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‘Wingman’ in action

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) --  The "wingman" concept is a subject being discussed throughout the Air Force. Amid the talk are individuals like Airman 1st Class Eric McJunkins, a "living wingman," proving the concept works.

When Senior Airman Gene Gatzert found himself tumbling out of control in his SUV Feb. 16, with his two-year-old son, Seth, in the back seat, he was not aware that his wingman was in the car behind him, seeing the accident take place.

The Airmen are members of the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Both are medical technicians with the 859th Surgical Operations Squadron.

In a matter of minutes, a typical drive on a San Antonio highway became something out of a television drama.

"I realized too late that there was debris and gravel on the road and my SUV's tail-end spun out of control. I did a few 360 degree spins and then rolled two or three times," recalls Airman Gatzert. "We finally ended upright on busted wheels."

The young Airman speaks slowly, recalling the events over the telephone from his home as he recovers. The pain medication makes him sleepy, but he said he wants to make sure Airman McJunkins is recognized for saving his and his son's lives.

"I was awake the whole time, but I was in so much pain I did not realize who was helping us at first. My main worry was my son. Airman McJunkins made sure my son was all right. He took out the whole car seat and checked my son's c-spine following the proper techniques. He was so calm and assured that he helped me to calm down. Especially when he told me my son was clapping his hands and saying 'yea, daddy!' like he thought it was fun," Airman Gatzert said.

Airman McJunkins knew his friend was in trouble when he saw the car start to slide.

"I saw Airman Gatzert hit the brakes, but the car slid sideways and then began to flip. I immediately stopped and ran to the car and tried to open the rear door to get to his son," he said.

The door was stuck, but Airman McJunkins was able to pry it open.

"Seth wasn't crying and didn't show any signs of being injured, so I was able to get him out of the vehicle in his car seat. I checked again for injuries, but there were none that I could find," Airman McJunkins said.

The Airman then turned his attention to his friend.

"Airman Gatzert was screaming in the front seat. When I turned to him he already had his seat belt unbuckled and was almost on the ground, trying to get to his son. I helped to control his movement and stabilize his c-spine. I told him his son was OK. He calmed down, and I was able to get a pedestrian who had also stopped to hold his head while I checked him for more injuries. There were none that I could find other than his back pain." Airman McJunkins said.

Emergency medical personnel arrived and took over the scene, but Airman McJunkins didn't stop there. He took Airman Gatzert's son to the emergency room to get him checked out and waited for his mother to arrive.

"I was shocked at the skill level displayed by Airman McJunkins," Airman Gatzert said. "He has only been an emergency medical technician for about a year and a half. I was amazed by his calm and responsible manner. He activated EMS, carefully checked us for injuries and administered first aid. He risked his life not knowing what conditions were present at the accident site. I feel that he saved our lives," Airman Gatzert said.

He would learn at the hospital that his only injury was a bruise on his leg from the car seat, and that his son escaped unscathed.

"I will be in a back brace for the next three months or more, and I will always have to take extra precautions with my back now," the young med. Tech said. "I see plenty of orthopedic appointments in my future," he jokes.

Airman Gatzert is now at home recovering with his family, while his wingman, Airman McJunkins, carries on with duties at Wilford Hall Medical Center.

The wingman culture is one in which no matter where you are, at home or deployed, coming to the aid of a peer in need is paramount. Assisting someone requires not only compassion, awareness and knowledge, but also action.

"If you see Airman McJunkins and you're in distress, then relax and let him do his job," said Airman Gatzert. "I can assure you, his expertise and knowledge are way beyond his scope of practice."