Unidentified World War II Veteran being monitored by advance medical caregivers following rescue by Drill Sergeant Candidate (Sgt.) Mary “Char” Becker, A Co., 1/354th Reg., 95th Training Division (IET). Photo by KOLN-TV Lincoln, Neb.
LINCOLN, Neb. — On 14 Sept. 2015, Army Reserve Drill Sergeant Candidate (Sgt.) Mary “Char” Becker from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 354th Regiment, 95th Training Division (IET), along with Sgt. 1st Class Josey Huffman an Army Recruiter out of Lincoln, Nebraska, were traveling between recruiting events on a sunny Monday afternoon.
While on Highway 34 near Fallbrook, Nebraska, they noticed a slowing vehicle that was veering off the road. Becker and Huffman’s engrained training kicked in and they knew they needed to intervene. Becker later said “It doesn’t take time for us to think about what we need to do. We just jump into action and do it.”
Huffman, driving the car, pulled up next to the slowing vehicle and that’s when Becker noticed what appeared to be an unconscious elderly man behind the wheel. Without regard to her own safety Becker approached the slowing vehicle, exited her vehicle and began to chase the car down.
After the slowing vehicle came to a stop, Becker, a Licensed Practical Nurse (68C) by trade, began assessing the elderly man and providing life stabilizing treatment. A paramedic unit was requested by contacting 911. Becker continued to monitor the man until officers and advanced medical treatment arrived.
LINCOLN, Neb. — On 14 Sept. 2015, Army Reserve Drill Sergeant Candidate (Sgt.) Mary “Char” Becker from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 354th Regiment, 95th Training Division (IET), along with Sgt. 1st Class Josey Huffman an Army Recruiter out of Lincoln, Nebraska, were traveling between recruiting events on a sunny Monday afternoon.
While on Highway 34 near Fallbrook, Nebraska, they noticed a slowing vehicle that was veering off the road. Becker and Huffman’s engrained training kicked in and they knew they needed to intervene. Becker later said “It doesn’t take time for us to think about what we need to do. We just jump into action and do it.”
Huffman, driving the car, pulled up next to the slowing vehicle and that’s when Becker noticed what appeared to be an unconscious elderly man behind the wheel. Without regard to her own safety Becker approached the slowing vehicle, exited her vehicle and began to chase the car down.
After the slowing vehicle came to a stop, Becker, a Licensed Practical Nurse (68C) by trade, began assessing the elderly man and providing life stabilizing treatment. A paramedic unit was requested by contacting 911. Becker continued to monitor the man until officers and advanced medical treatment arrived.
During post event interviews, Becker stated “We could tell there was somebody in the vehicle that was not in good shape and that he needed help.” Huffman said that “…we [Soldiers] help whenever we can. It doesn’t have to be a combat situation.”
Drill Sergeant Candidate (Sgt.) Mary “Char” Becker, A Co., 1/354th Reg., 95th Training Division (IET), interviewed following the rescue of a 94-year-old World War II Veteran. Photo by KOLN-TV Lincoln, Neb.
It was later discovered that the man in the car was a 94-year-old World War II Veteran. He was transported to a local hospital, made a full recovery and has since been reunited with his Family.