APS Airman honored at American Red Cross heroes breakfast

by Staff Sgt. Frances Kriss
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/25/2012 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- An Airman from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron was honored Oct. 24 at the 2012 American Red Cross Pierce County Heroes Breakfast.

Staff Sgt. Landon Jensen, 62nd APS ramp services supervisor, received the "Military Hero Award" for saving a woman from a burning car last year.

"Our annual heroes breakfast is an opportunity to recognize these very special individuals who personify the mission of the Red Cross and make Pierce County safe and strong," said Tracy Peacock, American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter executive. "This year's heroes acted quickly and courageously to save a life, prevent tragedy or give of themselves for the greater good, regardless of personal risks."

Because Jensen is currently deployed, his shift supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Lee Ubungen, 62nd APS air terminal operations center senior controller, accepted the award on his behalf.

"Sergeant Jensen personifies the Air Force Core Values of 'integrity first,' 'service before self,' and 'excellence in all we do'," said Ubungen.

I'm very proud of his actions and he truly deserves this recognition, he added.

The tradition of recognizing community heroes at a breakfast began in Pierce County in 1994. The concept has since taken hold nationwide with many Red Cross chapters now hosting an annual heroes event.