Andersen AFB police officer receives Medal of Valor Published April 10, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Emily Saxton ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam – Dwayne Pangelinan, 36th Security Forces Squadron supervisory police officer, received a Medal of Valor for his courageous actions during two separate incidents. “I was just in the right place, at the right time,” said Pangelinan. He described that some Airmen undergo a lot of distress, especially being away from family. Pangelinan said that while some can withstand it, others turn to alternative methods of dealing with their problems. During one of the incidents, Pangelinan found an unresponsive Airman and applied live-saving measures until first responders arrived on scene. “I was lucky to be there in both instances and both Airmen are alive and okay today,” said Pangelinan. The Medal of Valor is awarded to officers displaying an act of extreme courage. This is not the first time Pangelinan has received this award. He has put himself in harm’s way to save others several times, and has received two other Medals of Valor during his time with the Guam Police Department. “Helping people, that’s my favorite part of the job,” said Pangelinan. Pangelinan says as a police officer he never knows what he will be facing or what the outcome will be. He goes on to explain that he goes into each situation he comes across with a clear and open mind, always anticipating a good outcome. “I wasn’t expecting to receive an award,” said Pangelinan. “I was just doing my job.” Pangelinan has worked at Andersen AFB for 15 years, while filling his current position for the last three. During his time here, Pangelinan has been through Airman Leadership School and a federal law enforcement academy. “The training I’ve received from the 36 SFS not only made me physically and mentally tough, but gave me the ability to operate and handle high-stress situations,” said Pangelinan.