CommunityThursday, November 12
Peoria paramedic Nicole Hughes wins a Star of Life award and picks the Honor Flight instead
The Daily Peoria team
If you know the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, meet Nicole Hughes. The American Ambulance Association has awarded her a 2026 Star of Life, a national honor for EMS members, for her work with the flight. She's a quality and compliance manager, critical care paramedic and pre-hospital registered nurse with Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois.
1672026 Stars of Life honorees
Hughes is one of them.
Source: WCBU Peoria
Hughes is an Army veteran who helps coordinate medical staffing and emergency equipment for each flight. She's skipping the awards festivities to be on the next one.
“To me, it's more important to be there serving those who've served us rather than being recognized for something that I'm doing alongside a team.”
- AAA celebration for honorees: Nov. 16–18 in Washington, D.C.
- Honor Flight mission to Washington: Nov. 17
- On the team: AMT joined the flight's medical team two years ago
Hughes will be with veterans while honorees gather in Washington
- Oct. 29Hughes is reported as a 2026 Star of Life winner.
- Nov. 16–18The American Ambulance Association celebrates Stars of Life honorees in Washington, D.C.
- Nov. 17Greater Peoria Honor Flight makes its mission to Washington, with Hughes on board.
Sources: WCBU Peoria, wmbdradio.com
Sources: WCBU Peoria, wmbdradio.com