Gesa Credit Union honors six local heroes during the first Chehalis Fourth of July celebration 

Gesa Credit Union honored six local heroes during the City of Chehalis' inaugural Fourth of July celebration held on July 4 at Stan Hedwall Park.

The honorees were selected from community nominations for the lasting impact they have made across the region, the company stated in a news release. 

This year’s honorees include the following individuals (descriptions provided by Gesa):

• Chip Duncan, Veterans Memorial Museum, recognized for his work supporting local veterans. Through the Veterans Memorial Museum, Duncan has become a trusted resource for Lewis County veterans and their families. He provides hands-on assistance with secondary claims and other benefits systems, helping those who have served access the compensation and care they have earned.
• Captain Braxton Traylor, Chehalis Fire Department, recognized for his leadership both inside and outside the fire service. A fire captain and EMT, Traylor is known for mentoring fellow firefighters, providing compassionate patient care and giving back to children throughout the community.
• Dr. Robert D. McElhaney, Mary's Corner Medical Clinic, recognized for more than two decades of caring for patients across the region. McElhaney has devoted his career to expanding access to local healthcare, including building Mary’s Corner Medical Clinic, where he made a lasting impact on thousands of patients.
• Cassandra Webber, St. Joseph School, recognized for her efforts supporting students, teachers and families. Webber dedicates countless hours to organizing the school's auction, working alongside local businesses, school leaders and parent volunteers to make the event a success. Her efforts have helped generate funding that directly benefits classrooms and educational opportunities.
• Todd and Troy Thornburg, Chehalis Police Department, recognized for their continued service as school resource officers at W.F. West High School. As retired law enforcement officers, both provide campus safety, emergency response and law-related education for students, teachers and families.

"As we read through the nominations, one thing became clear: every recipient has made a lasting difference in the lives of others," said Brandon Allison, Gesa vice president of community impact. "Seeing a community come together to celebrate them made this recognition even more special. At Gesa, supporting the people who strengthen our communities is central to who we are, and it is an honor to recognize them alongside the people who know them best."

According to the news release, the recognition builds on Gesa's long-standing commitment to supporting local heroes across the Pacific Northwest. Through its Local Heroes Grant Program, Gesa provides annual funding to organizations serving firefighters, law enforcement, educators, healthcare workers and veterans.  

Last year marked a record-breaking milestone for the program, with more than half-a-million dollars awarded to 52 organizations across the region, according to the release. 

The program is made possible through Gesa's Affinity debit card program. With every swipe of a Local Heroes co-branded Affinity debit card, members earn funds designated for grants in that card’s local heroes category. Funds accumulate over the course of a year and are disbursed annually by the Gesa Community Foundation.

Applications for Gesa's 2026 Local Heroes Grant Program are open through July 31, 2026. To learn more about eligibility requirements and apply, visit www.gesa.com/foundation/local-heroes/. 

To learn more about Gesa Credit Union and its products, services, or community programs, visit www.gesa.com.