. For 2 days after the siege, the flight attendants cared for unaccompanied minor passengers until they could be reunited with family members. Director Daroga and several flight attendants courageously testified at the hijackers' trial in Pakistan in the face of death threats. Several of the flight attendants and Director Daroga also provided emotional and powerful testimony during a sentencing proceeding for the lead hijacker held in Washington, D.C., in May 2004. Kenneth Wainstein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, nominated this group. This nomination was supported by Alice Fisher, Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice and Gregg Sofer, Director of the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism, U.S. Department of Justice.
Carolyn E. Thomas Carolyn Thomas is a passionate and powerful advocate for women in abusive relationships. As a survivor of domestic violence, she crosses the Nation to share her painful story in hopes of helping other women to recognize the early warning signs of a dangerous relationship. She first spoke at local churches about her experience and now is in demand as a national spokesperson on this issue. As a result, Carolyn has affected many lives and provided hope to thousands of people all over the United States and even the world. Thousands of people who have heard her story have e-mailed Carolyn directly to tell her how her words have moved them and helped them make difficult decisions. Carolyn is a domestic violence survivor of an attempted murder by her abusive ex-boyfriend, who shot her on December 5, 2003, at point-blank range. Carolyn suffered catastrophic facial injuries and was not expected to live. She was referred to the FACE TO FACE program in August 2004 and continues to undergo reconstructive surgeries while maintaining an active speaking schedule, including stints on numerous national television programs. Her abuser was tried for the murder of Carolyn's mother and attempted murder of Carolyn. Carolyn bravely faced him in the courtroom with her victim impact statement. He was convicted and received the maximum of two life sentences in prison. Today, Carolyn is dedicated to sharing her story of domestic violence to increase awareness and educate and empower others, particularly victims and survivors of domestic violence. Carolyn serves as the Domestic Violence Spokesperson for the Family Abuse Center in Waco, Texas. Carolyn Thomas was nominated by Dione Jackson, MSSW, LMSW, Victims' Counselor Supervisor, Family Abuse Center, Inc. |
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