I Just Thought About Helping": Off-Duty National Guard Soldier Hailed as Hero After Rescuing Trapped Driver in Severe Storm


 

SHELBY COUNTY, KY — An off-duty Kentucky National Guard soldier is being hailed as a local hero after his quick thinking and bravery saved a woman from her overturned vehicle during a severe rainstorm.

The Highway Rescue: U.S. Army Spc. Brandon Pollard was driving home to Lexington after completing a military drill in Louisville when he encountered a terrifying scene on I-64 near Simpsonville. Amidst blinding, heavy rainfall, a vehicle had hydroplaned, crashed off the roadway, and landed upside down in a water-filled drainage trench.

While other cars continued to drive past in the storm, Spc. Pollard immediately pulled his vehicle over and sprinted down into the muddy trench. He found the driver trapped inside the crushed, overturned vehicle. Using sheer force, Pollard pried the damaged car door open, removed the deployed airbags, and safely pulled the terrified woman from the wreckage.

A Humble Hero: "I honestly didn't even think about anything. I just literally thought about helping and getting to her," Pollard humbly told reporters. "That was the only thing that was on my mind."

Military Recognition: In late February, military leadership officially recognized his bravery. Col. Steven Engels, commander of the 75th Troop Command, pinned Spc. Pollard with the prestigious Army Commendation Medal for his selfless actions.

"Adversity does not build character, it reveals it," Command Sgt. Maj. Benzie Timberlake said during the ceremony. "Spc. Pollard's actions show what soldiers can do when placed in difficult situations. He showcased unparalleled courage, resilience, and selflessness."

The local community has flooded social media with praise, calling Pollard a shining example of the dedication of the U.S. Armed Forces, both in and out of uniform.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Verse Of The Day - MATHEW 6:33

Be Still and Know That I Am God – A Reflection on Psalm 46:10

Verse Of The Day - PSALM 34:10

Reflection on Isaiah 60:22 – Trusting God's Perfect Timing