AF recognizes Airman for emergency response efforts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  What should have been a typical day of leave for a contracting senior airman, turned into an experience where his actions and assistance earned him an Air Force Achievement Medal.

Senior Airman Randal Kyllo, then assigned to the 3rd Contracting Squadron in Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, was visiting his family in Winnemucca, Nev., when a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit the small town of Wells three and half hours away Feb. 21, 2008.

His mother, Shelly Kyllo, is an American Red Cross emergency responder. When she was called to respond to the scene Airman Kyllo decided to go with her.

"It just felt like the right thing to do," said the Airman now assigned to the 52nd Contracting Squadron. "I am sure any other Airman in that situation would have done the same thing."

The earthquake that hit Wells was felt as far in Salt Lake City, a town 175 miles away.

"The American Red Cross put out several calls for volunteers to respond to the small town of Wells, Nev., which had particularly collapsed displacing approximately 200 families," said Sunny Johnson, American Red Cross service center manager.

Along the way to Wells, Airman Kyllo and his mother stopped to pick up donated supplies.

"It was a little bit better than what I expected," Airman Kyllo said. "The only parts of the town that were truly damaged were the historical part of the town and the old hotel, plus a lot of chimneys fell down. Luckily there were no major injuries."

Airman Kyllo reported to the town fire department when he arrived and voluntered to help out in any way he could.

"He was one of the first to arrive, responding without hesitation or fear for personal safety," said Col. Mark Chance, 3rd Mission Support Group commander, in the medal citation. "Airman Kyllo stayed on site for 48 straight hours, assisting survivors, setting up temporary shelters, providing security and delivering food and water."

The volunteers worked non-stop to provide order to the damaged town.

Airman Kyllo used the organizational experience he learned as a member of the Air Force to create order and calm victims of the disaster, allowing case workers to process claims more efficiently, Ms. Johnson said.

"Whatever need arose, Airman Kyllo responded. There was no chore too menial; no person insignificant," Ms. Johnson said.

Airman Kyllo said also he believes his Air Force training helped him to react more efficiently on scene.

"Training has taught me how to keep a cool head, to be calm when talking to people and not to get too excited," he said.

Almost a year after the earthquake the Air Force recognized Airman Kyllo for his emergency response actions when he was presented with an Air Force Achievement Medal. While he appreciated the recognition he said the way the town volunteers united is what will always stand out in his mind.

"People are still willing to help each other. It was great to see a small community come together and help each other out," Airman Kyllo said. "There is still good in the world."