MAFB Airman named local Red Cross 2014 Military Hero

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The local Red Cross awarded a McConnell Airman the Spirit Aerosystems 2014 Military Hero for his courageous actions earlier in the year.

Staff Sgt. Keith J. Booze, the 22nd Force Support Squadron military personnel section customer support NCO in charge, was with his family at a local YMCA swimming pool when his wife noticed a young girl struggling to stay afloat.

"I just dove in, grabbed her and brought her out to safety," said Booze. "It could have turned real ugly real quick, so I was just glad to be there at the right time."

The child did not need CPR, but Booze immediately worked on calming down and comforting her to make sure she was okay.

"She was a bit flustered, so I just tried to calm her down as best I could until her mother came over," he said.

Booze was unaware of the award until he was notified of his selection. He views his actions as only what any parent would have done, but his superiors see the bravery behind his actions.

"I think what he did was just awesome," said Maj. Jacqueline Sukhlall, 22nd FSS commander. "I'm so glad to be part of a unit where people are so passionate about helping people, which is what the force support squadron is all about."

Booze's selection makes him the second member of the 22nd FSS to win the award in the last two years.

To read more about Booze and the other 2014 Red Cross Hero award recipients, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ks/wichita/heroes/2014.