SLATINA, Kosovo (Oct. 2, 2025) — U.S. soldiers assigned to NATO’s Kosovo Force Regional Command-East assisted a local woman following a vehicle rollover on a mountain road during a rainstorm in Slatina.
Master Sgt. Jeffrey Young, Sgt. Keeland Joubert, Sgt. Matthew Gregory and Pfc. Andrew Freeman were conducting routine operational duties when they noticed an overturned vehicle along a curve on a steep incline, a high-traffic area made more hazardous by one of the season’s heaviest rainfalls.
“I saw the vehicle flipped on its side and didn’t see anyone nearby,” said Young, the team’s noncommissioned officer in charge. “I made the split-second decision and ordered the team to turn around.”
As the team approached the vehicle, they assessed the scene and began assisting.
“My first reaction was, is someone in there hurt? We need to go back and see,” Joubert said.
Joubert and Gregory pulled the woman from the vehicle through the back window due to the damage sustained in the crash. Meanwhile, Young and Freeman directed traffic and secured the area to ensure the safety of those on the scene.
“It was the right place at the right time,” Joubert said.
“It feels good to help anybody…it’s part of what we do. I look at it as we were doing our job. I hope anyone would do the same thing,” Young added.
“Kindness replaces kindness,” said Gregory.
The woman, who identified herself as an English teacher, sustained minor injuries and was able to walk to the soldiers’ vehicle. One soldier received a minor cut from broken glass during the rescue.
A passing motorist stopped to assist. The soldiers contacted Kosovo Police and transferred control of the incident to local authorities before resuming their duties.
“This situation made me feel that we’re strengthening the connection with the people of Kosovo,” Freeman said.
The incident reflects the ongoing role of KFOR Regional Command-East in supporting the NATO-led mission to maintain a safe and secure environment and ensure freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo.
Date Taken: | 10.02.2025 |
Date Posted: | 10.12.2025 05:22 |
Story ID: | 550125 |
Location: | CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ |
Web Views: | 36 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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