The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 AAA Legislative Awards. Each Member of Congress is being recognized for their strong advocacy for emergency medical services and their ongoing dedication to ambulance services across the United States.
2023 AAA Legislators of the Year
Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D (LA)
Senator Jon Tester (MT)
EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Washington, DC as 2023 Stars of Life
Washington, DC—Next week, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) will recognize extraordinary EMS professionals during the annual Stars of Life celebration. 128 individuals from across the United States will be honored as the 2023 Stars at a prestigious event November 6–8.
Stars of Life pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. During their time in our nation’s capital, the Stars will receive medallions and plaques in thanks for their lifesaving and life-sustaining service. The Stars, accompanied by their families and executive hosts, will also meet with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss policy issues critical to emergency medical services.
In addition to the Stars, Senator Jon Tester of Montana and Senator Bill Cassidy, MD of Louisiana will be recognized as Legislators of the Year, and 11 United States Senators and 17 Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of mobile healthcare.
American Ambulance Association President Randy Strozyk noted that, “EMS professionals work tirelessly to provide round-the-clock healthcare when it is needed most.” He continued, “Together, we honor this year’s Stars of Life, and thank them for the countless hours of service they have dedicated to their local communities.”
This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:
Danny Abalama | B200 Instructor Pilot, Guardian Flight | Anchorage, AK | starsof.life/23abalama
Adedeji Adebayo | Paramedic, Chief Supervisor, Mohawk Ambulance Service | Schenectady, NY | starsof.life/23adebayo
Tiffany Allen | EMT & Billing Supervisor, REACT EMS | Shawnee, OK | starsof.life/23allen
Jacob Ambach | Paramedic, American Medical Response | Spokane, WA | starsof.life/23ambach
Marcia Anderson | Critical Care Paramedic, M Health Fairview / HealthEast | St. Paul, MN | starsof.life/23anderson
Michael Arquette | Operations Supervisor, American Medical Response | Buffalo, NY | starsof.life/23arquette
Jack Asbury | Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response | Bushnell, FL | starsof.life/23asbury
Gage Askew | Paramedic & Field Training Officer, REACT EMS | Shawnee, OK | starsof.life/23askew
Austin Baffa | Emergency Medical Technician, Falck Mobile Health Corp | Orange County, CA | starsof.life/23baffa
Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Intercontinental Wharf hotel on November 7, 2023 from 7:00–9:00pm. Interviews with Stars of Life as well as national EMS leaders will be available.
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About The American Ambulance Association
Caring for People—First.
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.
EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Washington, DC as 2023 Stars of Life
Washington, DC—This November, the American Ambulance Association (AAA) will recognize extraordinary EMS professionals during the annual Stars of Life celebration. 128 individuals from across the United States will be honored as the 2023 Stars at the November 6–8 event.
Stars of Life pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. During their time in our nation’s capital, the Stars will receive medallions and plaques in thanks for their lifesaving and life-sustaining service. The Stars, accompanied by their families and executive hosts, will also meet with members of Congress and congressional aides to discuss policy issues critical to emergency medical services.
In addition to the Stars, Senator Jon Tester of Montana and Senator Bill Cassidy, MD of Louisiana will be recognized as Legislators of the Year, and 11 United States Senators and 17 Representatives will receive Legislative Recognition Awards for their support of mobile healthcare.
American Ambulance Association President Randy Strozyk noted that, “EMS professionals work tirelessly to provide round-the-clock healthcare when it is needed most.” He continued, “Together, we honor this year’s Stars of Life, and thank them for the countless hours of service they have dedicated to their local communities.”
This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:
Danny Abalama | B200 Instructor Pilot, Guardian Flight | Anchorage, AK | starsof.life/23abalama
Adedeji Adebayo | Paramedic, Chief Supervisor, Mohawk Ambulance Service | Schenectady, NY | starsof.life/23adebayo
Tiffany Allen | EMT & Billing Supervisor, REACT EMS | Shawnee, OK | starsof.life/23allen
Jacob Ambach | Paramedic, American Medical Response | Spokane, WA | starsof.life/23ambach
Marcia Anderson | Critical Care Paramedic, M Health Fairview / HealthEast | St. Paul, MN | starsof.life/23anderson
Michael Arquette | Operations Supervisor, American Medical Response | Buffalo, NY | starsof.life/23arquette
Jack Asbury | Emergency Medical Technician, American Medical Response | Bushnell, FL | starsof.life/23asbury
Gage Askew | Paramedic & Field Training Officer, REACT EMS | Shawnee, OK | starsof.life/23askew
Austin Baffa | Emergency Medical Technician, Falck Mobile Health Corp | Orange County, CA | starsof.life/23baffa
Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Intercontinental Wharf hotel on November 7, 2023 from 7:00–9:00pm. Interviews with Stars of Life as well as national EMS leaders will be available.
# # #
About The American Ambulance Association
Caring for People—First.
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.
The American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.
Recognize the unsung heroes at your ambulance service—nominate EMTs, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and other EMS professionals for this year’s class of Stars. Stars and their guests, accompanied by executive hosts, are celebrated in a series of events in our nation’s capital.
Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.
American Ambulance Association
Stars of Life 2023
November 6–8, 2023 Intercontinental Wharf | Washington, DCNominations close October 10, but early nomination is suggested as space is limited.
Eligibility—Who Are Our Stars?
