Photo By 1st Lt. Sean Cloherty | U.S. Marine Corps Col. Masie Wong, left, commanding officer, 4th Civil Affairs Group,...... read more read more
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MIAMI– A U.S. Marine from Palm Beach County, Florida, helped save two people injured by a lightning struck during the Florida International University Disaster Field Operations Course here.
Sgt. Neil Howe, a civil affairs specialist with 4th Civil Affairs Group, Force Headquarters Group, rushed into action when lightning struck a tent pole, injuring two people and effecting several others. One of the victims was holding the pole the moment of the strike.
Howe was sitting in a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, a 7-ton truck, when the lightning struck.
Adhering to the Marine Corps Reserve’s guiding principles of being relevant, ready, and responsive, Howe immediately began triaging the wounded using the paramedic training he learned working as a paramedic firefighter for Palm Beach County.
"As Reserve Marines, our dual mission sets from our civilian careers and our military training, amplify our value in these situations," Howe later said, reflecting on the incident.
Although Howe was one of the first to tend to the wounded, members of the Health Service Support Force Surgeon’s Office and the 4th CAG Marines soon arrived on the scene and began providing aid.
The group’s collective efforts saw that the injured return home that same day.
“Marines like Sgt. Howe highlight the fusion of the military with high-level civilian certifications and skill,” said Lt. Cmdr. Evelyn Palm, an environmental health officer assigned Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South Health Service Support Staff.
The incident prompted a brief pause to the exercise, emphasizing and reinforcing the Marine Corps’ focus on health and safety.
“It’s not about the uniform you wear,” Howe said. “It is about what you bring to the table.”
Howe was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for acts of heroism that don't involve conflict with an enemy force.
Howe's swift response and paramedic expertise during the disaster demonstrates the fusion of military and civilian skills the Marine Corps Reserve strive to uphold.
(This article has been updated to correct factual inaccuracies on Jan. 30, 2024)
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 01.25.2024 14:43 |
| Story ID: | 459246 |
| Location: | MIAMI, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 305 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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