An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The Good Samaritan: 188th’s Sosebee receives Life Saver Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Hannah Dickerson
  • 188th Wing Public Affairs
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. --  1st Lt. Nathan Sosebee, 188th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, was presented with the Fort Smith Police Department's Life Saver Award by Chief Kevin Lindsey, Oct. 28, 2015.

Sosebee received the award for his actions at Lake Fort Smith State Park on May 30, 2015.

While on his boat, Sosebee and his wife had just arrived to their first fishing spot when they heard a faint yell for help. In the distance, Sosebee saw movement to the north and noticed a man in chest deep water waving an arm in the air.

Once Sosebee neared the individual, he utilized his training from the police department and Air National Guard to ask questions about the man's condition and if he had any injuries or illnesses that needed attention so he could administer first aid if needed.

"It was apparent that this man was covered in scratches, small cuts and he was holding one of his arms to his side and it appeared stiff," Sosebee added. "The man said he was partially paralyzed and diabetic."

After pulling him out of the water, Sosebee and his wife continued talking with the man to figure out what had happened while they covered him with their jackets to warm his body temperature. He then contacted emergency medical services in the area to report the incident and get first responders on the scene.

"I believe the recurring self-aid and buddy care training I've had helped save the man's life," Sosebee said. "He was in shock and suffering from hypothermia after being stuck on the water for four hours and I knew what I needed to do to help him."

During the conversation, the man informed Sosebee that there had been several people come near him while he was in the water and they never offered him help and ignored his pleas.

The man involved in the incident has made a full recovery from the event on May 30 and his family was so grateful for Sosebee's selflessness and willingness to help others, that they nominated him for the Life Saver Award.

"As a member of the 188th we should always look for ways to help others," Sosebee noted. "I am truly humbled and honored to have been presented with this award."

The Good Samaritan: 188th’s Sosebee receives Life Saver Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Hannah Dickerson
  • 188th Wing Public Affairs
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. --  1st Lt. Nathan Sosebee, 188th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, was presented with the Fort Smith Police Department's Life Saver Award by Chief Kevin Lindsey, Oct. 28, 2015.

Sosebee received the award for his actions at Lake Fort Smith State Park on May 30, 2015.

While on his boat, Sosebee and his wife had just arrived to their first fishing spot when they heard a faint yell for help. In the distance, Sosebee saw movement to the north and noticed a man in chest deep water waving an arm in the air.

Once Sosebee neared the individual, he utilized his training from the police department and Air National Guard to ask questions about the man's condition and if he had any injuries or illnesses that needed attention so he could administer first aid if needed.

"It was apparent that this man was covered in scratches, small cuts and he was holding one of his arms to his side and it appeared stiff," Sosebee added. "The man said he was partially paralyzed and diabetic."

After pulling him out of the water, Sosebee and his wife continued talking with the man to figure out what had happened while they covered him with their jackets to warm his body temperature. He then contacted emergency medical services in the area to report the incident and get first responders on the scene.

"I believe the recurring self-aid and buddy care training I've had helped save the man's life," Sosebee said. "He was in shock and suffering from hypothermia after being stuck on the water for four hours and I knew what I needed to do to help him."

During the conversation, the man informed Sosebee that there had been several people come near him while he was in the water and they never offered him help and ignored his pleas.

The man involved in the incident has made a full recovery from the event on May 30 and his family was so grateful for Sosebee's selflessness and willingness to help others, that they nominated him for the Life Saver Award.

"As a member of the 188th we should always look for ways to help others," Sosebee noted. "I am truly humbled and honored to have been presented with this award."