SOLDIERS AWARDED COINS FROM BRIGADE COMMANDER

Photo By Sgt. Olivia Lauer | U.S. Army Cpl. Derek Shimell, a Soldier assigned to the Ohio National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 145th Armored Regiment, was awarded a Commander’s Coin for Excellence at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank June 24, 2020, in Akron, Ohio. Shimell, along with three of his fellow Soldiers, received coins from Colonel Matthew S. Woodruff, Brigade Commander of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, for their heroic actions following a civilian car crash. (Ohio Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Olivia Lauer)  

AKRON, OH, UNITED STATES

06.24.2020

Story by Pfc. Olivia Lauer 

37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

AKRON, Ohio -- Four Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion,145th Armored Regiment received Commander’s Coins for Excellence at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank June 25, 2020, in Akron, Ohio.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew S. Woodruff, Brigade Commander of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, presented the coins to Spcs. Connor Haner, Joseph Kakascik, Kenneth McKenzie and Cpl. Derek Shimell for their heroic actions after providing aid to victims following a civilian car crash on June 3, 2020.

Kakascik, who works as a paramedic on the civilian side, was able to provide proper care to a victim before first responders arrived.

“The only thing I can say is we did what was expected of us,” said Kakascik. “Everyone did their job without being told to do so.”

Members of the Ohio National Guard are dedicated to aiding those in need, no matter the circumstance. They will continue to provide aid to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and other food banks statewide through early August.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2020
• Date Posted: 07.01.2020 11:02
• Story ID: 373199
• Location: AKRON, OH, US