Cooperative Living May 2023 - 10

WAR STORIES
The Few, The Proud,
The Selfless
Story courtesy of Statepoint Content
Honoring the bravery and sacrifice
of U.S. service members
E
very year, the United Service Organizations (USO)
honors junior enlisted service members who have
exhibited a commitment to protecting and serving
others both on and off duty.
Nominated by their command leadership, the seven
2022 USO Service Members of the Year come from every
military branch, and government officials, military leaders
and USO supporters recently celebrated their achievements
at the USO's Annual Awards Dinner in
Washington, D.C., hosted by Drew Carey.
" From defending an Air Base to
rescuing civilians in accidents and
fires, these honorees have performed
inspiring acts of heroism, exemplifying
the values of both the USO and the
Armed Forces, " says USO President
and CEO J.D. Crouch II.
Here's what to know about
this year's honorees:
Ty Knight
Solomon Doss Octavio Cesar Castruita
Marine after two cycles of CPR and provided lifesaving support
while awaiting medical care.
" America's service members
put their lives on the line
to keep us safe. That is
why it's so vital to honor
their service and sacrifice. "
- J.D. Crouch II,
USO president & CEO
USO Soldier of the Year: Sergeant Erick Ceja was
responsible for enabling the first U.S. Patriot missile
engagement in combat in more than 19 years after incoming
enemy ballistic missiles were identified as threats to the
Al Dhafra Air Base. He analyzed the incoming threat, manned
his battle station to ensure all launchers were operating
properly, and led his crew members through a perfect
assumption drill. His actions ensured the safety of more than
3,500 service members and Department of Defense civilians.
USO Airman of the Year: Without hesitation, Staff Sergeant
Blake M. Metscher climbed through an overturned minivan
to rescue a trapped family suffering from head trauma and
lacerations in a multi-vehicle highway accident. His actions
were key to the victims' survival and lauded by first responders.
USO Marine of the Year: Corporal Alec T. Cruz saved the
life of a fellow Marine after responding to a 911 call requesting
medical assistance for an unconscious service member. He
quickly placed her in the recovery position, evaluated her
condition, and initiated CPR when her breathing stopped
and a pulse could no longer be located. Cruz revived the
8 ● Cooperative Living ●
May 2023
USO Coast Guardsman of the Year: Maritime Enforcement
Specialist Second Class Jacob Flores saved three lives on an
uncharted section of the Rio Grande River while operating a
Response Boat early one morning. Upon
spotting two women and an infant struggling
with no life preservers, Flores dove in to pull
them from the unforgiving river despite
imminent personal danger. His actions ensured
the safety of all three victims who received
emergency medical care after the rescue.
USO Sailor of the Year: While off duty near
his home base in Virginia, Cryptologic Petty
Officer Third Class Ty Knight responded to the
sound of gunshots from a drive-by at a nearby
intersection. He and another sailor took action, supported the
survivor at the scene, and remained with them until emergency
officials arrived.
USO National Guardsman of the Year: Specialist Solomon
Doss responded to a fire early one morning while on duty as a
police officer in Alabama. He brought an elderly woman who
had become incapacitated due to smoke inhalation to safety
before the building was engulfed in flames. His composure
and rapid response saved her life.
USO Guardian of the Year: Sergeant Octavio Cesar Castruita
was off duty when he heard a pregnant woman cry for help as
a visibly distraught man attempted to seize her vehicle. He ran
to the woman's aid, then detained the offender long enough
for emergency responders to take him into police custody.
Castruita's rapid response saved the woman and her unborn
child from harm. 
To learn more about the 2022 USO Service Members of the Year,
visit uso.org, and join the conversation by following the USO on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and using the #BetheForce hashtag.
co-opliving.com
Erick Ceja
Erick Ceja
Blake M. Metscher
Alec T. Cruz
Jacob Flores
http://www.uso.org http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living May 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living May 2023
