Photo By Shane Hughes | The citation for the Ohio Cross is pinned to U.S. Master Sgt. Ryan Tuckers uniform...... read more read more
Ohio’s Lt. Governor Jon Husted awarded the Ohio Cross to U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ryan K. Tucker, the operations compliance superintendent at the 178th Wing, during the Ohio National Guard’s Joint Senior Leaders Conference Feb. 14, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio.
The Ohio Cross is awarded to any member of the Ohio National Guard who distinguishes themselves by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their life.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award,” Tucker said.
On the morning of Sept. 20, 2018, Tucker stopped at a gas station just outside of Springfield Air National Guard Base. Before Tucker could even exit his vehicle, another vehicle wildly flew into the gas station and crashed into the front of his vehicle before coming to a stop. Tucker exited the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Jessica Roberts. As he did, noticed blood from lacerations across her throat.
Just moments later, another vehicle swerved into the gas station and rammed into Roberts’ vehicle, which she narrowly escaped. Without hesitation, Tucker placed himself between Roberts and her assailant, her husband. After Tucker intervened in his military uniform, Roberts’ husband fled the scene.
“I wouldn’t be her today if he hadn’t helped,” Roberts said. “He’s a true hero.”
Tucker then turned his attention to Roberts and applied first aid he’d learned as a member of the Ohio Air National Guard. He called 911 and attempted to calm and stabilize the victim. Upon the arrival of local law enforcement, Tucker assisted a police officer in applying first aid to control the Roberts’ bleeding and prepared her for medical evacuation. Despite her life-threatening injuries, the victim was safely evacuated by helicopter to a local hospital where she eventually made a full recovery.
“It is in crisis situations like the one that Master Sgt. Tucker found himself in that bring out our true nature,” said 178th Wing Commander Kimberly Fitzgerald. “He demonstrated courage and a willingness to put someone else’s life before his own personal safety. We are proud of him and thankful to have him in the 178th Wing.”
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2020 18:41 |
| Story ID: | 363257 |
| Location: | COLUMBUS, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 275 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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