Deputy Director of the CIA and native Athenian Stephen Kappes gave the keynote address at the Athens County chapter of the American Red Cross' second annual "œHometown Heroes Breakfast" Tuesday morning.

The event was held at Ohio University Nelson Commons to honor "œextraordinary citizens" county-wide in seven categories: Education, Humanitarian, Youth, Public Safety, Community, Military, and Group heroes.

The Red Cross provides domestic as well as international assistance in times of crisis.

Kappes, whose position makes him second in command in the Central Intelligence Agency, appears to personify this dual mission.

He was raised in Athens where he attended West Elementary and Athens High School before enrolling at OU.

At OU he played football and obtained a bachelor of science degree in pre-medicine in the early 1970s. Afterwards, he attended Ohio State University where he received a master's degree in pathology.

"I'm an Ohio boy. I'm an Athens kid," said Kappes. "I tell everyone that no matter where I go, and by God I won't stop."

Quoting his father, Bob Kappes of Athens, Kappes said, "Life is a journey, not a guided tour."

Stephen Kappes' journey has taken him far and wide; in all those places, he said, he came to know heroes foreign and domestic.

Military heroes weren't the only kind mentioned by Kappes.

"I'm not completely at ease speaking here because I have some heroes of my own in this very audience," he said. His parents, elementary principal and sixth-grade teacher were only a few of the Athenians that Kappes proclaimed heroes.

"We don't have to turn to history books to find heroes; they're all around us," he said. "What is ordinary to you may be inspiring to someone else."

Due to his high position, Kappes' attention is demanded internationally, explained Pamela Martino, executive director of the Athens County Red Cross.

By contacting Kappes through his father, the Red Cross was able to reach the self-acclaimed "wayward son," and plans were set for him to speak at Tuesday's Heroes Breakfast.

"I was humbled when Pamela asked me to speak," Kappes said. "I thought she had the wrong number."

Extraordinary humility is one ingredient to heroism, according to Kappes, along with knowing that most valuable things come at a cost, displaying true courage, and having faith in the fundamental decency of humankind.

He ended his speech by saying:

"Heroes of Athens County, I thank you. May God bless you all and may God bless Athens and Athens County."

JANE LINSCOTT, WHO WAS NAMED Education Hero, replied when receiving her award: "I just thought I was doing my job."

Rhonda Bentley, founder of the Nelsonville Community Center, was dubbed Humanitarian Hero.

Wesley Schoonover was named Youth Hero for performing the Heimlich maneuver to save a friend from choking in his school cafeteria.

The York Township Volunteer Fire Department was named Public Safety Hero. This department consists of individuals who have other full-time jobs but still devote time to save lives.

Kevin Dotson was named Athens Community Hero. Looking around the audience, he reminded everyone that the area was well-represented and had a lot to be proud of (as heroes).

When Lt. Col. William Hauschild was asked if he knew any military personnel deserving of the Military Hero title, he said he immediately thought of Maj. James Ninnis. According to Hauschild, Ninnis embodies loyalty, duty, respect, and courage.

The 2010 Group Hero was Integrating Professionals for Appalachian Children (IPAC). The organization works to improve the physical and mental health of children and their families in southeast Ohio, according to its Web site.

This year the Red Cross has seven sponsors for this program: Group Hero sponsored by Mathews Insurance; Humanitarian Hero sponsored by Hocking Valley Bank; Community Hero sponsored by Wal-Mart; Public Safety Hero sponsored by Snider, Fuller and Associates; Youth Hero sponsored by Wendy's/Donato's; Military Hero sponsored by Dick Mottl; and Education Hero sponsored by Brent and Cindy Hayes.

KAPPES SERVED AS A MARINE Corps officer from 1976 until he joined the CIA in January 1981, when he was based in the Near East and South Asia Division.

He was promoted to Senior Intelligence Service in July 1995.

Kappes left the agency in November 2004 due to tensions created by former CIA Director Porter Goss when he moved officials from his congressional office into the agency.

In July 2006, Kappes returned to the CIA.

He became deputy director during President George W. Bush's second term, and on Feb. 13 of last year he agreed to continue in this position under President Obama.