The letter that I wrote nominating Jason as my Hometown Hero, and a chance to ride with the Thunderbirds! DATED FEB. 22, 2010

 I would like to nominate my husband Jason Evans for the "Hometown
Hero".  Jason is a true Pensacola native as he was born and raised here in
Pensacola, Florida.  Earlier this month he was given the opportunity to fly
into Port de Paix, Haiti with the intent of transporting 41 orphans and 17
adults to the U.S. Embassy. Two days and three countries after he flew out
of Pensacola, Florida he arrived in Port de Paix, Haiti on a supply plane.
This was a truly heroic act because not only did he go in the face of danger
due to the earthquakes and aftershocks, but he also escorted these children
(who qualified for Humanitarian Parole) through the mountains of Haiti into
Port au Prince. They traveled under the cover of night in an old school bus
and managed to arrive safely at the U.S. Embassy. The terrain was an
adversary on it's own standing because it was great for mud-riding or hiking
but not at all for traveling. Jason describes the bus ride as "the worst
roller coaster ride times twenty".  The driver of the bus did not stop for 6
hours and they went from 10mph to 55mph constantly.  He also faced the
dangers of kidnapping and robbery with courage and grit.  A bus load of
Americans and children with a mandate for travel to the United States was
money in the eyes of a desperate people.  We later found out that the
adoption paperwork that they carried with them was worth more to some than
the lives of these children.  In fact, when it came time for these children
and adults to fly out into America at the U.S. Embassy they were given armed
guards for protection simply because of the valuable paperwork that they
were carrying.  Apparently the safety of the passengers was the reason for
the dramatic acceleration of the bus because there were several courageous
(or stupid) men who managed to jump on the back of the bus.  Thank God that
their intentions were never made known but I am sure that they soon forgot
all of that as they realized that they were holding on for their lives!
Upon arrival to the U.S. Embassy Jason became very ill.  He took that trial
with as much grace as was possible as he waited for word that he was cleared
for travel back to the United States.  He is my hero and the hero of our two
adopted children that he brought home with him.  I believe that he
exemplifies the courage, love, endurance, wisdom, and grace that any hero
should.  Please allow him to be honored with the ride of a lifetime, trust
me he would LOVE it! Thank you.