Civilians presented Command Civilian Award for Valor

Published Sept. 22, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers
18th Wing Public Affairs

Kadena Air Base, Japan -- On the morning of Jan. 18, 2011, Joseph Morrison, 525th Electronic Maintenance Squadron materials expeditor, was speaking with two Air Force personnel about how his work vehicle wasn't starting.

"They said they would jump it off and take the truck back to vehicle maintenance," Morrison said.

A few moments later, Maria Rendon, inventory management specialist, and Arnell Carmichael, 525th EMS material packer, were in their offices when they heard screams.

"I immediately ran out of my office to see what all the noise was about," said Carmichael.

Rendon also ran out to see what was happening. A staff sergeant who was fixing Morrison's work truck was now pinned between two vehicles. Morrison and Carmichael got the truck in reverse so the staff sergeant could free himself.

"I then began to immediately administer self-aid and buddy care ... I took both of the staff sergeant's boots off to release any superfluous tension on the injured knees," Carmichael said.

While Morrison stayed on the phone until emergency personnel arrived, both Rendon and Carmichael kept the staff sergeant responsive by asking him general questions.

The three demonstrated outstanding courage, crisis leadership and emergency care and averted the staff sergeant from suffering life-threatening injuries, and for that they were rewarded the Command Civilian Award for Valor, presented by 18th Wing vice commander Col. Corey Martin on Sept. 20.

"Arnell, Joseph and Maria congratulations! I think there is something to be said about being at the right place at the right time," Martin said. "But what is more important is that you took action. Arnell and Joseph were men of action and Maria a woman of action. Thank you for being an example to Team Kadena."