Six members of the Tennessee Army National Guard proved they're ready to act, even off the clock, when they came upon a serious car accident in Memphis. The Guardsmen, part of the 269th Military Police Company, were driving on Interstate 40 when they saw two vehicles collide near the Appling Farms Road exit on November 14, according to a statement from the Tennessee Department of Military.
The soldiers, identified as Spc.'s Johnathan Bradley, Hannah Cole, Laredo Hixson, Joshua Hodges, Kaitlynn Pope, and Private 1st Class Evan Gore, were able to quickly stop and securely render aid to the crash victims. Cole pulled the vehicle over while Gore promptly called 911, demonstrating their commitment to serve in any situation. Pope, who's trained as a medic, along with colleagues Bradley and Hodges, rushed to assist the individuals involved in the accident.
One driver, found with a severe head wound, received critical attention from Pope, who diligently worked to keep them conscious and limit the severity of their injury. "Pope immediately provided life-saving care, applying pressure to the wound and keeping the victim awake and alert until Emergency Medical Services arrived," as per the Tennessee Department of Military. The second driver was checked by Bradley and Hodges and was found to be in no immediate need of medical intervention.
Meanwhile, Cole and Hixson played a crucial part in ensuring the safety of the accident scene. They helped to direct traffic and maintain a secure perimeter around the crash site until police were able quickly to arrive. Their actions embody the guard's ethos of being always ready to serve, no matter the time or place. In praising the soldiers, Lt. Col. Mitchell Thompson said, "These Soldiers personify selfless service by providing critical response to these citizens," as stated on the Tennessee Department of Military website.
The incident reflects the National Guard's commitment to community and duty, highlighting the readiness of these soldiers to extend their service beyond the call of official duty to render assistance to those in urgent need. It's clear that their quick thinking and medical expertise played a pivotal role in the aftermath of this unforeseen event, upholding their promise: "Always Ready, Always There."
