RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Staff Sgt. Michael Ramage, a U.S. Army Europe Soldier and volunteer at the passenger terminal's United Service Organization here was commended May 1, for his quick reaction and first-responder skills.
Ramage, a regular volunteer at the terminal's USO, noticed April 19, that a man was grunting and seemed to be having difficulty breathing. He walked closer realizing the man was choking and jumped into action performing the Heimlich maneuver.
After three thrusts, Ramage managed to dislodge the blockage and restore the victim's breathing to normal according to Sgt. 1st Class David Stegman, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the detachment's training operations.
"I saw somebody who needed help and it was natural reaction," Ramage said. "You never really think about this until it actually happens."
At the ceremony Ramage was presented a Certificate of Achievement by Clarence Jeffries, manager of the Ramstein Passenger Terminal USO, and Col. Steven Hite, commander of the 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, for his actions that saved the man's life.
"He happened to be at the right place at the right time and did what came natural," Hite said. "His act of valor is in keeping with the Army values. Staff Sgt. Ramage is a true hero and an example for other Soldiers to follow."
Ramage says when he is in not volunteering he works as a liaison between Soldiers and Airmen performing airlift operations throughout the USAREUR footprint and is assigned to the 603rd Air Operation Center, a subordinate unit of USAREUR's 19th BCD.
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