In this era of superhero movies, people often think of Marvel and D.C. characters when they hear “hero.” However, plenty of real-life superheroes live among us! Airman Kenneth O’Brien is one of them…
O’Brien’s Duty
This hero from Indiana had a long journey before he went viral, joining the Air Force 12 years ago, right after high school. Kenneth O’Brien said he always wanted to save people and jump out of planes as a child. So, he followed his heart as an adult. “If someone needs to go do something dangerous, I volunteer,” O’Brien stated. “If someone needs a leader, I volunteer. I happened to be in the right place at the right time, and that’s what helped me stand out because I sought out key positions or responsibilities.”
“We’re all willing to put our life on the line to help these other countries out, and we have to think, you know, if it was our children, our families, we would want people to step up and help us in the same situation,” he confessed. Recently, O’Brien proved he is quite the man of his word…
His Incredible Award
A few months ago, the United States Air Force nominated O’Brien for Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2019! And he won! Currently, the airman serves as a Special Tactics Section Chief, assigned to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron at Kadena Air Base in Japan. But this is just one part of an incredible career.
O’Brien’s military experience includes saving a person from a vehicle in flames in South Korea, working on the plan that saved the famous Thai soccer team stranded in Tham Luang Nang Non cave, and serving President Trump during the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “I can’t decide if Superman or Mayhem,” said Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, referencing the infamous character from Allstate Insurance’s commercials.
Still, O’Brien’s incredible journey does not end there. On his way from Okinawa, Japan to Dallas, where he would receive his award, the airman once again demonstrated his bravery.
Saving The Day, Again
As O’Brien traveled to the U.S. to receive his award, he once again proved that he’s worthy of it. During the flight, the airman witnessed a one-year-old choking. Of course, the soldier’s instincts kicked in, and he ran to help. O’Brien quickly began performing CPR on the child while also keeping the mother calm. In a moment, the hero cleared the boy’s windpipe, saving the day. O’Brien even continued checking in on the little boy throughout the rest of the flight.
Despite saving the day once again, O’Brien remained humble. “I’m thankful that the child is okay and that I was able to help when the family needed support. I happened to be in the right place at the right time,” he said.
We’re thankful that people like Kenneth O’Brien exist – he certainly deserves more than just one award!
