Captain Keeps Cool, Controls Situation
116th ACW member receives Airman’s Medal for risking life  
By: Airman Paul R. Ross
116th ACW Public Affairs

Capt. Ebi received the Airman’s Medal for Heroism, for actions in May 2003 while at Tyndall Air Force Base on temporary duty.

Picture this … You are strolling down the coastline of a Florida beach. You hear the seagulls in the distance and the waves flirting with the shore. It is an ordinary day.  Suddenly, you see arms flailing in the water and you hear screams for help. You have to act, but what do you do?

Capt. Kenneth Ebi, 128th Airborne Combat and Control Squadron assistant flight commander, was awarded the Airman’s Medal for Heroism March 1 because when the same situation arose in May 2003 he put his own life at risk and knew exactly what to do.

When the Oregon native heard screams for help while on the beach at Tyndall Air Force Base he proceeded into the ocean to perform the required actions to preserve another man’s life.

“The current and the waves were too strong for me to pull him back in. I tried to keep him afloat while I reassured him help was on the way,” said Captain Ebi.

Although initially human instinct may take over a person’s actions in the back of a person’s mind their Air Force training is there. Performing under stress is a key factor in being successful in the military.

 “All of us (Air Force members) are put under stressful situations in training. We basically learn how to react on instinct on doing the right thing,” the Captain said.”

If Captain Ebi wouldn’t have reacted in the nature that he did a man might not be breathing today. A mother and father may have lost a son.

The Airman’s Medal is the ninth most prestigious medal the Air Force awards. It is awarded to someone who puts their own life at risk to save another’s.

“I feel honored. At first I didn’t really feel like I deserved it, I just went out and did what I was supposed to. I feel privileged to be considered for an honor like this.” said Captain Ebi.

When a person is in the process of saving another’s life, their minds are most likely free from thoughts of medals and recognition deserved. They are probably thinking of the next step that is needed to make sure this person’s life stays intact.           

“To receive a medal that has requirements of someone performing a heroic act while putting their life in danger is awesome as well as humbling…so many people are doing things overseas that are more heroic then me jumping in the water, but I feel honored that the leadership put me in for this,” said Captain Ebi.

When a situation arises that is life threatening the Air Force core values come to mind. Integrity, service and excellence are traits that were shown by the captain that day on the beach. They are traits that most Air Force members hold because they are trained to possess them.  

“I know the types of people that are in the Air Force and none of them would have sat around, they would have taken action, it is just a characteristic of the people in my squadron and in the Air Force in general,” said Captain Ebi.