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

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    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
 Heroic Airman Receives Vanguard Award for Life-Saving Actions By Maj. Jennifer Gerhardt,
                188th Wing
 FORT SMITH, Ark. – In a remarkable display of courage and quick thinking, Master Sgt. Greggorey Brewer, a readiness and emergency manager with the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES), has been honored with the prestigious Vanguard Award for his heroic actions that saved a life during a dramatic early morning rescue on June 11, 2023. The Vanguard Award, sponsored by the Non-Commissioned Officer Association (NCOA), is a highly esteemed recognition highlighting the exceptional bravery and selflessness of enlisted members whose actions result in the saving of life or the prevention of serious injury. Maj. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, the Arkansas National Guard Adjutant General, presented the award to Master Sgt. Brewer at the Enlisted Association of Arkansas National Guard and the National Guard Association of Arkansas (AANG/NGAA) Joint State conference on Feb. 24 to acknowledge his extraordinary acts of heroism. The incident unfolded as Brewer was en route to work in the early morning hours when he spotted a car that careened off the road, crashing and wrapping around a tree. “It was just natural instinct to stop,” said Brewer. “My initial thoughts were that if it were one of my loved ones in the accident, I would want someone to stop. Secondly, my thought was to act fast and stop bleeding as quickly as possible while also trying to get emergency services on the way. Minutes determine life or death in situations like this.” Drawing upon his extensive military training, specifically his Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) expertise, Brewer wasted no time springing into action. One individual was severely injured and bleeding profusely from a critical brachial artery wound. Undeterred, Brewer dashed back to his vehicle, retrieving a tourniquet from his emergency medical kit. Returning to the scene, he applied the tourniquet, staunching the life-threatening bleed while simultaneously coordinating with local emergency services. Brewer was not alone for long. Sebastian County Emergency Manager Travis Cooper was the first person to arrive to help Brewer, which was lucky because they work together every quarter through the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Further demonstrating his resourcefulness and skill, Brewer commandeered equipment from emergency responders, including the Jaws of Life and a winch, to safely extract the trapped passenger from the wreckage. Once both victims were triaged and evacuated, Brewer, despite being clad in a blood-soaked uniform, still managed to arrive at work less than an hour late. “When I found out, my immediate reaction was that I was proud of him and proud that he is part of the 188th CES,” said Lt. Col. Riley Donoho, the 188th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, echoing sentiments of pride and admiration for Brewer’s heroic actions. Brewer’s readiness and preparedness, honed through years of service and training, proved instrumental in averting tragedy and exemplified the highest ideals of military service. “I think Divine Intervention played a role in this one. Just the day before, I was participating in TCCC training. We went through everything from wound packing to tourniquet drills and had a simulated real-world scenario with role players,” said Brewer. “I do not believe it was a coincidence that I had just completed this training the day before the accident. I believe this training, still being fresh on my mind, enabled me to act swiftly and confidently.” Reflecting on his preparedness, Brewer had a few words of advice. “Stop and make a phone call to emergency and first responders,” said Brewer, who keeps two first aid kits in his vehicle. “Something is better than nothing. Don’t assume someone else will stop. Minutes, or even seconds, maybe the difference between life and death. If you don’t think you’re prepared for these types of situations, do some research and get training through your local community.”
 SHARE
 PRINT
  Air National Guard
 188th Wing
 Vanguard Award
 herioic
 heroic actions
 Master Sgt. Greggorey Brewer
 NY Army Guard Band Performs for Netherlands King and Queen News Features • yesterday
 Chaplains Address Guard Soldiers’ Spiritual, Mental Health News Features • 6 days ago
 Guard General Retires After Final Watch at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier News Features • 7 days ago
 Young Cancer Patient Made Honorary 1st Sergeant in Illinois Guard News Features • 7 days ago
 80 Years Ago, National Guard Units Played Key Role in D-Day Landings News Features • 13 days ago
 2024 (47)  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