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Andersen members awarded for life-saving acts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sonya Croston
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  A recognition awards ceremony honoring the rescue members of 9-year-old Jayleen Jaylo was held March 4 at Andersen Elementary School's Dolphin Theater. 

In November 2008 at Andersen's base pool, Jaylo experienced a near-drowning incident that almost took her life. Friends, swimmers and medical personnel were quick to respond and perform life-saving acts that kept her alive in transit to Naval Hospital Guam for further treatment. 

Jaylo's mother Vivian recalls that day as something terrible that no parent should ever have to go through. 

"It makes you realize how the precious things in life can be taken away in an instant," she said. 

In recognition of the students who called for help and attempted rescue, Brig. Gen. Philip Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, and Jaylo presented the Lifesaver Award to Aliyah Andersen, Nikkie Mackeller, Brooke Hummel, Katelyn Powell and her sister Mackenzie for starting the life-saving efforts of a fellow classmate. 

Tech. Sgt. Samuel Howell, 736th Security Forces squad leader, was swimming nearby when he heard the students calling for help. 

"They kept talking about somebody at the bottom of the pool, so I handed my son over to my wife, swam down and pulled her up," Sgt. Howell said. "She was lifeless." 

Gina Andersen, an off-duty nurse from Andersen Middle School, saw the unconscious girl being pulled from the water and immediately began CPR until medical services arrived on scene. 

For their brave and selfless acts of heroism, Sergeant Howell received a Commendation Medal and Mrs. Andersen received the Lifesaver Award and Outstanding Heroism Certificate. 

"It's one of those things you hope you never have to do, but I'm glad I was there to help," she said. "The appreciation was wonderful, but I was just doing what I was trained to do." 

Three Andersen emergency medical service personnel and the base pediatrician from the 36th Medical Group were also recognized at the ceremony for their quick response and contribution in saving Jaylo. 

Senior Airman Derick Reynolds, Staff Sgt. Emily Kesler, Senior Airman Andrea Szerzo and Capt. Natalie Hecht-Baldauff received a Letter of Appreciation. 

After the ceremony, Mrs. Jaylo expressed her sincere appreciation for the men and women who helped save her daughter. 

"Because of the work they do, I have my daughter back," she said. 

One message she wanted to give parents and guardians was to hug their kids more and show appreciation for them. 

"They may give you a headache sometimes, but they're all worth it!"