PORT CLINTON -- Ohio Air National Guardsman, Staff Sgt. Josh Blankley, with the 200th RED HORSE Squadron, was thrust into a life-saving situation last year, where his ability to quickly react and Air National Guard training came to fruition.
On June 22, 2012, Blankley was traveling on I-75 and witnessed a vehicle accident. Blankley stopped to help and immediately rendered lifesaving measures and remained with the victim until first responders arrived.
Ohio Air National Guard State Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Tamara R. Phillips; Chief of Staff for the Ohio Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich; 200th RED HORSE Commander, Col. Todd M. Audet; and Chief Master Sgt. Michael D. Crosser gathered to recognize Blankleyâs selfless act of heroism, by awarding him the Ohio Distinguished Service Medal with the "V" device for valor at Camp Perry located in Port Clinton on March 9.
âItâs really a great moment, weâre tremendously proud, across the Guard, when one of our own gets a chance to take the skills that theyâve learned and exercise their training,â said Markovich.
The man that he saved, Ronald Alberding, of Huntsville, Ohio, expressed his gratitude by attending the award ceremony with his family. Alberding explained how Blankley comforted and protected him from the moment he arrived, until first responders were able to remove him from the twisted wreckage that entrapped him.
âHe told me he was over in Afghanistan and that your injuries are not anything [to worry about], Iâve seen worse; so that made me feel great," Alberding said. I was glad that he was there.â
Blankley said he felt comfortable using his life-saving military training and didnât think twice about jumping in to help a fellow citizen in need.
âThere was a man in a car accident that was pretty bad and I was able to get into the car and help him out until the medics showed up and saved his life,â said Blankley.
Story and photo By: Staff Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179AW Public Affairs Photojournalist
PHOTO: Staff Sgt. Josh Blankley with Ronald Alberding, a man Blankley rendered life-saving first aid to after a car accident on June 22, 2012.
On June 22, 2012, Blankley was traveling on I-75 and witnessed a vehicle accident. Blankley stopped to help and immediately rendered lifesaving measures and remained with the victim until first responders arrived.
Ohio Air National Guard State Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Tamara R. Phillips; Chief of Staff for the Ohio Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Markovich; 200th RED HORSE Commander, Col. Todd M. Audet; and Chief Master Sgt. Michael D. Crosser gathered to recognize Blankleyâs selfless act of heroism, by awarding him the Ohio Distinguished Service Medal with the "V" device for valor at Camp Perry located in Port Clinton on March 9.
âItâs really a great moment, weâre tremendously proud, across the Guard, when one of our own gets a chance to take the skills that theyâve learned and exercise their training,â said Markovich.
The man that he saved, Ronald Alberding, of Huntsville, Ohio, expressed his gratitude by attending the award ceremony with his family. Alberding explained how Blankley comforted and protected him from the moment he arrived, until first responders were able to remove him from the twisted wreckage that entrapped him.
âHe told me he was over in Afghanistan and that your injuries are not anything [to worry about], Iâve seen worse; so that made me feel great," Alberding said. I was glad that he was there.â
Blankley said he felt comfortable using his life-saving military training and didnât think twice about jumping in to help a fellow citizen in need.
âThere was a man in a car accident that was pretty bad and I was able to get into the car and help him out until the medics showed up and saved his life,â said Blankley.
Story and photo By: Staff Sgt. Joe Harwood, 179AW Public Affairs Photojournalist
PHOTO: Staff Sgt. Josh Blankley with Ronald Alberding, a man Blankley rendered life-saving first aid to after a car accident on June 22, 2012.
