Random Act of Kindness: Couple receives helping hand from extended AF family

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  While many Americans spent the Fourth of July huddled alongside parade routes, attending festivals, or gathered around backyard barbecues, one Aviano Air Base family watched their car burn to a crisp here July 4.

Fortunately, all was not lost as the couple walked away without injury. They, like many other military families, benefited from their extended Air Force family during this brief, but scary ordeal which lasted about 10 minutes.

The initial call about a privately owned vehicle on fire in the AAFES Base Exchange parking lot came into the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron fire department at about 3:58 p.m., said Master Sgt. Christopher Mills, 31st CES assistant chief of operations for A-Shift.

"The couple noticed the car starting to smell like smoke while they were still in it and pulled the car over to a safe location ... popped the hood ... that's when the car started to burn," said Sergeant Mills. "We were on-scene within 40 seconds and had the fire out by 4:04 p.m."

In a message sent to Col. C.Q. Brown Jr., 31st Fighter Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Craver, 31st Operations Group chief enlisted manager said, "On Saturday, coming on to the base, I noticed black smoke, emergency vehicles, and a burning car in the BX parking lot. As I approached the scene, I saw a young couple looking on in disbelief as their car was now totally destroyed. As I received a briefing from the fire chief, I also noticed a lady standing off to the side. I approached her and found out that she was Kathy Ford, wife of Master Sgt. Geoffrey Ford.

"Kathy had seen the incident, and quickly got the couple into her truck and made sure they were clear of the danger. She then comforted the couple as the emergency crew went into action and went as far as telephoning someone to come and pick up her two children so she would be able to give her full attention to the situation. Kathy remained with the couple, drove them home and made sure they were cared for."

"I just saw the smoke and knew what was going to happen if I didn't respond right away," said Mrs. Ford. "It's important for people to jump in and help someone in need when situations like this arise and get them the assistance they need."

"Mrs. Ford is just one example of how we look out for one another at Aviano," said Colonel Brown. 

Another recent example is when five Samaritans responded to a vehicle accident outside Gate 10 of Area F on Jan. 26, 2009. To read the story, go to http://www.aviano.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123133874.  

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

To reach the base fire department while on base, call 9-1-1 from any base phone, and from off base, or from a cell phone, call 0434-30-8911.