Not lucky but trained: AFROTC students respond during active shooter

MONTGOMERY, AL, UNITED STATES

03.13.2023

Story by Billy Blankenship  

Air University Public Affairs

During an active shooter incident on Michigan State University Feb. 14,
2022, several Air Force ROTC students leaned on recent training during the
situation that resulted in three fatalities and five other injuries.

Detachment 380 cadets completed annual active shooter response training the week prior on campus, which proved timely based on the rapid response displayed.

Eight Michigan State students were wounded by the shooter, three of which
suffered fatal injuries. A significant site of the activity was near an area
that several AFROTC students were studying. Any response would be critical
considering proximity, but through the storm of events they showed great
resolve and adherence to training.

"It was difficult for me to witness something like this happen without being
able to do anything," said Matthew Bush, the cadet wing commander who was barricaded inside his apartment during the event. "Sitting and waiting for things to turn out okay is hard, especially when lives are on the line. If
you're physically distant from the situation, but you know you've got good
people involved, you have to trust them to make the best decisions for the
moment. We weren't just lucky that our cadets made it out alive from that
situation, they followed their training to the letter and took care of each
other."

Bush initiated a telephone recall and gathered everyone's status within 30
minutes. He continued to coordinate resources and direct actions until the
"all clear" was given. Another senior cadet, Joseph Buswinka, was
conducting marching practice for underclassmen when the unthinkable started nearby. He followed the active shooter training by barricading himself and the other 10 cadets in an inner office, establishing contact with cadet leadership and the local law enforcement, and monitored the situation
through social media. Nathan Maher, a senior cadet, received a call from
his freshman mentee in Berkey Hall where the shooting took place. She had evacuated the building and fled on foot, also adhering to the recently
conducted training, and contacted her chain of command for further
instructions. Maher drove toward the shooter's location in his car to pick
up the cadet and drove her to safety.

"When I was first notified of the shooting at MSU, I was fearful and nervous
for the status of our cadets as well as the student body. As I learned about
our cadet's experiences, I was extremely proud of their decisive action,
their professionalism, and their care for their fellow cadets and students.
Our cadets showed incredible initiative during the tragedy," said Lt. Col.
Brenton Gaylord, Detachment 380 commander.

"The actions of our cadre and cadets in the midst of a crisis are a
testament to our values, our training, and the relationships we established
prior to this tragic event. When it mattered, our team responded as well as
we could have expected," said Col. Corey Ramsby, Headquarters Air Force ROTC commander.

• Date Taken: 03.13.2023
• Date Posted: 03.13.2023 15:07
• Story ID: 440285
• Location: MONTGOMERY, AL, US