AF recruiter plays hero, stops robbery in progress Published Nov. 10, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Dustin Beard 344th Recruiting Squadron Marketing NCO SHREVEPORT, La. -- An Air Force recruiter became a hero Oct. 29, after stopping a robbery in progress while attending his unit's annual training conference here. Staff Sgt. Cesar Munoz, 344th Recruiting Squadron recruiter displayed true service before self by stopping and subduing two men who attempted to mug an elderly man at the Sam's Town Hotel and Casino. Sergeant Munoz and his wife, April, had just left the squadron's annual promotion party at the hotel and headed to the casino. The party featured a Halloween theme, so Sergeant Munoz entered dressed as Elvis Presley, complete with white sequined jumper, sideburns and gold sunglasses. Shortly after entering the gaming room, Mrs. Munoz said he noticed two men acting suspicious around an older man, who had just won a substantial amount of money. Soon after, Sergeant Munoz and Mrs. Munoz said they saw one of the men follow the older man into the bathroom, while the other stayed outside. At his wife's urging, Sergeant Munoz went in to assess the situation. "As I walked in, I instantly felt the tension and frustration of one of the suspects," Sergeant Munoz said. "He was clearly frustrated because he was not expecting someone else to come in the restroom dressed as Elvis and mess with his plan." Sergeant Munoz said he pretended to mind his own business until but the attacker ran toward the older man and attempted to bring him to the floor. Sergeant Munoz said he immediately rushed to his defense and pushed the attacker toward the wall, where, the man hit his forehead. At that moment, he said the second man entered and picked up a plastic "caution" sign and attempted to strike the elderly man. Sergeant Munoz said he shielded the victim from the attacker and held them all at bay. By this time, Mrs. Munoz had called for the hotel security guards, who immediately arrived and arrested the two men. "Sergeant Munoz has long been an outstanding Airman and represents all the core values we hold so dear -- integrity, service and excellence," said Lt. Col. Sean McKenna, 344th RCS commander. "His courage and quick thinking prevented a terrible crime from occurring. I am so proud of him for stepping up when the time called for it." Sergeant Munoz, who was a liquid fuels specialist before becoming a recruiter, was the squadron's rookie recruiter of the year in 2008. He said he wasn't scared as events unfolded. He said he "was just trying to save a guy who needed my help." His selfless act was not lost on the victim. It turns out he is a retired Army lieutenant colonel and, thanks to the Munoz's brave actions, he left that night with his winnings and his health. As for "Elvis," he left the building a hero.