Grand Forks patrolman honored for assisting neighbor

  • Published
  • By Tim Flack
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Staff Sgt. Bryant Martin had just put his kids to bed and was settled down in front of the television when he heard a frantic pounding on at the front door of his base home on Oct. 23.

He found his neighbor, Terina Johnson, carrying her 5-year-old son's limp body. "I need help, I need help," she told him, explaining that her son had gone into a seizure and wasn't breathing.

Martin, a patrolman with the 319th Security Forces Squadron, jumped immediately into action, yelling for his wife to call 911 and beginning CPR on the boy, Julius.

Within minutes, Julius began breathing and was slightly more responsive. Medical personnel arrived to take over and transport him to a local hospital.

Johnson said it was Julius's first-ever seizure, and she panicked. She knew her neighbor worked for Security Forces, which was why she ran to his home. Even though they've teased each other a bit about a college football rivalry, they really don't know each other that well, she explained.

But Martin became a "blessing in my life and my son's life," late that Sunday night, Johnson said.

"He took him out of my arms and immediately started CPR on him," she said. "He stayed with me all the way until they put (Julius) in the ambulance."

Johnson said doctors kept her son in the hospital for two nights, but that he's back home now and appears as healthy as ever.

Base officials said that Martin's quick-thinking and willingness to put his training to work helped prevent a possible tragedy that night.

Col. Tim Bush, 319th Air Base Wing commander, presented Martin with his commander's coin during a brief ceremony Oct. 26.

"I want to thank you for your actions," Bush said before giving Martin the coin.
Bush also addressed the other Security Forces Airmen gathered for the ceremony.
"You're silent heroes, but what you do every day makes us better," Bush said.

Martin, a Tifton, Ga., native who has served nine years in the Air Force, said he was just glad to help.

"I only did what I hope every person in this room would do," he said, after receiving a standing ovation at the ceremony.

Martin said that instinct kicked in when he opened the door and saw the little boy.
"A mother's looking at you to save her son," he explained.

Martin and Johnson have talked on the phone this week, but haven't met again face-to-face.

Johnson said she would love to thank Martin when she sees him.

"I would try not to cry and thank him," Johnson said. "Words cannot explain how he was there and how willing he was to help ... thanks is just not enough."