RAF MILDENHALL, England -- There comes a time in almost every Defender’s career where they are asked to go above the call of duty, knowing that all of the training and situations, leading up to that moment, have prepared them for whatever may come their way.
They must always be prepared to help at a moment’s notice, whether at their home station, or while enjoying off duty time.
For one 100th Security Forces Squadron member, Senior Airman Justin Offtermatt, and his wife Alyssa, a former emergency medical technician herself, putting others’ needs before themselves came at the most unexpected time and in the most unexpected place.
“April 13, 2019, is a date we’ll never forget,” Justin said. “I know it’s so simplistic to say, but I think that we were very fortunate to be there at the right time, and we try not to think of what could have happened if we weren’t.”
The Offtermatt’s had been on a skiing vacation in Europe, when after a day on the slopes was complete, the two were headed back to their hotel for some rest and relaxation.
Little did they know, they would come upon a scene most people would have gazed at with shock and awe. A mother and her two children, aged 8 and 11 years old, were trapped inside their vehicle, which was pinned up against trees and brush on a winding road.
“Normally, I wouldn’t stop because of a host of different reasons,” Alyssa said. “Whether it be liability, or the fact that a lot of the time you might actually make the situation worse.”
However, both knew that each had the training and the right mindset to do whatever they could to help.
“I’m very glad we stopped, because once we were up close, the scene was way worse than we could have imagined,” Justin remarked. “My first thought was on the driver, so I walked up and checked for a pulse; when we didn’t find one, we decided to move on and help whoever else was in the vehicle.”
With that, saving the lives of the children then became the primary concern for both Justin and Alyssa, and a little bright spot occurred at least for a moment.
“Luckily, the 8-year-old was already out of the vehicle during this time, breathing and talking,” Alyssa recalled. “Our main concern was for the 11-year-old who we needed to treat for shock because he hadn’t been wearing a seat belt.
“We made sure an ambulance was called, and during our wait we wrapped them in blankets and foil to keep them warm and get them to a hospital.”
Even with the Offtermatt’s taking decisive action to help all three victims on board, the mother had succumbed to her injuries – something Justin says will stay with him forever.
“This event has taught me to be even more aware and cognizant of my surroundings,” he said. “Life is too short and you’ve got to make the best of it. I’m very grateful to be alive, do what I love and have Alyssa by my side.”
Justin also attributed much of his security forces training, which implemented the “Defender mindset”, that allowed him to do what most others may not be willing to do.
“I’m a defender on and off duty, and the training I receive each day has helped immensely,” he remarked. “It’s instilled in me the concept of protecting and preserving life at any cost. It’s about putting someone else’s life before your own safety – whether it’s running to a fire, car accident or sounds of gun fire.
“My only thought was to run to it, not away from it.”
Justin also received the Team Mildenhall Chief’s Choice Award in April for his and Alyssa’s actions, but this never shocked 100th SFS superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Micah Small.
“Justin emanates the finest qualities of leadership, responsibility, and his and Alyssa’s actions were the epitome of selfless service,” Small said. “Their actions speak to their excellence, tenacity and ability to go above and beyond the call.”
The 100th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, Chief Master Sgt. William Taylor, agreed.
“Senior Airman Offtermatt and his wife were selected for their courage and ability to act in a dangerous situation,” Taylor expressed. “They could have easily driven by and done nothing, but being the outstanding people they are, they saved lives and truly deserved being recognized for their efforts and heroism.”
Even with all the accolades and praise surrounding these actions, Justin and Alyssa both know that the story ended in tragedy for one person, but life can continue for those they saved.
“Out of the midst of tragedy, something really good came out of it,” Justin explained. “These children will now have the chance to experience life. We wish we could have saved everybody, but we did what we did because this is who we are – people always willing to help others.”