FORT RILEY, Kan. – In recognition of their heroism while responding to a vehicle accident, Fort Riley Community Recreation Division Chief Matt Enoch and Fort Riley Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Poulin were honored during a ceremony at Fort Riley Garrison Headquarters Feb. 6, 2024. Fort Riley Garrison Commander, Col. Michael Foote, expressed gratitude for Enoch and Poulin's selfless actions that day, remarking that they had saved multiple lives with their courageous efforts.
July 16, 2023, Poulin, Enoch and Fort Riley Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Manley, a combat medic from the 1st Infantry Division, responded to an accident involving a 15-passenger van in Wallace County, Kansas. The award citations each received credited their actions as instrumental in rescuing twelve individuals, including two adults and ten children.
Foote emphasized that heroes are present among us daily and are recognized when they step forward and take action, highlighting the importance of being in the right place at the right time to make a difference.
“Their actions truly rescued the lives of their fellow American citizens on that day.” Col. Foote said.
While returning to Fort Riley from official travel, Enoch and Poulin encountered the overturned van on Highway 40, which had ten juveniles inside including an infant. Enoch, known for his compassion and quick thinking, said he found himself thrust into a life-changing situation after witnessing the aftermath of a tragic rural Kansas accident. Despite lacking prior emergency experience, Enoch rose to the occasion, aided by the experienced leadership of Sgt. Major Poulin responded.
The citation received by Poulin credited his actions in the face of chaos. It also cited Poulin's U.S. Army training and the actions taken as pivotal in stabilizing the situation and providing aid to the injured individuals.
Enoch assisted in loading the injured into an ambulance and Poulin's mentorship to identify injuries and deliver initial care.
“I'm glad we were there. Because I know that we saved lives,” Enoch said, “Sgt. Maj. Poulin has a career worth of combat lifesaving experience and from his experience during his deployments. Then you had Sgt. 1st Class Manly, a combat medic from the 1st Inf. Div., and I mean, as terrible as that situation was how fortunate is that? That’s a miracle.”
Enoch said that this life-changing experience taught him the importance of intervening in critical situations and the significant impact of quick decision-making and medical expertise in saving lives during emergencies. Reflecting on the events of that day, Enoch said he appreciates the opportunity to have made a positive impact and witnessed firsthand the heroism and dedication exemplified by individuals like Sgt. Major Poulin and Sgt. First Class Manley. He said their actions embody the true essence of compassion and self-less service.
Poulin reflected on the day as well.
“It's like the stars aligned perfectly to guide us to that exact moment,” he said. “I believe everything happens for a reason, and I am thankful for the opportunity to do what I was trained to do when lives hung in the balance.”
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