The American Red Cross proudly recognized three United States Air Force Airmen for their extraordinary courage and decisive actions that saved a man’s life following a severe traffic accident earlier this year. Their heroism reflects the highest ideals of service, compassion and readiness that define both the U.S. Air Force and the American Red Cross.
On Feb. 19, 2026, Staff Sergeant Martin Schortye, Senior Airman Danny Gonzalez, and Senior Airman Joe Jimenez encountered a major motorcycle accident while on patrol along Barksdale Boulevard. Staff Sergeant Schortye immediately called for emergency medical services and found the rider critically injured with a severe head wound. He kept the victim responsive through calm, steady communication.
Airmen Gonzalez and Jimenez arrived moments later with first‑aid supplies. Working as a team, Staff Sergeant Schortye stabilized the victim’s head and neck while Airmen Gonzalez and Jimenez applied gauze and direct pressure to control the life‑threatening bleeding. Together, they maintained the victim’s stability until paramedics arrived, then assisted with immobilization and preparation for transport to LSU Hospital, where the patient was later treated and released.
“Their actions that day reflect the very heart of the Red Cross mission: stepping forward when someone’s life depends on it,” said Karen McCoy, Executive Director, North Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross.
This Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action was awarded to Staff Sergeant Martin Schortye. This Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders was awarded to Senior Airman Danny Gonzalez and Senior Airman Joe Jimenez.
LIFESAVING AWARDS For more than a century, the American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards have stood among the highest honors the organization can bestow, reserved for individuals who step forward in moments when every second matters. Established in 1911, the program has grown to include three distinct honors: the Certificate of Merit, the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, and the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. Each award recognizes the same core truth: that taking action to save a life is the purest expression of humanitarian service.
Since the revival of the Lifesaving Awards program in 2018, more than 3,000 individuals worldwide have been honored, and their actions have helped save more than 1,500 lives.