The Airmen’s contribution to the safety of their fellow citizens reflects the spirit of the American Red Cross by using action to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergency. Thanks to their Red Cross and emergency training, as well as their quick response and professionalism, Airman 1st Class Damian Cordoba and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Thompson were able to save two lives in their community and earn one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross.
Airman 1st Class Damian Cordoba (above left) of the 5th Medical Group saved a life while off duty and working a shift at local restaurant, The Starving Rooster, on November 8, 2022. When he realized that one of the restaurant’s patrons was choking, Cordoba rushed across the restaurant and, without hesitation, began performing abdominal thrusts on the man. After several attempts, the object was still in place so he began more abdominal thrusts and then performed a throat sweep, dislodging the obstruction. Photo from Minot AFB.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Thompson (above right) of the 5th Security Forces Squadron saved the life of a fellow Defender while posted at Minot AFB’s South Gate, December 20, 2022. In an attempt to open a bucket of ice melt, the Airman utilized the knife part of a multi-tool. Thompson was manning the gate when he heard a loud crash and returned to see the Airman on the ground with what appeared to be a minor cut. Upon further inspection, Thompson realized that the Airman had sustained a severe arterial cut on his forearm. He instructed the Airman to apply pressure on the wound while he applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding until EMS arrived at the scene. Photo from Minot AFB.
Zoe Wergeland Manstrom (above left), executive director of the Western North Dakota Chapter of the Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross, and Lorie Herbel (top right), Service to the Armed Forces Regional Program Manager, presented the awards to the Airmen at Minot AFB in June. To learn more about Red Cross lifesaving skills training click here.
Copy and photos used with permission from Minot AFB.
American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region 