Staff Sgt. Gustavo Nunez and Staff Sgt. Andre Curtis
Recruiters Honored for Heroism
By Rodney Weibley, USAREC, Tampa Battalion
May 12, 2015
Two Tampa recruiters were recently recognized for saving the life of an elderly woman involved in a fiery car crash.
Staff Sgts. Gustavo Nunez and Andre Curtis, Sarasota Company, were presented with certificates of appreciation for heroism by the Florida Highway Patrol, and plaques from the North Port Fire & Rescue.
While driving along I-75 in Venice, Florida Feb. 20, Nunez and Curtis noticed a car on fire off the side of the highway and stopped to help.
“Due to the intensity and rapid spread of the fire, we decided to break the windows with the fire extinguisher rather than try to put out the fire,” said Curtis.
The recruiters were able to extract the 76 year-old female driver, but were unable to save her 77-year-old husband due to flames and smoke.
Nunez and Curtis stayed on the scene rendering aid until first responders arrived.
Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bidwell said the recruiters displayed an act of selfless service.
“Without regard for their own safety, they plunged into a burning vehicle to help a total stranger. The core values of these two young men speak volumes for all Soldiers to emulate throughout our Army.”
Both have been nominated for the Soldiers Medal, said Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Darren Blatt.
“The actions of these two Soldiers epitomize NCO’s who have internalized the Army Values and Warrior Ethos. They displayed exemplary heroism, courage and leadership. I am proud to serve with Soldiers of this caliber and know that they will become outstanding center leaders upon their 79R conversion.”
“We were just doing our job,” Nunez told the local NBC news affiliate during an interview with both recruiters. “It's just our nature as Soldiers, as humans, to help another life," he said.
"Actually, I’m just glad we were able to help out where we could. To us, that's a blessing in itself," added Sgt. Curtis.
By Rodney Weibley, USAREC, Tampa Battalion
May 12, 2015
Two Tampa recruiters were recently recognized for saving the life of an elderly woman involved in a fiery car crash.
Staff Sgts. Gustavo Nunez and Andre Curtis, Sarasota Company, were presented with certificates of appreciation for heroism by the Florida Highway Patrol, and plaques from the North Port Fire & Rescue.
While driving along I-75 in Venice, Florida Feb. 20, Nunez and Curtis noticed a car on fire off the side of the highway and stopped to help.
“Due to the intensity and rapid spread of the fire, we decided to break the windows with the fire extinguisher rather than try to put out the fire,” said Curtis.
The recruiters were able to extract the 76 year-old female driver, but were unable to save her 77-year-old husband due to flames and smoke.
Nunez and Curtis stayed on the scene rendering aid until first responders arrived.
Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bidwell said the recruiters displayed an act of selfless service.
“Without regard for their own safety, they plunged into a burning vehicle to help a total stranger. The core values of these two young men speak volumes for all Soldiers to emulate throughout our Army.”
Both have been nominated for the Soldiers Medal, said Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Darren Blatt.
“The actions of these two Soldiers epitomize NCO’s who have internalized the Army Values and Warrior Ethos. They displayed exemplary heroism, courage and leadership. I am proud to serve with Soldiers of this caliber and know that they will become outstanding center leaders upon their 79R conversion.”
“We were just doing our job,” Nunez told the local NBC news affiliate during an interview with both recruiters. “It's just our nature as Soldiers, as humans, to help another life," he said.
"Actually, I’m just glad we were able to help out where we could. To us, that's a blessing in itself," added Sgt. Curtis.