HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chad Carrier and Master Sgt. Justin Rogers, reservists in the 419th Civil Engineer Squadron, received the Airman’s Medal during a ceremony at Hill Air Force Base, Utah on July 11, 2021.
On May 23, 2019, Carrier and Rogers witnessed an automobile accident near Lakeview, Alabama, involving a truck that had burst into flames on the side of the road. With complete disregard for their own safety, they called 9-1-1 and rushed to assist the trapped driver.
As the fire increased in size, the reservists were able to reach the driver through a broken rear window and pull him to safety. When a two-man fire crew showed up, they assisted the firefighters by diverting traffic, deploying hoses, and monitoring the driver’s condition until an ambulance arrived.
Utilizing their military training and quick thinking, the Airmen personified one of the Air Force’s core values, placing “service before self.”
One of the most prestigious decorations presented to Air Force service members, the Airman’s Medal is awarded to those who voluntarily risk their life in non-combat situations distinguished through their heroic acts.
By Senior Airman Erica Webster, 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published July 12, 2021
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chad Carrier (left) and Master Sgt. Justin Rogers, 419th Civil Engineer Squadron, stand at attention during a ceremony where they were awarded the Airman’s Medal at Hill Air Force Base, Utah on July 11, 2021. Carrier and Rogers displayed exemplary heroism actions when they saved the life of a trapped driver by pulling him from a burning vehicle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erica Webster)
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chad Carrier, 419th Civil Engineer Squadron, receives the Airman’s Medal from Col. Matthew Fritz, 419th Fighter Wing commander, during a ceremony at Hill Air Force Base, Utah on July 11, 2021. Carrier displayed exemplary heroism actions when he saved the life of a trapped driver by pulling him from a burning vehicle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erica Webster)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Justin Rogers, 419th Civil Engineer Squadron, receives the Airman’s Medal from Col. Matthew Fritz, 419th Fighter Wing commander, during a ceremony at Hill Air Force Base, Utah on July 11, 2021. Rogers displayed exemplary heroism actions when he saved the life of a trapped driver by pulling him from a burning vehicle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erica Webster)
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Chad Carrier, 419th Civil Engineer Squadron, stands at attention before being presented the Airman’s Medal at Hill Air Force Base, Utah on July 11, 2021. The Airman’s Medal is a distinguished decoration awarded to those who display heroism or acts of heroism that involve a voluntary risk of life under non-combat conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erica Webster)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Justin Rogers, 419th Civil Engineer Squadron, stands at attention before being presented the Airman’s Medal at Hill Air Force Base, Utah on July 11, 2021. The Airman’s Medal is a distinguished decoration awarded to those who display heroism or acts of heroism that involve a voluntary risk of life under non-combat conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erica Webster)
Jose J. Sanchez, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Defender Magazine, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Presidential Honor Guard, Bolling AFB, Washington DC, the 416th Security Police Squadron, Griffiss AFB, NY, and the 89th Security Forces Squadron, Andrews AFB, MD
