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SERE Airman receives Citizen Life Saving Medal for heroic water rescue

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melissa L. Barnett
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  As a Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape student, Airman David Scarlett, 66th Training Squadron student, is taught the basic skills necessary for world-wide survival, and facilitating search and rescue efforts. Not only does this training come in handy for personnel designated as high-risk of being captured such as pilots, flight officers and intelligence officers; but also for members of the Spokane Community.

On Dec.19, 2008 Airman Scarlett unexpectedly became a hero. He single handedly pulled two male transients out from the bitter cold current of the Spokane River. The incident took place along the river by the Red Lion Inn Hotel. Two unidentified men were fully submerged in the frigid water, struggling to grip the jagged rocks that kept them afloat, when Airmen Scarlett selflessly dove into the water and, one by one, led the men to shore. The freezing temperature immediately took his breathe away and hindered his ability to swim swiftly toward the two transients.

"All I could think about was finding a safe way to get to them - they looked distressed and I knew I had to act fast," explained Airman Scarlett, "I had to strip down to my boxers and T-shirt - my heavy clothing would have slowed me down in the water, and I needed something dry to change into to prevent hypothermia. When I got to the men they could barely move and were unable to help themselves."

His encounter not only sparked the attention of the City of Spokane Mayor Mary Verner, but also the acknowledgment from Col. Scott Green, 336th TRS commander, Chief Master Sgt. Mark Berstler, 336th TRS Command Chief, Lt. Col. John Holm, 66th TRS commander, Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Hawxhurst 66th TRS Superintendent, and Col. Robert Thomas, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander - not to mention all of his peers in the 336th TRS.

"He made the survival group proud. His outstanding courage and training gave him the confidence to save those men. He is a great model of what the Air Force can do - lead by example." said Tech. Sgt. Gregorio Martinez, 66th TRS Military Training Leader.

Airman Scarlett will receive the Citizen Life Saving medal from Spokane Mayor Verner on Feb. 9 at the City Council meeting for his selfless act. The Lifesaving Medal may be awarded to any member of the U.S. military or to a U.S. civilian who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck or other peril of water. The medal is issued in two grades, silver and gold. It is authorized to receive the gold metal if the individual attempting the rescue did so at extreme peril and risk of life. For all other rescues, the Silver Lifesaving Medal is authorized.

"We are honored to recognize Airman David Scarlett," said City of Spokane Mayor Mary Verner. "He dove into rushing water to save two people he didn't know, risking his own personal safety. He's a hero."