ARLINGTON, Va. – The USO recognized two Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers as “servicemembers of the year” in the organization’s annual award program highlighting service members who carry out extraordinary acts of bravery.
Spcs. Brandon Moore and Ethan Ward, both assigned to the 776th Maintenance Company, received the award May 29 in a ceremony during the organization’s annual gala held in Washington.
The Soldiers earned the honor because of their life-saving actions during the response to Hurricane Helene, which deluged parts of Tennessee and western North Carolina in October, causing massive flooding that impacted thousands in a region typically unaffected by hurricanes.
While traveling to a local hospital to evacuate patients to a safe location, flash flooding and debris overturned the military vehicle Moore and Ward were traveling in.
The cab then quickly filled with water.
“I kept myself as calm as possible and affirmed to my teammate that we had to get out and save ourselves,” Ward said. “It was only when the vehicle and cab were completely submerged that we escaped.”
The Soldiers swam to a pile of debris to wait to be rescued. Once on the debris pile, they saw six people get swept into the river. Despite the risks, Moore and Ward entered the water and pulled all six individuals to safety.
Then, after first responders arrived on land, they used hand and arm signals to coordinate a helicopter rescue. Once the helicopter arrived, the two Soldiers assisted the aircrew with ensuring the six civilians were safely on the aircraft before being rescued themselves.
“It was a very life-changing experience,” said Moore, adding that he wouldn’t change what happened if he could. “I was there for a reason.”
The pair were among service members from all six military branches whose actions were recognized and honored during the gala event.