Osan member earns Red Cross recognition

Published Nov. 23, 2008
By 1st Lt. Naomi Evangelista
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- A member of Team Osan was awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit during a short ceremony Nov. 18.

Wiyada Lee, Osan's director of youth programs, was recognized for the heroic actions she took on April 2, 2008, when she used her Adult, Child and Infant CPR training to save a co-worker's life.

The certificate of merit is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Health and Safety Services course.

On that sunny April Wednesday afternoon, approximately eight co-workers joined each other for lunch at the Base Exchange food court. As they engaged in the usual lunch talk, one of the individuals, Velma Smith, began coughing.

"I asked Velma if she was okay," Ms. Lee said. "She nodded yes but then her cough got deeper and I saw a look of panic on her face. I took immediate action."

Ms. Lee, relying on her CPR training, began taking life-saving steps.

"I told her to stand up. Since I'm smaller in stature, I got behind her, put my knee between her legs to have more strength and began the Heimlich Maneuver," Ms. Lee said. "In five thrusts, a jalapeno pepper came out," she said.

Though the entire episode lasted a very short time, its impact on both individuals will last a lifetime.

"She really saved my life," Ms. Smith exclaimed. "It happened so quickly and she was able to respond. Because Wiyada was so collective, I didn't stress out. I'm thankful she was there."

According to her co-workers, Ms. Lee's calmness under pressure is showcased every day.

"Ms. Lee is the epitome of the youth professional and is respected and recognized throughout the Air Force youth programs as a leader and innovator," said Daniel Strine, Family Programs flight chief.

Ms. Lee hopes that recognition for this life-saving act will encourage people to get CPR training.

"I recommend everyone to take the Child and Infant CPR," she said. "because there is no age limit to who can choke, it can happen to anyone at anytime. This is something everyone should know how to do, not to be a hero but to save a life. Life is priceless; something you can't compare to anything."

The American Red Cross Certificate of Merit bears the signature of the President of the United States, who is the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross, and the signature of the chairman of the American Red Cross.

For any Team Osan members who are interested in learning more about the Adult, Child and Infant CPR course and other courses offered through the American Red Cross, call the Osan American Red Cross representative at 784-1855.