OAKLAND PARK, FLA. (WSVN) - A Marine sergeant was honored in Oakland Park, Thursday, for running to the scene of a helicopter crash while serving in Afghanistan.
Gunnery Sergeant Geann Pereira was recognized with the Navy and Marine Medal, the highest non-combat honor for heroism. His fellow Marines commended him for running to the scene of a helicopter crash on Oct. 11, 2015.
“A true American hero,” said Brigadier General Kevin M. Liams, Commander of the U.S. Marines South. “The true context of hero, is an individual who exhibits courage. That’s what you are.”
On that day in Kabul, Afghanistan, Pereira was working at Camp Resolute Support when he heard a helicopter crash and ran to the scene. Pereira, risking his life, pulled out the crew members and saved most of their lives.
“You’ve always been a hero, it just took one day to show everyone else what you were,” said Liams.
Although he saved lives that day, Pereira insisted that he was only doing what Marines do.
“When people are in harm’s way, when people are asking for help, we step up to the plate, and we do what we have to do,” said Pereira. “Instincts took over, and I did what any of you in this room would’ve done.”
Five people died that day, including two American airmen, two British airmen and one French civilian.
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