UNC Security Battalion Soldiers help Korean accident victim

By Sgt. Oh Sang-yoon, 8th U.S. Army Public AffairsOctober 26, 2009

UNC Security Battalion Soldiers help Korean accident victim
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SOUTH OF CAMP BONIFAS, Republic of Korea - Seven United Nations Command Security Battalion Soldiers helped to rescue a 25-year-old Korean woman from her over-turned vehicle Oct. 20 on Highway 77.

Around 6:12 a.m. on an unusually cold morning, the American Soldiers came across an over-turned vehicle with its lights on. The car appeared to have been traveling in the opposite direction and crossed over the highway median.

"The situation was bad. Everyone in our van hoped for the best," said Sgt. Mikel Thurman. "Our immediate reaction was to make sure everyone involved was okay. We pulled over right away."

The Soldiers immediately started searching the surrounding area for anyone who might have been ejected from the vehicle. While they removed the shattered windshield, UNCSB-JSA Medic Staff Sgt. Gregory Phelps began to render aid and treat the driver for shock and for lacerations to her hands.

The driver complained of being dizzy and extremely cold and the UNCSB-JSA Soldiers gave her their camouflage jackets to serve as an emergency blanket.

Within 30 minutes, a Republic of Korea ambulance, police and tow trucks started to arrive. Upon arrival, UNCSB-JSA Soldiers lifted the vehicle on its side while Phelps and Korean ambulance team secured and removed the driver.

"Everyone involved, the Korean emergency ambulance team, the police and the two truck guys were very professional," said Phelps. "We are glad that we could help out."

The ambulance transported the injured female driver to the hospital in Munsan for further treatment.

"When I come across any situation where help is needed, I do what I can to help," said Phelps. "It is always important to help those in need."

The other UNCSB-JSA Soldiers involved were Sgt. Ricky Hicks, Sgt. Robert Juarez, Spc. Caleb Guin, Spc. Corey Strickland and Pfc. Sean Howard.

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