Little Rock Airman called a "hero"

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Edwards
  • 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron first sergeant
Tech. Sgt. Mary Cruz had been called a stellar performer since her arrival in Afghanistan, but on July 19, she took that to a new level. Now the independent duty medical technician, deployed from the 19th Medical Group, is being called a hero. 

On July 19, a Russian-owned Mi-8 civilian helicopter crashed during takeoff at Kandahar Air Field, southern Afghanistan's largest NATO base. 

Sergeant Cruz and her fellow Airmen were on their way to work when they saw the helicopter go down. Reports indicate that she raced to the scene, down a dirt and gravel road. As thick black smoke and flames billowed over the earthen bern, Sergeant Cruz arrived at the scene. She was one of the first to respond but was also the first medical technician to reach the accident site. 

Without stopping to think of her own safety, she immediately entered the crash site area and accessed the medical needs of the most seriously injured accident victim, a Russian contractor named Andre. 

Andre's injuries included compound fractures to lower extremities, life-threatening bleeding, a broken hand and severed finger. His legs had also been badly injured. Determining Andre's legs were bleeding uncontrollably, Sergeant Cruz said she had no choice but to administer tourniquets using belts and clothing given to her by on-lookers. She continued to treat her patient until and after additional medical personnel arrived some 25 minutes later. 

Despite Andre's serious injuries, he thanked Sergeant Cruz for saving his life, calling her "his angel." 

NATO officials said in a statement that a total of 16 people were killed in the accident. None of them were U.S. servicemembers. 

Lt. Col. Bill Otter, 772nd Expeditionary Squadron commander, said, "While there are unfortunately a number of deaths from today's accident, and although her patient is severely injured, he can thank Tech. Sgt. Mary Cruz for saving his life. She was truly heroic in her performance!"