These critical decision making skills came into play on Oct. 2, 2011 for Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Chaviera, the 94Th Army Air and Missile Defense Command G6 operations NCO.
"Two motorcycles sped by my car and 15 seconds later they lost control and crashed into a couple changing a flat tire on the shoulder of the interstate," said Chaviera.
Without hesitation Chaviera stated he then rushed over to the crash site and started evaluating the victims of the crash. Other motorist then pulled over to assist with the evaluation.
"I asked the people on the crash site for belts and other materials that I could use to make tourniquets and splints to treat the severe bleeding and broken bones of the crash victim," said Chaviera.
Chaviera later stated while treating the crash victim he comforted her as best as he could by blocking the sun from her face with a jacket, he then assured her that she was going to be ok and that emergency medical personnel were on the way. This was also how he distracted her from the fact that her husband was laying face down and unresponsive, said Chaviera.
"Sgt. 1st Class Chaviera is a superb NCO and a magnificent individual," said Col. Reynold F. Palaganas, the 94Th Army Air and Missile Defense Command senior communications officer. "His actions reflect what he does for this directorate everyday."
A few weeks after the crash Chaviera went to visit the crash victim in the hospital to check on how she was doing.
"She was glad to see me and remembered my face," Chaviera said.
"I cried after she thanked me for helping save her life," said Chaviera. "She was also very emotional about the loss of her husband in the crash."
Chaviera later said, reflecting back on that day that people need to drive safer and obey the posted speed limits so that things of this nature can be avoided.
"Being a senior NCO and paying attention in combat lifesaver class definitely helped me make decisions on the crash site," said Chaviera. "Its not just about combat, medical situations can happen everyday and Soldiers should take that class seriously when attending."
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