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At about 4 p.m. July 19, four Airmen assigned to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Computer System Squadron, set out on a hike to Mariensäule near Trier.
The monument honors the mother of Jesus Christ and sits 300 meters above Trier on the mountain Markusbergr.
Many people hike here to catch the amazing view of the Mosel River Valley and the city of Trier. While hiking up to the monument, Airman 1st Class Andre Applebee, Airman 1st Class Richard Deneseus III, Airman 1st Class Tyler Patton and Airman 1st Class Philip Spadaro, all from the USAFE Consolidated Help Desk, came across something they did not anticipate finding. On the trail was a local elderly man who fell and was suffering from what was later determined to be a heart attack.
The Airmen quickly took action – Airman Applebee and Airman Deneseus ran up the hill to the next village while Airman Patton back-tracked to the base of the mountain to call for help. Airman Spadaro stayed behind to comfort the victim until help arrived.
The other three quickly returned to the victim and their fellow Airman with emergency responders, assisting them with their gear.
After the victim was stabilized, the Airmen continued on their hike.
The injured man was later identified as Mr. Altenkrich. He was admitted to the local Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen hospital and is recovering.
The Airmen received a phone call from Mr. Altenkrich’s son, Holga Alterkirch, expressing his thanks for assisting his father at a time of need.
These Airmen are exemplifying the Air Force’s core values and are true ambassadors of the generosity of the American people.
(Courtesy of the USAFE Consolidated Help Desk)
