By Sgt. 1st Class Luis Saavedra
10th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs
Office
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Spc.
Chase E. Crull of Hollandale, Wis., a generator mechanic assigned to the
Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1157th Transportation Company, was recognized
as a hero in the 548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment
Brigade for actions taken during a recent convoy escort mission support of
Operation Enduring Freedom.
The 548th CSSB provides supplies to 1st
Army Division and coalition partner units in the Regional Command East and
Capital.
Crull was the lead vehicle driver when
his MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by a
roadside bomb. He sustained minor injuries but was more concerned about the
well being of his fellow Soldiers. He comforted his crew, assisted the medic
with other Soldiers and helped provide security.
"I was able to remember a lot of my
training," Crull said. "Everybody acted accordingly."
The 1157th received mobilization
training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and additional training in Afghanistan.
Crull vividly remembered the medic
providing first aid with the assistance of some Soldiers, other Soldiers
providing security and his lieutenant executing strong leadership. He assisted
with security until the quick reaction force arrived, at which point he was
ordered to seek medical attention. However, he did not want to leave and
instead continued the mission, displaying his heroism.
"I wanted to be there to help
anybody else," he said. "Never leave a fallen comrade."
Crull gained valuable experience from
the incident but credits the military for providing the tools to succeed in a
critical situation.
"Remember your training and trust
your leadership," Crull said.
Staff Sgt. Dominic Renteria, a convoy
commander assigned with the 1157th, described Crull as someone who goes above
and beyond to ensure Soldiers are taken care of. He said Crull knows what needs
to be done, takes his duty seriously, conducts proper preventive maintenance
checks and services, and displays good judgment on the road.
"Spc. Crull exemplifies all the
qualities of a Soldier who is ready to be an NCO someday," Renteria said.
Crull volunteered to deploy with the
unit and is a student at the University Of Wisconsin - Platteville.
"Soldiers hold him in high
regard," Renteria said. "We are happy to have him on the team."
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