Photo By Sgt. Aimee Grace Trinidad | U.S. Army Spc. Matthew Watson, Field Artillery Weapons Locating Radar Specialist with...... read more read more
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On storm-damaged roads in western North Carolina two National Guardsmen didn’t hesitate to act when a vehicle collision unfolded before them, October 2024.
Sgt. Matthew Watson from Charlotte, North Carolina and Sgt. James Tarlton from Salisbury, North Carolina, both assigned to the 1454th Transportation Company at the time, were on state active duty during Operation Hurricane Helene. Their mission was to deliver critical supplies to an elementary school-turned-staging area for disaster relief. But on the way, duty called in a different form.
As they descended a steep hill, a vehicle ran a red light and collided with an oncoming car. Tarlton, driving at the time, immediately parked their truck and both Soldiers rushed to assist. While Tarlton searched the inventory box for recovery equipment, Watson ran to the smoking vehicle that had been T-boned. The driver was dazed and nearly pinned inside.
“He was complaining that his head hurt. He didn't know what happened, but I grabbed him … I pulled him out of the car,” Watson said.
Watson pulled the man out through the driver's side window, then leaned him against a telephone pole, away from the smoking vehicle, to minimize further injury. By that time, bystanders had already called 911.
Watson then checked on the occupants of the vehicle that caused the crash—two teenagers, one of whom complained of a headache. Watson and Tarlton continued their mission through debris-littered streets and downed power lines to deliver supplies to the community after ensuring everyone was stable and emergency services were en route.
Watson had faced a similar situation once before. Years earlier, while driving late at night, he came across a burning vehicle on the highway. The occupants had already escaped, but the experience reminded him of the importance of acting decisively in crisis.
“I've noticed that in times of crisis, some people are nervous, anxious, or weary of stepping up,” he said. “But if they see just one person take action, it prompts others to follow.”
North Carolina National Guard Soldiers are trained to respond quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations, beginning with basic combat training and courses like tactical combat casualty care. Watson embodies those principles, overcoming the body’s instinct to freeze and act decisively when it matters most.
“I didn’t get jelly legs or butterflies in my belly … it was really quick,” Watson said. “I knew something had to happen and we needed to make sure those people were okay.”
The Soldiers’ decision to temporarily halt their supply mission to assist at the crash site reflects the core mission of the North Carolina National Guard: to serve and protect the lives and property of fellow North Carolinians.
“It doesn’t matter your background, what you do, or how much money you make. We’re all people,” Watson said. “Sometimes it’s okay to put all your problems aside and help others because that’s what it’s ultimately about.”
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2025 10:55 |
| Story ID: | 543118 |
| Location: | BURNSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, People First: NC Guardsmen Answer the Call, by SGT Aimee Grace Trinidad, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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