AFMC Command News

Community heroes awarded Airman's Medal

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Rose Richeson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFMCNS) --  The split second it took to choose reaction over thought resulted in two of Kirtland Air Force Base's finest receiving the highest peacetime decoration, the Airman's Medal.

Senior Airman Jonathan L. Calhoun and Airman 1st Class Erik F. Munana, both from the 898th Munitions Maintenance Squadron here, voluntarily risked their lives July 2, 2004, when they responded to an apartment complex fire in Southeast Albuquerque while off duty.

"I was overwhelmed and extremely busy trying to manage the crowd and feed information to incoming crews when two men in military uniforms walked up and asked me if I needed any assistance," said Captain Mark Chavez, Albuquerque Fire Department, also on scene during the 2004 fire. "I was very relieved to see the uniforms and immediately knew I could trust and depend on them for help."

Airmen Calhoun and Munana were on their way back to work after lunch when they approached the raging inferno of apartments. The only thing they knew about the folks inside was that they were in grave danger and needed help getting out. Selflessly, the Airmen entered the blinding, smoke-filled apartment without head, facial or respiratory protection with Captain Chavez in the lead to search for a disabled mother and her three-year-old daughter.

Airman Calhoun scooped up the 3-year-old girl in his arms in order to save her life and carefully moved toward the nearest exit.

"She was very scared and couldn't stop crying," Airman Calhoun said. "I tried to calm her down and let her know everything would be all right, but she just couldn't stop talking about the fire."

At the same time Airman Calhoun raced the girl out of harms way, Airman Munana was faced with evacuating the disabled mother.

Staying calm, Airman Munana entered the flames to retrieve the panick-stricken woman. "She was trying to get herself and her daughter out and I explained I was there to help," he said.

When the Albuquerque Fire Department arrived on scene to release first responders, the Airmen continued in their efforts, resulting in saving three people in immediate danger and aiding families living in the 18 other connecting apartments.

Airmen Calhoun and Munana displayed courage and selflessness above the call of duty and were first recognized with a letter to the installation commander from Captain Chavez in early August 2004.

"I am truly grateful for the men in uniform," Captain Chavez wrote. "Not only are they heroes overseas but they are heroes in my book right here stateside. May God bless them!"

The Airman's Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of a friendly nation who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Air Force distinguished himself by a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of his or her life but not involving actual conflict with an enemy.