Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel    
    
        Special Victims Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  News Features
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Maryland Guard Soldier Recognized for Off-duty Water Rescue By 1st. Lt. Dylan Bradford,
                Maryland National Guard
 PHOENIX, Ariz. – A Maryland Army National Guardsman was honored for rescuing a boy who fell into the Salt River while the Soldier was attending training at the Western Army Aviation Training Site (WAATS) in Red Rock, Arizona. Staff Sgt. Charles Brauning, assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment of the 29th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, was awarded an Army Achievement Medal by WAATS leadership for his quick response that saved the boy from drowning during an off-duty trip. On June 17, Brauning and his classmates from the Senior Leaders Course at WAATS were enjoying a class morale trip tubing down the Salt River. While on the river, Brauning became separated from the group when he noticed a 10-year-old boy fall into the rapidly moving water. Once the boy lost his footing on the rocks, the current carried him downriver, and at times he was completely submerged. His family was ashore and too distant to reach him. Without hesitation, Brauning left his inner tube and swam to the boy, pulling him from the current and helping him return to his family. According to the award citation, his quick action prevented the situation from escalating into a more serious emergency. Brauning, a full-time aviation technician at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, credits his response to his civilian training as a volunteer firefighter with the Carroll County Fire Department. “I don’t really know how to describe it; it’s just instinct,” said Brauning. “As a fireman, when you get the call, you jump on a rig and roll out the door. I think that kind of experience was a factor in helping this person once I realized they were in distress.” The boy was shaken and afraid but otherwise unharmed, and his family was grateful for the assistance. Everything happened so fast that Brauning’s classmates didn’t even notice he was missing until he caught back up to them. “Situational awareness is important because someone can drown in a few inches of water, especially a young kid,” said Brauning. “It’s just common human decency to help someone in need.” Brauning’s leadership in Maryland also recognized his efforts. “Everyday Staff Sgt. Brauning shows his exemplary character, selfless service and quick thinking,” said Maryland Army National Guard Capt. Rachel Mazzone, commander of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment. “These qualities were reflected in his heroic actions while away at training. I am extremely honored and proud to have him as a Soldier and leader in our unit.”
 SHARE
 PRINT
  Maryland Army National Guard
 Army Achievement Medal
 Oregon National Guard Honors Decorated Vietnam Veteran News Features • yesterday
 National Guard Professional Education Center Celebrates 50 Years News Features • 4 days ago
 District of Columbia Guard Pilot Proud of Filipino Roots News Features • 7 days ago
 New York Guard Says Farewell to 100-year-old Guard Veteran News Features • 8 days ago
 Virginia Guard Takes Holistic Approach to Health, Readiness News Features • 14 days ago
 2024 (39)  2023 (107)  2022 (121)  2021 (119)  2020 (203)  2019 (208)  2018 (165)  2017 (164)  2016 (109)  2015 (52)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil