LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Senior Airman Brodie Bowen, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron fire emergency services driver operator, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” for the week of Jan. 15, 2018.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Charlie Velino, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
Bowen led the flight self-contained breathing apparatus testing program and certified 58 masks, 49 packs and 57 regulators, saving $10,000 in contractor costs.
“He ensures the personal protection equipment stays clean for firefighter use,” said Tech. Sgt. Aaron Strayhorn, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron B-shift station captain. “This equipment is used on every emergency, so the fact that Senior Airman Bowen ensures it is ready and certified for us to use is very important.”
Strayhorn also noted the same task could have cost roughly $20,000 if a contractor performed the same job.
Bowen also responded to a medical emergency and was able to stabilize injuries, allowing for rapid transport and helping the patient fully recover.
“He stabilized the wrist and treated the swelling of the wrist using his skills as a certified emergency medical responder,” Strayhorn said.
Bowen, along with his crew, obtained patient information and history, allowing the patient to be transported to off-base medics more efficiently.
“His early intervention ensured the patient did not suffer more damage,” Strayhorn said. “His actions saved time [for] the off-base medics, allowing them to provide their care immediately upon arriving on scene.”
Through his tactical training, Bowen successfully executed forcible entry rescue techniques to rescue an entire family in less than 15 minutes.
“During a power outage, a family of four became trapped in an elevator,” Strayhorn said. “He swiftly gained access to the elevator, allowing the family to escape within 5 minutes of arriving on scene.”
His work in dedication to ensuring the safety of all members on base and expert life-saving skills earned Bowen this week’s XLer award.