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 | Sept. 11, 2023

Pennsylvania Guard Soldier Recognized for Lifesaving Actions

By 2nd Lt. Kate Kramer, Pennsylvania National Guard

LANCASTER, Pa. – Lt. Col. Mark Martella, commander of the 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, was recognized during a board of commissioners meeting at the Manheim Township County Office Aug. 28 for his lifesaving actions June 1.

Scott Little, chief of Manheim Township Fire Department, presented Martella and Officers Dylan Canada and Michael Tappen letters of commendation for their heroic efforts in saving the life of a man who was unconscious and suffering a heart attack. Keith Still, an off-duty paramedic who was the first to respond to the incident, received a medal of gallantry.

The man involved in the incident was transported to the hospital, where he improved daily. As of Aug. 28, he has made a full recovery. He was able to personally recognize and thank each of the men involved with rendering lifesaving measures to him.

“The ceremony was a great opportunity to publicly honor our first responders, police officers and those that continue to serve our community,” said Martella. “Seeing the man and his family was a reminder that courage and small acts of kindness can have such a profound impact and sometimes can save a life.”

Martella was driving on Route 30 on his way to work on June 1 when he saw two vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

While driving past, he noticed Still performing CPR for the man who was unconscious and suffering a heart attack. Martella pulled over to help.

While Still performed CPR, Martella performed mouth-to-mouth. Another unknown man also stopped to help. Tappen and Canada were called and promptly showed up to assist.

Little said, Martella and Still played a key role in helping save the man’s life.

“Mark Martella was able to help Keith in helping this man,” said Little after the incident in June. “It was as good as it could have gone. If it were not for the actions of Keith and Mark, this family would have had a funeral this week.”

Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, adjutant general of Pennsylvania, praised Martella on Twitter, saying that it was good to see Pennsylvania National Guard members stop and help those in need when many assume others will act.

“It’s really about coming together as a community for a good cause, humans helping humans,” said Martella.

 

 

Related Articles
A delegation of more than 20 Lithuanian defense, diplomatic and business officials visited the Unmanned Aircraft Systems facility at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Sept. 23, 2025, as part of a five-day mission in the United States. Loreta Maskolioviene, Lithuania’s vice-minister of national defense, led the delegation, which was received by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John R. Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general, and other Guard leaders.
Lithuanian Defense Delegation Visits Pennsylvania Guard Drone Facility
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | Sept. 25, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – A delegation of more than 20 Lithuanian defense, diplomatic and business officials visited the Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, facility Sept. 23, as part of a five-day mission in the United...

U.S. service members, veterans, Gold Star Families and community members participate in the 14th annual March for the Fallen at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Sept. 20, 2025. March for the Fallen is a community event held each year at Fort Indiantown Gap to honor the memory of those who have fallen in defense of our nation. It is open to the public and registrants choose to participate in one of various challenges, including a 28-mile ruck march, a 14-mile ruck march, a 5K run/walk or 28-mile hand cycle. The 28- and 14-mile course follows a path around Fort Indiantown Gap’s training areas.
Pennsylvania Guard Hosts More Than 700 in March to Remember the Fallen
By Maj. Travis Mueller, | Sept. 22, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – More than 700 participants ran, walked and ruck marched Sept. 20 for a solemn cause during the 14th annual March for the Fallen.The March for the Fallen, hosted by the Pennsylvania National Guard,...

The Pennsylvania Army National Guard provides a unique training experience for more than 120 firefighters and rescue personnel from several fire companies in the communities surrounding Fort Indiantown Gap and its most common helicopter flight routes during a helicopter orientation training event for emergency responders conducted at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 and Muir Army Heliport Sept. 11.
Pennsylvania Guard Hosts Helicopter Orientation for Emergency Responders
By Wayne Hall, | Sept. 15, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Army National Guard conducted a helicopter orientation training event for emergency responders Sept. 11 at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 and Muir Army Heliport.More than...