FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
During the holiday leave period Dec 26. 2009, 1-222nd Aviation Regiment Pfc. Brandon Lester, a C Company student training to become a 15T Black Hawk repairer went home to McLaurin, Miss. for a much needed vacation.
To his surprise, though, this vacation was more than a family visit.
Early Saturday afternoon Private Lester walked outside his grandparents' backyard into what he describes as a huge cloud of smoke and a popping sound coming from a nearby house.
Suddenly Private Lester became even more concerned when he heard Laresa Lindsey, the homeowner, crying for help from one of the side windows. Within a 100 yards of his grandparents' backyard, Private Lester ran to the scene to investigate what appeared to be a burning house.
"It happened so fast," Private Lester said." I never saw the danger. It never crossed my mind."
Seven months ago, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army, Private Lester trained as volunteer junior firefighter.
"My first instinct was to rescue whoever was in the house. I wasn't afraid to react. I knew what I needed to do and I executed," he said.
According to Private Lester, by the time he arrived, all he could see was a house engulfed in flames and Lindsey crying from the window.
"The window was nearly 8 feet high and I had to climb as close to the side as possible, and when I reached into the window to help Laresa, she handed me her 18-month-old daughter, Adarien. But what was even more shocking was when I reached out to rescue Laresa, I couldn't help but notice she appeared to be at least four months pregnant," he said.
Private Lester single-handly took control of the scene and risked his life for the lives of a mother, her child and an unborn.
"I was proud to help this family get to safety. Laresa gave me a hug, she was crying. I then escorted them to my grandparents' house and waited for the McLaurin Fire Department to arrive."
McLaurin Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Paul E. Morgan said, "The training Private Lester received as a junior fire fighter paid dividends. His actions were unsurpassed by any other fully-trained fire fighter on the scene that day."
While paramedics were treating the Lindsey family, Private Lester gave the fire department some assistance. According to Morgan, he kicked in doors, knocked out windows, moved vehicles and was a on a hose helping to fight the fire.
"In my opinion, the incident is a classic example of a Solider who is living the Army values," said 1-222nd Aviation Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Christopher J. Brewer. "Pfc. Lester exhibited personal courage, a sense of duty to help another human being in need, the integrity to do what is morally right, and he embraced the concept of selfless service by putting the welfare of another before oneself."
The 1-222nd Avn. Rgt. presented Private Lester with the Army Commendation Medal in a ceremony Thursday for his display of bravery, courage and commitment. He also received a letter of appreciation from the McLaurin Fire Department for his act of heroism and going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of a neighbor in danger.
"It's a good feeling to know I did a great service to my community and represent the U.S Army. I will always be proud to serve," said Private Lester.