U.S. Airmen aid Polish citizen while deployed for exercise

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Airmen assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, who are deployed to Powidz Air Base, Poland in support of exercise Rapid Panther, flip an overturned vehicle back onto its wheels after ensuring the driver’s safety in Poland, March 28, 2019. Exercise Rapid Panther demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s ability to forward deploy rapidly with few aircraft and personnel to execute training with NATO allies and partners. (Courtesy photo) | A portion of this image has been blurred to protect the privacy of EU citizens in accordance with local regulations.  

RAF LAKENHEATH, SUFFOLK, UNITED KINGDOM

03.28.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Shanice Ship 

48th Fighter Wing

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England- At approximately 6:45 a.m., U.S. Air Force Airmen assisted a Polish citizen whose van had flipped outside Powidz Air Base, Poland, March 28.

Two Airmen from the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron and five Airmen from the 48th Maintenance Group, who are deployed to Poland to participate in exercise Rapid Panther, were on their way to the base when they witnessed the accident.

“It was second nature for us to stop and assist the driver involved the incident,” said a 1st Lieutenant assigned to the 48th LRS. “Some of the Airmen immediately went to help the driver while another called emergency services. Once we knew the driver was out of immediate danger, we flipped the vehicle back onto its wheels.”

According to an Airman assigned to the 48th MXG, being a good samaritan is instinctual and he was glad they were present to provide assistance.

“There was no question about what to do, we just got to work quickly and did what needed to be done,” said the Airman.

Exercises like Rapid Panther aim to sharpen collective readiness, strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners, and reaffirm U.S. commitment to regional security.

U.S. Air Force personnel routinely deploy throughout the European theater to train with and support NATO allies.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2019
• Date Posted: 03.28.2019 12:20
• Story ID: 316005
• Location: RAF LAKENHEATH, SUFFOLK, GB