Each year, HireQuest Inc. and the Higher Quest Foundation host the American Hero Awards. The ceremony recognizes two American service men or women who have gone above the call of duty in service to their country.

Ultimate Hero Award Recipient Spc. Ross A. McGinnis, Medal of Honor, U.S. Army

Ross Andrew McGinnis was born June 14, 1987, in Meadville, Penn. In kindergarten, he drew what he wanted to be when he grew up: a soldier. On his 17th birthday, he joined the Army.

On Dec. 4, 2006, in Amhamiyah, Iraq, an insurgent on a rooftop threw a fragmentation grenade into Spc. McGinnis’ Humvee. He threw himself on the grenade, sacrificing his life while saving the lives of four fellow soldiers inside the Humvee. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

American Hero Award Recipient CAPT Eugene “Geno” Paluso (Ret.), Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Navy

A Washington, Penn., native, CAPT Paluso graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, S.C, in 1989. He was commissioned an ensign, then graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL School a year later.

Over 25 years of service, CAPT Paluso commanded Naval Special Operations in the Pacific and served in the Balkans, Africa, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

From 2014 to 2021, he served as The Citadel’s Commandant of Cadets. This year, he was appointed CEO of financial tech company Sagent.