342nd RCS recruiters to the rescue!

Published Sept. 18, 2007
By Lt. Col. Douglas E. Stropes
342d Recruiting Squadron

Fort Snelling, Minn. -- We all assume that when faced with a crisis or exceptional situation in need of a hero, we would have the training, resources and, most importantly, the courage to step up to the challenge. In a short five-day period, Airmen from the 342nd Recruiting Squadron found themselves in scenarios that required them to prove their mettle.

While driving on a rural highway in Central Wisconsin, Maj. Deanna Foty, the unit operations flight commander, noticed a vehicle driving erratically. She followed the vehicle to a gas station and noticed the driver was hysterical and pleading for someone to help her.

Major Foty rushed to the vehicle and heard the women exclaim, "I think my husband is dying." Major Foty looked into the backseat of the car and noticed a man lying motionless.

"I didn't even have to think about what to do," said Major Foty. "I just jumped into action and took control of the situation."

She instantly directed a bystander to call 9-1-1. Using skills learned in the Air Force, she climbed into the backseat, noticed the man had no pulse, and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. With the assistance of the sheriff, she removed the man from the car and continued CPR until paramedics arrived.

As the paramedics took over caring for the unconscious man, Major Foty then focused her attention on calming and comforting the family. Unfortunately, despite Major Foty's actions, the man was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

During the same week another member of the unit, Tech. Sgt. Michael Bauer, the Air Force recruiter assigned to Bemidji, Minn., also put his Air Force training into action.

On a country road near Ada, Minn., Sergeant Bauer discovered a one-car roll over accident. Sergeant Bauer was returning from an interview with a potential recruit when he noticed a car on the side of the road resting on its roof.

Sergeant Bauer immediately approached the scene to see if anyone was still in the car. He discovered that the driver of the vehicle was unconscious suffering serious injuries and the passenger of the vehicle was also seriously injured.

Sergeant Bauer, along with a member of the community who happened upon the scene, provided first aid to stabilize both men until paramedics arrived.

Because of the seriousness of both men's injuries, they were transported by helicopter to the local medical center where they were treated. An official at the medical center remarked, "These gentlemen are live today because of these two heroes."

Both Major Foty and Sergeant Bauer said they attributed their quick and selfless actions to the multiple self-aid and buddy care training sessions they attended over the years.

"We all hope we will step up to the challenge and become heroes to someone when presented with the opportunity," said Lt. Col. Douglas E. Stropes, 342nd RCS commander, about Major Deanna Foty and Tech. Sgt. Michael Bauer.

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