Sergeant puts service before self, helps fellow Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Nothing can prepare a person to receive a late-night phone call regarding a fellow Airman who has been in a serious accident and who might not live to see tomorrow. 

But on Nov. 19, 2006, Tech. Sgt. Tahesha German was notified that one of her troops, then Staff Sgt. Eric Raley, was a victim of a hit-and-run accident near Simi Valley, Calif. 

The noncommissioned officer in charge of the 95th Medical Group referral management center did what any Airman would do -- she notified the first sergeants and command post to figure out proper procedures since Sergeant Raley was far from Edwards. 

Sergeant Raley was transferred from Simi Valley Hospital to Loma Linda hospital in Loma Linda, Calif.,  for immediate surgery, Sergeant German said. He sustained several broken bones and a serious brain injury. 

At first, the doctors said Sergeant Raley wasn't going to survive, Sergeant German said. Other prognosis was that Sergeant Raley could survive, but with the injuries he received, he would have the mental capacity of a 5-year-old. 

To help with Sergeants Raley's condition, Sergeant German researched options for transferring Sergeant Raley to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo. The hospital specializes in rehabilitation for patients with traumatic brain injuries. 

"Even though Eric was in the military, his family knew nothing about how our healthcare system works," Sergeant German said. "They didn't know the military resources available to them or who to call." 

While Sergeant Raley was in the hospital from November through May, Sergeant German took it upon herself to insure the Raley family understood the processes taking place during his recovery. 

"She went to such great lengths to help her fellow Airman because that's the type of person she is," said Lt. Col. John Lopardi, 95th Medical Support Squadron commander. "She could have done the minimal and left it at that knowing that he was in another state, but the humanitarian side of her said to do more." 

Sergeant German also kept base leadership informed of his status  by arranging teleconferences with the doctors in Colorado. 

Sergeant German drove to Loma Linda and set up a care conference for the family. She had a Tri Care representative and medical evaluation board clerk meet with the Raley family to explain what the process was for their son. 

"I put in all his paperwork to make sure everything got into his medical records so he and his family could get help from all the organizations," Sergeant German said. "I was just trying to do the right thing for my troop. I was just taking care of my family." 

Airmen should think of the Air Force as a home away from home, Sergeant German said. The Air Force becomes a second family to add to the family we already have.
Over the past year, Sergeant German stood by the Raley family to watch his recovery process. 

"It was such a traumatic ordeal," Sergeant German said. "I can't even imagine what his family was going through. If they had any questions, I made sure to look it up and find answers for them. I always wanted to be there to encourage them." 

It feels good to hear Sergeant Raley talk and joke again, Sergeant German said. She loves that he is still the same person as before. It's miraculous to see him overcome so many obstacles. 

In December, Sergeant German visited Sergeant Raley in Aurora, Colo., to hand him his retirement certificate, as well as a medal, Colonel Lopardi said. 

"I thought Sergeant German was coming over to hang out with me," Raley said. "I was shocked when I found out what was really going on. I can't thank her enough for all the help she gave me and my family. She acted like a true NCO should. She went above and beyond to help me out and I will never forget that." 

Raley said he constantly called Sergeant German an overachiever because she was constantly providing help to his family. 

Sergeant German said her reason for all she did was simple -- it was the right thing to do. 

"I just though of how I always wanted my supervisors to treat and take care of me as far as my career health and my family, so that's what I did for Sergeant Raley." 

Sergeant German did a phenomenal job by showing what a true Wingman should be, Colonel Lopardi said. 

"We were very proud with all she has done," Colonel Lopardi said. "She knows the core values and knows about being a good wingman in today's Air Force."