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Airmen recognized by Red Cross as hometown heroes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Five Fairchild Airmen were recognized by the American Red Cross at the 10th Annual American Red Cross Honoring Hometown Heroes Luncheon Nov. 13, in Airway Heights, Wash.

More than 600 Spokane community and service members were in attendance, as these heroes were honored for their significant accomplishments and positive impacts on the lives of others.

"This is an annual event the Red Cross holds and it's one of our favorites because we get to recognize people who have done amazing things but don't look for recognition," said Megan Snow, American Red Cross Regional Communications director. "This is something we see in these heroes and in our everyday volunteers."

The awards received were the Fire Safety Heroes Award and the Military Heroes Award.
Senior Airman Cory Dilport, Senior Airman Anthony Fischer and Senior Airman Caleb Williams, 336th Training Group Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists, received the Fire Safety Heroes Award.

Dilport, Fischer and Williams were swimming in August when they noticed smoke coming from a large brush fire that was spreading quickly. By time the Airmen got to shore the fire was above the tree tops. When they approached the scene they saw a woman and two young children trying to put the fire out. The Airmen moved the family to safety, called 911, and began fighting the fire by building a fire break and pulling water from the river with their gear bags. When fire crews arrived 20 minutes later the fire had been completely extinguished.

"I am very grateful those Airmen were able to help out the community and people in need," said Col. Bill Thomas, 336th TRG commander. "It is a testimony to their character as well as compassion and dedication to duty."

Chief Master Sgt. Lawrence Richards, 336th TRG chief, said he was proud of the squadron's Airmen, but said he's seen these great characteristics in all of Team Fairchild.

"It's indicative for our Airmen to respond to any type of situation," said Richards. "It doesn't matter if they have come from the 336th TRG, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, or the 141st ARW; our Airmen respond to situations day in and day out. I'm proud of my Airmen and also proud across the force."

Staff Sgt. Krystle DeBiase and Senior Airman Kelly Gorham, from the 92nd Medical Operations Squadron, received the Military Heroes Award.

DeBiase and Gorham were stuck in traffic driving through California in August when a passerby rushed to their car looking for medical supplies. There had been a serious car accident down the road and two adults, three children and two infants needed medical attention. Gorham took her deployment kit to the accident and began to perform emergency medical training. She used a diaper to stop bleeding and held a victim's C-Spine until Emergency Medical Services could arrive. DeBiase also provided care by triaging the other injured parties, splinting victims' limbs and stabilizing others so they would not go into shock. Both Airmen stayed on scene until help arrived.

"I wasn't expecting this, I'm honored," DeBiase said. "I wish the other Airman could be here to receive the award with me."

Gorham was unable to attend yet DeBiase accepted the award for both parties.

Among these heroes from Fairchild, nine other individuals from the community were recognized for their heroic acts and positive impacts to others.

"Character is doing what is right when no one is looking," said David Condon, Spokane Mayor. "It's an honor to recognize amazing people who have made our home a wonderful place to live."