All employees of ambulance services are eligible for nomination for the AAA Stars of Life program. All nominees are recognized as Stars. Examples of individuals commonly nominated include:
State-level Star of Life or other award program recipient
Employee of the year
On-duty or off-duty services above and beyond the call of duty such as special rescue or setting of significant records
Notable community contributions such as volunteer work, local leadership, partnerships with other organizations or agencies
Significant community distinction or honors related to ambulance, public safety, public health or health care services
Consistent services record which exemplifies your ambulance operation’s mission
Please note that we encourage individuals being honored poshumously to be recognized through the National EMS Memorial Service.
2023 Registration Rates
Registration opens in July, and closes October 10. Late submissions cannot be accomodated.
Stars – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
Hosts – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
Guests – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
Banquet Only – $199 member / $398 non-member
Stars of Life Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations received in writing at hello@ambulance.org by September 1, 2023 will be refunded less a 25% penalty. Cancellations received from September 2 to October 1, 2023 will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued after October 2, 2023. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Nominations are also open for the AAA EMSNext leadership and education program focused on nurturing a new generation of EMS association and policy leaders.
The American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.
Recognize the unsung heroes at your ambulance service—nominate EMTs, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and other EMS professionals for this year’s class of Stars. Stars and their guests, accompanied by executive hosts, are celebrated in a series of events in our nation’s capital.
Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.
American Ambulance Association
Stars of Life 2023
November 6–8, 2023 Intercontinental Wharf | Washington, DC
Nominations close October 10, but early nomination is suggested as space is limited.
Eligibility—Who Are Our Stars?
All employees of ambulance services are eligible for nomination for the AAA Stars of Life program. All nominees are recognized as Stars. Examples of individuals commonly nominated include:
State-level Star of Life or other award program recipient
Employee of the year
On-duty or off-duty services above and beyond the call of duty such as special rescue or setting of significant records
Notable community contributions such as volunteer work, local leadership, partnerships with other organizations or agencies
Significant community distinction or honors related to ambulance, public safety, public health or health care services
Consistent services record which exemplifies your ambulance operation’s mission
Please note that we encourage individuals being honored poshumously to be recognized through the National EMS Memorial Service.
2023 Registration Rates
Registration opens in July, and closes October 10. Late submissions cannot be accomodated.
Stars – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
Hosts – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
Guests – $549 member / $1098 non-member (+$150 after October 1)
Banquet Only – $199 member / $398 non-member
Stars of Life Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations received in writing at hello@ambulance.org by September 1, 2023 will be refunded less a 25% penalty. Cancellations received from September 2 to October 1, 2023 will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued after October 2, 2023. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Nominations are also open for the AAA EMSNext leadership and education program focused on nurturing a new generation of EMS association and policy leaders.
Aarron Reinert President American Ambulance Association
Dear Fellow AAA Members,
I write to you today during what we all recognize as an extraordinary time for EMS. As we collectively serve on the very front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic, we know that the most challenging times are still ahead. However, I am heartened by the collective resolve of the members of the American Ambulance Association to provide 24/7 on-demand mobile healthcare, no matter the circumstances.
As President of the Association, I am sharing below a brief summary of the AAA’s activities to support its members in the face of this devastating disease.
COVID-19 Content & Approach
Coronavirus Working Group—AAA Region III Director Tom Tornstrom, Executive Director of Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance, has been appointed to lead the AAA Coronavirus Working Group. The team includes AAA’s lobbyists, leadership, staff, and members from across the nation. We meet frequently and collaborate constantly to track challenges and find solutions to EMS issues relating to COVID-19 response. Sample topics include:
First responder safety and wellness
Reimbursement for alternative destinations, treatment in place, and mobile testing
Paperwork reduction / waivers
Advocating for policies in federal legislation that support mobile healthcare and redacting those that can negatively impact the industry
Members will receive updates via our Digest e-newsletter as we continue to make progress on these and other issues.
Representation in Stakeholder Groups—From CMS to Congress to local mayors, AAA has representatives and members working with legislators, regulators, and officials at every level of government to advocate for EMS. Simultaneously, AAA leaders are working to showcase mobile healthcare’s unique strengths and capabilities for addressing the viral threat.
Member Newsletter—The frequency of our member Digest e-newsletter has been increased from weekly to near-daily to ensure that we are curating and communicating the most relevant and important information.
COVID-19 Archive—All AAA posts related to the virus can be found on our website. A COVID-19 resource link has been added to the top navigation of the AAA website for easy access by providers.
Association Events & Operations
Stars of Life—Out of an abundance of caution, the Stars of Life event in Washington has been canceled. All blocked rooms will be canceled and refunded by the hotel, and all attendee registration fees will be refunded by diflucan. Staff is working on the development of meaningful ways to celebrate 2020 Stars outside of the context of an in-person event.
Ambulance Cost Education (Cost Collection)—A plan is in place to move ACE Gold cost collection education from face-to-face to an interactive online learning environment. Subscribers can expect additional updates in early April.
Headquarters—Association staff is all working remotely whenever possible. Staff is adhering to strict health, hygiene, and social distancing. All order fulfillment, mail processing, and other functions have been moved offsite.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to staff at info@ambulance.org or 202-802-9020 if we can be of any assistance. Thank you again for your service to your communities during this very difficult time.
Aarron Reinert
President, American Ambulance Association
