Award-winning fireman renders selfless service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Master Sgt. Benny Baladez, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, deputy fire chief, recently won the Robert A. McAllister Fire Fighter Heroism Award, given for individual acts of heroism above and beyond the call of duty during a deployment in Shendand, Afghanistan, February 2012.

Baladez will represent the Air Force at the Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Services awards competition. This is the 18th year the Air Force and DOD has recognized its outstanding performers for their heroism, dedication to duty, outstanding achievements and contributions to the fire service profession.

Then Tech. Sgt. Benny Baladez and his crew were on a mission as fire protection, when he was asked to respond to a bomb explosion outside the Army-controlled area.

Baladez and members of his crew were certified medical technicians and able to provide immediate first-aid to the victims despite small-arms fire in the surrounding area.
Before returning to base, Baladez and his crew were called to investigate an improvised explosive device detonation that had severely injured three commandos in the Afghan army.

Baladez's actions under fire not only saved the lives of six people, but also led to the capture of a bomb-maker and the discovery of a stash of insurgent weapons.

Knowing firsthand the stress of doing his job under fire with a constant risk of bullets and mortars, Baladez advises Airmen to remember their training.

"The training that we get is not a joke," he said. "Most people on the crew rely heavily on self-aid buddy care and what we are taught throughout our military careers."

Despite knowing his job can be dangerous and that he could lose his life, he moves onward to do the best he can with what he has.

"You just have to realize you're out there to save people's lives," he said. "The experience is humbling and not every day is a given day. You do the best you can do because you don't know if tomorrow is going to be there."

But Baladez isn't boastful of his own actions. He also commends the bravery of the crew he served with.

"I give credit to the crew who was with me," he said. "It's not a one-man show. We all work together to get the mission done."

With an example like Baladez, Barksdale Airmen can genuinely put integrity first, service before self and excellence in everything they do.