Thursday, December 11, 2014

Airman saves lives, receives recognition

by Tech. Sgt. Lou Burton
178th Wing


12/9/2014 - BLUE ASH, Ohio -- An Airman and his unit were recognized for being outstanding during a duel presentation Dec. 6 at the Blue Ash Air National Guard Station.

Master Sgt. Jeffery Scott, 123rd Air Control Squadron, received the Airman's Medal for his heroic actions that saved the lives of three people.

While on a January 2013 camping trip in North Carolina, Scott responded to the call of three fishermen whose boat capsized during the middle of the night. He entering the fast moving, frigid water and aiding the men to shore.

"His actions prevented a true tragedy," said Lt. Col Steven Breitfelder, 123rd Air Control Squadron commander. "People like Jeff make our military the best in the world."

The entire ordeal lasted more than an hour and a half. Scott risked his own personal safety by entering the rapidly moving and elevated waters that were below 20 degrees. He attributed his actions in part to the core values he learned as an Airman.

"I think that the core values played a critical role because of service before self," said Scott. "I didn't think about it, I just jumped in to help them."

An ideology that Maj.Gen. Mark Bartman, Ohio Air National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, marked as a quality of true Airmen.

"Most people run from danger, but we as Airmen run towards it," said Bartman.

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