US Soldiers first to respond to accident in Poland

On September 13, 2023, tragedy struck just outside the city of Konotop, Poland. The sound of screeching tires and shattering metal could be heard as two vehicles collided head-on, resulting in a major car accident that left 16 Polish civilians injured and in need of immediate medical attention. Fortunately, the swift response of American soldiers proved to be a lifesaver for the accident victims. Members of the 222nd Military Police Company, hailing from New York's Army National Guard, along with soldiers from the Polish Land Forces and Czech forces, rushed to the scene to render aid to the injured. This selfless act of bravery by the soldiers was only possible because of the extensive training they received in U.S. Army Garrison Poland. Preparing for all possible scenarios, including providing medical aid, the soldiers acted with courage and professionalism, ensuring that the injured civilians received the critical care they needed. The ethos and values of the Army inspire its soldiers to be vigilant, prepared, and always ready to serve wherever they are needed. Through their actions in Konotop, Poland, these brave soldiers demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the well-being of others, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a soldier.

JBER firefighters protect Clear Space Force Station, local towns

Story by Senior Airman Julia Lebens September 13, 2023 at 03:10PM JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - Firefighters from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, deployed to Clear Space Force Station to protect the installation and local town of Anderson from active wildfires.

Army Reserve, FDNY partner to remember 9/11 victims

Story by Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris September 12, 2023 at 03:42PM QUEENS, N.Y. - The U.S. Army Reserve partnered with the Fire Department of New York Sept. 11 at Fort Totten to remember those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States.

Fort Sill BOLC lieutenants aid roll-over accident victim

Fort Sill, Okla. (Sept. 7, 2023) — In an age when people are more inclined to take out their phones to capture the next viral moment, four Army officers in an act of selfless service, united to rescue a woman trapped in a flipped car after a harrowing accident. Second lieutenants Michael Bonifazio, Liam Dowd, Stephen Grabher and Erika Hartel, students in the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course, were driving home from a long day of training when they witnessed the accident. The incident occurred on East Gore Blvd, near the entrance to the Comanche Nation Casino, when one of the cars was struck by a vehicle coming off the freeway. The impact sent the first car tumbling, rolling three times and ultimately landing on its roof. The officers immediately rushed to help, where they found the female driver trapped inside. They said their training and background proved invaluable as they worked together to free the driver. "Our first thought was, there's a person in there and this is really happening and we're here to help. I'm glad we were there," said Dowd, as he described his initial thoughts of witnessing the crash. Fortunately, the car didn't catch fire, but the rescuers were on high alert for any potential hazards. Bonifazio recalled the incident and pointed to the value of his Army training. “Speaking to the situational awareness aspect of the events, I think our training definitely came into play,” he said. The actions of the Soldiers did not remain unnoticed by the Lawton civilians who rushed to join the uniformed heroes. Off-duty nurses, construction workers, and others came together to provide support, water, and assistance, creating a powerful example of Lawton’s community spirit. "It was really amazing to see the amount of kindness, empathy, and time that people were willing to spend on a busy night to stay with this woman and make sure she was OK,” said Hartel Dowd summed up the experience saying, "Knowing that we were able to help out somebody in need is fulfilling beyond measure. It was an important moment where both uniformed service members and civilians came together to help someone in need, and I'm just happy I could play a part in that." “Despite the potential danger, the Soldiers exemplified the epitome of the Army's core values — personal courage and selfless service. Their bravery was a testament to their commitment and dedication,” said a First Sgt. Joseph Fontenot, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery.

Patriot Day honors, remembers lives lost

Story by Porsha Auzenne September 12, 2023 at 01:34PM FORT JOHNSON, La. — A day that will forever be embedded in the hearts and minds of the American population is Sept. 11, 2001. The tragic events remain forever ingrained in the minds of those alive before, during and after that day. However, from the ashes arose a nation not filled with fear, but one united with patriotism and pride. Just as the blue lights illuminate the New York skyline at Freedom Tower, the nation continues to shine in the face of adversity. Today, 9/11 is annually observed as Patriot Day — a national day of service and remembrance for the thousands of lives lost in the 9/11 attacks. Patriot Day was founded Dec. 8, 2001 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress, when President George W. Bush signed Public Law 107-89. Each year, the president issues a proclamation that requests all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff. Americans are asked to hold a moment of silence starting at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Standard Time — when the World Trade Center was first struck by an airplane — to honor the many whose lives were cut short. Patriot Day was created for the first responders who rushed to save as many lives as possible; the civilians who put themselves in harm’s way to aid their fellow citizens and the Soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the years of war that followed. The day is a way for those left behind to forever remember their unconditional bravery and courage. “My mother used to say that ‘courage lies in every heart, and one day it will be summoned,’” President Joseph R. Biden said in his 2021 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance Proclamation. “It was summoned and shown by those who responded to the events on 9/11. First responders, emergency workers and civilians ran to where the devastation was greatest. Death came in an instant, but there were still survivors to be found. A determined group of heroes on board United Flight 93 sacrificed their lives to save others. In every case, Americans faced unimaginable with resolve and courage. Today and every day, we draw hope from the strength and selflessness of those who stepped up to serve their fellow man and our Nation on that tragic day.” Mitchell Smith, who works as an Antiterrorism Officer at Fort Johnson’s Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security division, emphasized what the day means to him. “Patriot Day is a day of remembrance for the tragic events of September 11, 2001,” said Smith. “It may mean different things to different people, but generally, it’s a day to reflect on the lives lost, honor the heroes who responded and reaffirm a commitment to unity and the values that define the nation. It’s a day to remember the importance of freedom, security and the resilience of the American spirit.” Just as the rest of the nation gathered to observe the 22nd anniversary of Patriot Day, Fort Johnson held a 9/11 ceremony. Members of the community and leadership gathered Sept. 11 at the Fort Johnson Fire Station to pay their respects to the 3000 lives lost, including those of 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 55 military personnel. It’s a day to acknowledge those patriots with the nation’s respect, honor and remembrance.