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Shaw Airmen assist shooting victim

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  While waiting for a taxi in the parking lot of a popular Myrtle Beach night club recently, two Shaw Airmen heard gunshots. While other club patrons ran away, the Airmen ran toward the action to see what they could do.

As Airman Vinh Pham, 20th Medical Operations Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Ryan Scott, 20th Force Support Squadron, made their way toward the gunshots, they saw a shooting victim on the ground and rendered aid using the life-saving techniques they were taught during basic military training at Lackland AFB, Texas.

"We just did what the Air Force taught us," Airman Pham said. "Besides, no one else would step up."

"We used his buddy's shirt to stop the bleeding," Airman Scott said. "We kept talking to him to keep him conscious."

They stayed with the victim for about 15 minutes until the paramedics arrived on scene.

According to reports, the victim was shot during a skirmish with another individual. The shooter was arrested and the victim is expected to make a full recovery.

Bother Airmen were recently awarded the Lt. Ervin Shaw Award for going above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrating outstanding performance.

"We are proud of Airmen Pham and Scott," said Col. Guastella, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "When they went to Myrtle Beach for some R&R, they never dreamed they'd be thrust into a life-or-death situation. But when it happened, they put their Air Force training in gear and risked their own safety to help the injured.

"We call it 'Service Before Self,'" he added. "They epitomize what we hope to see in all our Airmen. Their quick action went above and beyond and helped save lives."