KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- What began as a quiet Sunday drive to the gym quickly turned into a life-aiding moment for one Airman from the 18th Wing Erwin Professional Military Education Center.
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Winsome Culley, the center’s senior development advisor, didn’t hesitate when he saw a car hydroplane, lose control, and flip onto its side outside Kadena Air Base, Oct. 19, 2025.
Culley, who spends his days mentoring Airmen and strengthening leadership, resilience, and growth across the force, acted on instinct that day, proving that his compassion for others extends far beyond the classroom.
“My first priority was to find a way to get him out of the vehicle the quickest possible way,” said Culley. “When the side door didn't work I immediately signaled the driver to crawl to the back of the vehicle to see if I could get him out through the trunk.”
Culley’s quick thinking helped extract the driver —an Okinawan resident— from the overturned car and move him to safety. Despite the language barrier, Culley stayed with him, using gestures and calm reassurance to ensure he wasn’t injured while they waited for first responders to arrive.
“We’ve been trained to react and respond,” said Culley. “From basic training on, it’s been drilled into us: when the alarm goes off, you move. When it’s game time, it’s game time. That’s what our training gave us—the ability to act without overthinking, to take care of business when it counts.”
Even after the accident, Culley kept in contact with the driver, using translation apps to check on his recovery.
“I wasn’t surprised when I heard that one of our Airmen stopped to help,” said Chief Master Sgt. Brad Cambra, 18th Wing commandant of the Erwin PME Center. “That’s the culture we strive for—helping those in need without hesitation. It’s part of who we are as Airmen.”
Culley’s response embodies the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do; principles that guided his every move that day.
“I almost didn’t go to the office that day,” Culley reflected. “But I’m glad that I did, and I’m grateful I was in the right place at the right time to help.”