In the nick of time

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  What started out as a normal shift for Staff Sgt. James Bryant III, 2nd Security Forces Squadron shift supervisor, quickly changed when he noticed a car moving slowly.

Bryant distinguished himself by outstanding achievement and received the Air Force Achievement Medal when he put his life in danger to save the life of another Airman.

"On a day-to-day basis, I control entry or exit on Barksdale, ensuring all standards are kept, from ID passes, to ensuring customs and courtesies by my Airmen," said Bryant. "On this particular day, I was doing my daily checks when I looked out my window and observed a vehicle moving slowly."

Bryant assumed an airman was having seizures when he noticed the airman was inside the vehicle shaking violently and experiencing heavy convulsions.

"I immediately knocked on the window and yelled, 'Sir, are you OK?'", he said. "The vehicle began increasing speed and moved onto the median. I attempted to open the door but it was locked and moving into the outbound lane."

Bryant knew immediate action was necessary to prevent the vehicle from moving onto the train tracks or into traffic.

"I broke the window and grabbed the steering wheel, steering it into a parking spot," he said. "I reached around the airman who was still seizing and put the vehicle in park. After I ensured the area was safe, I requested medical response and stayed with the driver until the ambulance arrived."

Bryant's supervisor recognizes his humble Airman.

"He is the type of supervisor we need to see more of," said Tech. Sgt. Nicholous Banks, 2nd SFS flight chief. "Not only is he the standard other non-commissioned officers should emulate, he is also a perfect model for our junior enlisted members to learn from."

He continued.

"His actions on that day were indicative of all three Air Force Core Values," said Banks. "He recognized a clear danger and put himself at risk in order to save another Air Force member.   Bryant deserves to be recognized not only for this action, but for the countless Airmen he mentors on a daily basis."

Bryant utilized his training to ensure the best possible outcome occurred.

"You never know when a situation like that would arise," said Bryant. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, it's day-to-day procedures, but that 1 percent can make a real difference."

He offers important advice to his fellow Airmen.

"Just use common sense," he said. "And never neglect your training, because you never know when you'll have to step up to the plate."