You are driving east on I-10 towards D-M. The sun is setting, and you are running late. You had to run back home to let your dog back in your house, and you are still competing with the fast moving traffic to get to base. Six cars ahead of your vehicle you see a Ford F-250 careen out of control and clip a motorcyclist who is sent flying through the air. All vehicles between you and the collision pass the motorcycle and the rider lying in the center lane as you approach at a high speed. Do you stop?
This past week two U.S. Air Force Airmen made the choice to stop, and by putting themselves in harm’s way, they prevented further injury to a motorcyclist and saved his life. One Airman used his car as a shield in the center lane and directed traffic standing in the center of the interstate while cars were whizzing by. The other Airman attended to the injuries of the rider until local police and firefighters could arrive and take over the scene.
I was not there, but I know this because a stranger came up and thanked me for my service. She told me what she had witnessed on the highway. How many of us have been thanked for our service or been offered free drinks or dinner when we were in uniform while our brothers and sisters are serving overseas? The people of this community thank us not only for the sacrifices we make overseas but also for our willingness to show courage and determination in any situation and do the right thing at all costs.
I may never know the two Airmen who chose to stop on the highway last week saving the life of the injured rider, but I can say with pride that it is people like them that made me join the Air Force. True heroes do not look for medals or rewards. They are willing to give all and remain anonymous, but if the two of you ever read this, know that your actions did not go unnoticed.
You are driving east on I-10 towards D-M. The sun is setting, and you are running late. You had to run back home to let your dog back in your house, and you are still competing with the fast moving traffic to get to base. Six cars ahead of your vehicle you see a Ford F-250 careen out of control and clip a motorcyclist who is sent flying through the air. All vehicles between you and the collision pass the motorcycle and the rider lying in the center lane as you approach at a high speed. Do you stop?
This past week two U.S. Air Force Airmen made the choice to stop, and by putting themselves in harm’s way, they prevented further injury to a motorcyclist and saved his life. One Airman used his car as a shield in the center lane and directed traffic standing in the center of the interstate while cars were whizzing by. The other Airman attended to the injuries of the rider until local police and firefighters could arrive and take over the scene.
I was not there, but I know this because a stranger came up and thanked me for my service. She told me what she had witnessed on the highway. How many of us have been thanked for our service or been offered free drinks or dinner when we were in uniform while our brothers and sisters are serving overseas? The people of this community thank us not only for the sacrifices we make overseas but also for our willingness to show courage and determination in any situation and do the right thing at all costs.
I may never know the two Airmen who chose to stop on the highway last week saving the life of the injured rider, but I can say with pride that it is people like them that made me join the Air Force. True heroes do not look for medals or rewards. They are willing to give all and remain anonymous, but if the two of you ever read this, know that your actions did not go unnoticed.