Golden Knights recognize local heroes

Michael Whaley, battalion commander for the City of Prattville’s fire department, looks on as aircraft practice on the flight line at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., after his flight aboard the U.S. Army Golden Knights aircraft. Mr. Whaley was selected as a “Hometown Hero” for his ongoing accomplishments as a leader among his fellow firefighters and his timely and selfless response with his department, following a tornado that destroyed his home in 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott Knuteson)

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Golden Knights recognize local heroes

Rob Mitchell speaks to a U.S. Army Golden Knight aboard the Golden Knights’ aircraft immediately prior to a practice jump for Maxwell Air Force Base’s 2010 air show. Mr. Mitchell was selected as a “Hometown Hero” for his actions involving the rescue of an occupant from a burning house. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott Knuteson)

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Golden Knights recognize local heroes

Published April 2, 2010
By Scott Knuteson
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Like so many lemmings, one skydiver after another leapt out the door of an airplane March 26 over Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Rather than a haphazard attempt at follow-the-leader, these highly trained Army personnel are the Golden Knights, renowned for their ability to fall with precision at 120 miles per hour, from thousands of feet above the ground.

Strapped tightly to their seats inside the aircraft, a local firefighter and a college student had seats of honor to observe the conga line of jumpers practice their routine before an air show the next day - a close-up opportunity rarely afforded the general public.

Like Dr. Michael Gross, who flew with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds one day earlier in an F-16, Michael Whaley and Rob Mitchell were recognized as "Hometown Heroes."

"These individuals represent just a small sample of the selfless people who call the region around Maxwell 'home,'" said Lt. Col. Bud Mahan, director of the 2010 Maxwell Air Force Base air show. "We're glad to draw attention to everyday Americans who do extraordinary things, with much the same spirit as our U.S. military personnel."

In the months prior to the air show, base officials solicited nominations from the public and sifted through dozens of amazing stories, ultimately selecting a few remarkable citizens.

A long-time firefighter with Prattville, a city several miles north of Maxwell, Mr. Whaley has been honored for his efforts on a number of occasions.

Voted "firefighter of the year" in 2008 by his peers in the department, Mr. Whaley is a battalion commander. The American Legion Department of Alabama and the Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars have also recognized him in years past.

In 2008, when a tornado heavily damaged areas of the city, Mr. Whaley's home was hit while he and his family were inside. Once the funnel cloud passed, Mr. Whaley secured his family, who had come safely through the incident, in a nearby firehouse and went to work responding with his department. Their house, like many others in the area, had to be completely rebuilt.

"I hope and believe that, if faced with the same situation, all of our employees would act in the same manner," said Prattville's Mayor Jim Byard, Jr. "Commander Whaley certainly set the bar for the level of service and sacrifice."

In 2009, in a town adjacent to Prattville, Mr. Mitchell had his own experience responding to danger, in a different way.

Though not a firefighter and only 18 years old at the time, Mr. Mitchell was in his vehicle on a residential road in Millbrook when he noticed smoke belching from a two-story house. He ran inside and, with the help of others who arrived shortly after, dragged out the occupant of the house, who was unconscious, likely saving his life.

Though now a college student at Auburn University Montgomery, it was Mr. Mitchell's high school principal who nominated him, highlighting his humble attitude in spite of his heroics, bolstered by his consistently good character.

"Rob was, and still is at the next level, a fine student, a committed volunteer and a great example for our other kids to follow," said Jerry Watkins, principal of East Memorial Christian Academy in Prattville, Ala. "He is a an example of all that is right with today's youth."

Maxwell's air show, which featured the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, attracted 80,000 to 100,000 people over the course of the two-day event, according to base officials.