18th Wing commander awards local hero
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ben Whalen is presented the Air Force Achievement Medal by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James Hecker, 18th Wing commander, on Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 9, 2013. Whalen distinguished himself by outstanding achievement at Hagerstrom pool on June 25, 2013. While swimming with his family Whalen noticed a teenage boy lying motionless on his side at the bottom of the deep end of the pool, expelling what appeared to be bodily fluids from his mouth. Without hesitation Whalen swam down to the victim, and with the aid of another rescuer, pulled the victim to the surface. Upon reaching the edge of the pool, he yelled for assistance, helped maneuver the victim out of the water, instructed the nearest lifeguard to call 911, and proceeded to assist with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation until medical responders arrived. Whalen’s decisive actions and selfless act of courage saved the victim’s life and reflected credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Laszlo Babocsi/Released)