ACSC student recognized for aiding accident victim Published May 2, 2013 By Donovan Jackson Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - -- Being a hero does not require a special suit or cape, but is someone who is admired for courage, noble qualities and putting other people's well-being first. Major Victor Norris Jr., Air Command and Staff College student, distinguished himself as a hero Dec. 16, 2012. He was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal April 10 for helping with the safe recovery of a civilian involved in a single vehicle accident on Interstate 65 in Montgomery. While driving northbound along I-65, Norris arrived at the site of a rollover accident. When he approached the scene, he observed other motorists attempting to extract a man from an overturned vehicle. "I pulled off to the side of the road and called 911," said Norris. "They told me that they had not yet heard about the accident, so I got out of my car to see if I could help. I could see clearly that an elderly gentleman in his 60s or 70s was stuck in the front passenger seat and bleeding from the forehead. The man's family was trying to pull him out of the seat, but I told them to cut the seatbelt. They pulled him out of the vehicle and laid him on the ground. Another gentleman and I held umbrellas over the victim as we waited for the paramedics." Norris directed the application of critical first aid measures until the paramedics arrived on the scene. After the paramedic's arrival, Norris continued to assist in the rescue effort by carrying medical supplies needed to help stabilize the victim. "I don't know if it helped to save his life, but I am thankful that I was in a place where I was able to help," Norris said. Brigadier Gen. Thomas Deale, commandant of ACSC, awarded Norris the Air Force Achievement Medal in front of his entire class of 480 students in ACSC Wood Auditorium. The medal is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force. "Major Norris' actions were a reflection of the Air Force core values," said Deale. "He deserved the award because he served his community selflessly through good citizenship by putting himself at risk for the well-being of a stranger. Major Norris is just one example of the 480 phenomenal students that attend ACSC. They are just the kind of future leaders the Air Force needs." Norris said he believed he was on I-65 that day for a reason. "I believe that everything happens for a reason, and it is not happenstance that my family and I were on our way to a church function a little more than a week before Christmas and were able to help out a stranger in need," Norris said.