SFS Airman jumps at chance to save lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  On his way to Lancaster, Calif., then Senior Airman Joseph Haller, 95th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, was called to duty.

Not by his commander or flight chief, Sergeant Haller's duty was to prevent an accident and save lives.

Driving on Highway 14 with his wife, Sergeant Haller did what no other passing drivers dared -- save the life of a diabetic motor home driver who passed out, even at the risk of his own life.

"It's incredible anyone would do something like that," said Lt. Col. Steven Heffington, 95th SFS commander. "I'm proud of him, he's internalized what it truly is to be a security forces Airman -- to stand up and protect people even if it puts you at risk.

Sergeant Haller said he did what he did to keep the roads safe, knowing that if he let this car pass, eventually it was going to hit something or someone.

"The motor home was a danger to everyone on the road, I was thinking if I don't stop it, the driver is going to get hurt and probably hurt someone else in the process," the Sergeant said.

Springing into action, he did a u-turn and pulled up alongside the vehicle. Putting his car in cruise control, his wife took the wheel from the passenger's seat and then he jumped from his car window, into the motor home through the side door.

"I jumped in through the door on the side, which latched open when he came across the barrier," said Sergeant Haller. "I knew there were risks involved, and looking back on it, maybe I shouldn't have done it because of how detrimental it could've been on my family if I was seriously hurt. I'm glad I did it though because I prevented a major accident that could have ended in a tragedy for many people."

Once inside, he moved the incapacitated driver out of the driver's seat and brought the vehicle to a stop alongside the road. Once he stopped the vehicle, he began administering first aid and told his wife to dial 9-1-1.

"When I got in, I stopped the motor home," said Sergeant Haller. "After that, I noticed he was diabetic because I saw his glucose tablets, so I mixed them with water and fed it to him."

When the paramedics arrived at the scene, the victim had just regained consciousness but was clearly disoriented from the experience. So without a "thank you" or even acknowledging the man who saved his life, the victim was escorted home.

"I'm proud to have him in the unit and I'm proud he's willing to exemplify what it means to be a security forces Airman both on and off duty," said Colonel Heffington. "His wife also did amazing things, understanding it needed to be done, she didn't try to convince him not to. She too took control of the vehicle, and it was an impressive team effort."

For his actions, Sergeant Haller was nominated for the Air Force Sergeants Association Pitsenbarger Award, an annual award given to an enlisted servicemember for heroic acts performed on or off duty that saved a life or prevented serious injury.

"I think my training just kicked in and I did what I've been trained to do -- save lives," said Sergeant Haller. "I'd like to think any other Airman would do the same thing."