By Amber Bass
In a moment of immense darkness, Jeremy Mullins responded with light. In the early morning hours of August 7th, 11 young lives hung in a frail balance. Woken by screams for help, Mullins did only what he knew to do, to help. “When you’re 20 and receiving this training, you don’t think you would ever need it, then one day at your front door it clicks and you can help those that need help,” said Mullins. “It was nice to have the training from the Guard ready to go.”
10 out of 11 teens survived that night. Their survival is directly connected to the life saving measures of the fast acting guardsman. Monday, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin presented Mullins with highest honor bestowed on a civilian, the “Distinguished West Virginian” award. As well, The West Virginia Air National Guard nominated Mullins for the airman’s award, the highest recognition for a soldier’s civilian actions. I just did my part,” Mullins said. “It was not about any awards or appreciations, but rather just helping West Virginians.”