HomeNewsArticle Display


New recruit honored for act of bravery, compassion

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey
  • Air Force Recruiting Service
RANDOLPH AFB, Texas --  As Jacqueline Watkins prepares for service to her nation, Air Force Recruiting Service honors the Delayed Entry Program member for her service to her fellow man.

Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Gilbert, 331st Recruiting Squadron commander, presented Ms. Watkins, 23, the Air Force Recruiter's Salute award during a DEP Commander's Call Jan. 18, for her demonstration of bravery and compassion in helping save a man's life.

Long before dawn Dec. 27, a neighbor suffering from a gunshot wound dragged himself to Ms. Watkins' apartment door in Jasper, Ala., seeking help. Despite the late hour, the DEPper immediately responded to the man's need for emergency care by calling 911, administering basic first aid and comforting him with her prayers.

"I would want someone to do the same for me," Ms. Watkins said "The way I see it, I was just helping my fellow man."

Although humble about her actions that evening, AFRS viewed the DEPper's response as proof of high moral character. In addition to the Air Force Recruiter's Salute, one of AFRS' highest honors awarded to civilians, Staff Sgt. Robert Lollar and Tech. Sgt. Pam Krier, 331st RCS flight chief and area supervisor, presented Ms. Watkins certificates of Appreciation and Honorary Recruiter, respectively.

"Jacqueline demonstrated the Air Force core value of 'service before self,'" said Sergeant Lollar, Ms. Watkins' recruiter. "This characteristic will serve her well during her Air Force career as Airmen are taught to always put our wingman's needs above our own."

Ms. Watkins departs for basic military training Tuesday. Following BMT graduation, she will attend technical school to train as a flight engineer. Her career aspirations include earning a commission into the officer corps.

"The Air Force is dedicated to recruiting the best America has to offer," Col. Gilbert said. "DEPper Watkins is just the kind of high-quality volunteer we seek for Air Force training. We're proud of Jacqueline and look forward to hearing great things about her during her Air Force career."

Disclaimer

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Air Force or the Department of War, products or services contained therein. External links to non-federal websites are not endorsed by the federal government and are not subject to federal information, privacy or security standards. Some links may not be accessible on government‑issued devices.