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Everyday heroes step up in unexpected time of need

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The city of Fayetteville, N.C., recognized all those who have served or who are currently serving in the military with a parade down Hays Street Nov. 10.

This parade was the start of the Veterans Day weekend, a time to honor our everyday military heroes; however, for two Airmen this day became even more memorable.

As the parade was over and the six Pope shuttle buses were heading back to base they came upon a vehicle with heavy smoke billowing out from it.

"I was situated in the far rear of the bus on the driver's side aisle seat," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Statkus, 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron. "We approached a car which seemed to have an odd amount of exhaust coming from it. As we passed the car, we noticed there was more smoke billowing. Then someone exclaimed the car was on fire.

"I turned around and it looked like a scene from an action movie. There were bright flames jetting from underneath the engine and hood. Traffic had slowed down because there was no visibility."

Sergeant Statkus then went into "warrior" mode. He immediately yelled for the bus driver to stop the bus. He jumped out of the emergency door, grabbed a fire extinguisher from another bus driver, opened the door of the car, helped a lady out of the burning car and began dowsing the fire.

"I opened the hood but due to the fact there was no prop rod, I had to hold the hood with one hand and the extinguisher with the other," said Sergeant Statkus. "This is when Senior Airman Nelson rendered assistance with helping put out the fire."

"I was a driver of one of the buses and witnessed this vehicle as well," said Senior Airman Charlton Nelson, 43rd LRS. "Someone yelled for the bus to be pulled over. I used the size of my bus while hitting my horn to get through the traffic to the burning vehicle.

"Once I got the vehicle parked, I grabbed my fire extinguisher and raced toward the car. To my surprise I wasn't the only concerned Air Force member to quickly respond. My fellow squadron member, Sergeant Statkus, was on the ball as well. As he had already taken care of the driver, I immediately began helping him with putting out the flames."

With both members keeping one hand on the hood and emptying their extinguishers the fire was put out.

"My heart was pounding and I was thinking potentially worst thing that could happen to this car while it was on fire," said Sergeant Statkus. "All I could think about was getting that young lady out of the car. I am not one of those who just stand around and watch in a crisis situation, if I can be of assistance then I'm there."

"I was 100 percent focused on the safety of myself and those around me," said Airman Nelson. "My job in the Air Force has offered tremendous experience in fast reactions. I am fresh from a deployment in which we drove convoys on some of the dangerous roads in Iraq."

After the car was extinguished Sergeant Statkus went back to check on the lady he had helped out of the car. She gave him a big hug and thanked him for saving her.

Both Airmen have been in situations like this before, where their quick thinking and reaction helped someone out.

"My grandmother used to tell me and my siblings all the time 'Do unto others as you would have done to you' I felt relief that I was able to be there at that time," said Airman Nelson. "I could only hope for that same kind of compassion to be displayed if it was a family member or friend of mine."

Both Air Force members wanted to provide some advice on what to do when a crisis situation presents itself.

"Try to imagine that the person you're helping is one of your friends or loved ones," said Sergeant Statkus. "I am almost certain that everyone would agree that we would want someone to help out our loved ones in a life threatening situation. So try to think about that if you're ever in a situation that could ultimately save another person's life."

"Never hesitate to react and respond to what comes naturally," said Airman Nelson.

"Always keep the safety of yourself and others in mind when you need to do anything that you haven't done before. Most importantly always think of how and what you do that may make a change in someone's life."

"We train everyday for what could potentially happen to us on the battle field," said Sergeant Statkus. "I know if any of us were injured, we would help our fellow Airman. So whether you're in a deployed location or downtown and put into a situation that could possibly help or save another person's life. Just take a second and remember that could be you that needs the help."

"I feel very fortunate to have been able to help at this particular moment. There is a special feeling you have when you know you have helped someone. I am also pleased that I was joined by a fellow Airman and brother of the 43rd LRS. I just hope our actions reflected an important part of Veterans day -- honor."