Right place, right time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  It all started with her normal drive home from work. It's a drive she has completed enough times, she could probably do it with her eyes closed.

However, for Tech. Sgt. Mary Camero, a customer support supervisor with the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, what happened on this trip home is something she won't forget.

"I was driving home and I saw a driver run a stop sign," said Camero. "The driver who ran the stop sign t-boned the other driver and when I saw this happen and the car roll three times, I thought to myself, 'these people are going to need some serious help.'"

At that moment, Camero made a split-second decision. She stopped her car and ran to the roll-over vehicle that lay on its side.

"I jumped on the side of the car and tried to pry the door open but the force from the other car hitting the door made it impossible," said Camero.

That's when Camero realized she was wearing steel-toe boots and used them to her advantage. She kicked the vehicle's windshield until she finally got through to the Japanese woman who was trapped inside.

While Camero worked to pull her to safety, bystanders watched anxiously as she, with the help of a Japanese man, safely pulled the woman out of the car.

Toshiyuki Adachi, chief of the Misawa Police Station, said "many of the Japanese were hesitant to help right after the accident because of the possibility of a fire starting or making the situation worse."

After they pulled the woman from the car, Camero fell back on her military training and performed Self Aid and Buddy Care. Once she knew the woman was taken care of, she checked on the other driver who only had minor scrapes and no serious injuries.

Camero stayed at the accident scene until responders arrived.

"Because of Camero's actions, the minor injuries from the accident were prevented from becoming major injuries or worse," said Adachi.

Because of her unselfish actions, Camero was given a certificate of appreciation from Adachi on behalf of the Misawa Japanese National Police.

"You, without hesitating, went and rescued the woman and treated both the drivers, and we deeply appreciate your actions," Adachi told Camero after presenting her the certificate.

Camero was thankful for the award, but said she had other reasons for risking her own safety for the lives of others.

"I am the type of person that will help when needed and go right back to work after I'm done," said Camero.

Friends of Camero, TSgts. Vonda Grant and Mari Richardson, along with Staff Sgt. Rowan Coash, were with Camero when she was given the certificate and said that is exactly who she is and all agreed that she is a "selfless" individual.

"I did what I think anyone else would have done," said Camero. "We receive the training to respond to situations like this and I feel like I was just doing my duty."