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    Satellite Tracking Station recognizes hero Airmen

    Satellite Tracking Station recognizes hero Airmen

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar | Jason Fukumoto, Detachment 3, 21st Space Operations Squadron electrician, and Robin...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HI, UNITED STATES

    07.24.2018

    Story by Tech. Sgt. Heather Salazar 

    15th Wing Public Affairs

    JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii--Two members from Detachment 3, 21st Space Operations Squadron, at the Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station received the Air Force Civilian Award for Valor, at Kaena Point, July 23.

    Nearly two years ago, Jason Fukumoto and Robin Albios risked their lives to save a member of the state of Hawaii’s volunteer field crew.

    “Mr. Fukumoto and Mr. Albios’ actions demonstrate the strength of both their mind and their spirits,” said Lt. Col. Wade McGrew, 21st SOPS commander. “Valor means going the extra step and eliminating the ‘what if’ questions. Today, there are two amongst us who don’t have to ask themselves ‘what if’.”

    On Sep. 15 2016, three members of a volunteer field crew were clearing an area near KPSTS to prepare for game bird season at Kuaokala Game Area. While spraying herbicide, the field crew discovered a small patch of grass burning underneath their vehicle.

    David Yingst, a member of the field crew, jumped out of the vehicle to extinguish the fire while the other two crew members moved the vehicle to a safe area. As Yingst attempted to control the fire, but the fire suppression device stopped working.

    Fukumoto and Albios were driving along the perimeter of the station when they came across the field crew. While they assisted the two state workers in the vehicle, Yingst collapsed from the smoke before he could reach the designated rally point.

    After discovering Yingst was left behind in the fire hazard, Fukumoto and Albios ran into the fire area to help Yingst.

    “Our first instinct was to help someone out,” added Fukumoto. “It was something I hope anyone would do.”

    The fire was contained and extinguished which resulted in no casualties or property damage.

    “Two years ago they made a lifesaving decision. They didn’t wear capes or an iron suit, but they did step up to help someone in need,” said McGrew. “Thanks to them, loved ones are out there who don’t have to ask themselves ‘what if’.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.24.2018
    Date Posted: 07.24.2018 18:29
    Story ID: 285594
    Location: JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HI, US

    Web Views: 40
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN