An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | April 16, 2021

Tennessee National Guard aircrew rescues stroke victim

By Capt. Kealy Moriarty, Tennessee National Guard Public Affairs Office

CLINGMANS DOME, Tenn. – A Tennessee Army National Guard medical flight crew rescued a stroke victim hiking on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

About 9 a.m. April 15, the Tennessee Military Department and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency were notified of a possible stroke victim needing immediate medical care near Clingmans Dome. The Tennessee National Guard received the official mission request 40 minutes later.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew from the Tennessee National Guard's Detachment 1, Company C, 1-171st Aviation Regiment, based in Knoxville, launched at approximately 10:03 a.m.

The flight crew consisted of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Daniel Backus, pilot in command; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Trailson Moore, pilot; Staff Sgt. Donald Sweet, crew chief; Col. Robert Ross, flight surgeon; and Sgts. 1st Class Tracy Banta and Giovanni DeZuani, flight paramedics.

At 10:18 a.m., the aircraft arrived on the scene and the flight crew began rescue hoist operations. Ross and Banta lowered to the patient and performed a brief medical assessment. The patient was then mobilized onto a litter and hoisted into the helicopter.

The flight crew continued medical aid while en route to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

"The administrative portion of the pre-launch process was flawless," said Col. Jay Deason, the state Army aviation officer. "The flight crew immediately jumped into action and began preparing for the mission; everyone was in sync, and that's the primary indicator that we have a very streamlined process."

The rescue was the first search and rescue mission by the Tennessee National Guard this year.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air National Guard Airmen assigned to the 134th Air Refueling Wing put on protective gear inside a KC-135R Stratotanker during a training exercise, April 6, 2025 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosives or CBRNE training, allows Airmen the opportunity to test specialized hazard equipment in preparation of potential real world events.
Tennessee Air National Guard Executes Nuclear and Combat Readiness Training
By Tech. Sgt. Melissa Dearstone, | April 8, 2025
MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. – The 134th Air Refueling Wing has completed a four-day nuclear operational and combat readiness training, reinforcing the Wing’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of...

New York Air National Guard leaders look at a C-17 Globemaster III equipped with microvanes at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, Feb. 2, 2025. Microvanes are 3D printed devices that reduce drag and fuel consumption by 1%, saving the Air Force money and enhancing mission capability.
New York Guard Airmen Modernize C-17 Fleet with Microvanes
By Senior Airman Sarah Post, | March 19, 2025
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. - The 105th Airlift Wing is playing a key role in a modernization initiative for the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III fleet and has become the first base to permanently maintain the...

U.S. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Jackson, a senior leader from the 134th Mission Support Squadron helps clear debris with Airmen from the 134th Civil Engineer Squadron, in Elizabethton, Tenn., Oct. 2, 2024. Airmen commuted to Elizabethton and surrounding areas daily to help clear debris and give assistance to local residents in need due to flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Tennessee Guard Engineers Continue to Support Helene Recovery Efforts
By Lt. Col. Darrin Haas, | Oct. 3, 2024
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – More than 100 Tennessee Army and Air National Guard engineers continue to support recovery operations in East Tennessee counties impacted by severe flooding following Hurricane Helene. These Guard members...