Local Airman Honored For Emergency Response

A local Air National Guard officer was among 10 in his unit to be recognized recently for their actions in what could have been a much more dire situation.

Lt. Colonel Jonathan Goldstein was the commanding officer aboard a C-5 Galaxy aircraft on April 19 when it suffered “multiple bird strikes during takeoff,” according to a press release. As a result of the strikes two of the plane’s engines were “severely damaged.”

The press release added that “They assessed the situation while airborne and were able to safely land and evacuate the aircraft without further issue,” and,  “The crew’s quick thinking and exemplary teamwork allowed them to return safely to base.”

Other members of the crew included Capt. Ryan Hawk, 1st L. Samuel Harrison, Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Nicholson, Master Sgt. Michael Kalbfleisch, Master Sgt. Devin Paskewich, Tech. Sgt. Nicholas McFadden, Staff Sgt. Chat Witmer, Staff Sgt. Jordan Stolis and Senior Airman Jeremy Barr.

All the men are members of the 167th Airlift Wing and received the Earl T. Ricks Award for Outstanding Airmanship for their efforts.