U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Dunn, 23d Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion craftsman, never knew that safely removing passengers from an overturned car would lead to this moment.
Not one to pursue personal accolades for what he feels are obligations, Dunn says he believes in doing what’s right even when others may not be watching. However, all eyes were on him during the American Red Cross of South Georgia Hero Awards, March 27, in Valdosta, Ga.
In what began as a normal after work commute, one Friday took a slight detour. During this trip, the oddity of seeing cars bypass an overturned vehicle with no one on scene compelled him to approach the vehicle.
He instinctively blocked oncoming traffic as his military Self-Aid & Buddy Care training kicked in while he inched closer to the vehicle. Unable to see inside the car because of the deployed airbags, the muffled voiced of children ensured Dunn that there was indeed signs of life, which led him to pry the doors open.
Assessing the victims, he removed the passengers to safety until the paramedics arrived. Upon their arrival, Dunn proceeded to help load the victims in the ambulances, unsure of the driver’s fate. Luckily, everyone survived.