S.C. Wing Member Recognized with Life Saving Award

1st Lt. Norwood Bodie
Public Affairs Officer
Aiken Composite Squadron
South Carolina Wing

First Lt. Billy Wilson of the South Carolina Wing’s Aiken Composite Squadron has been honored with a Life Saving Award for his response upon being alerted to an unconscious man in a restaurant.

Wilson and an associate were eating lunch March 26 at the Red Shed Diner in Graniteville, South Carolina, when a restaurant employee approached them and asked if either had any first aid training. When Wilson asked how he could help, he was told that a man sitting at the counter had passed out.

Wilson then immediately went to 67-year-old Don McGee’s aid. A nearby patron told him McGee had suddenly slumped over in his seat, almost falling to the floor.

Upon checking the man’s pulse and respiration, he found McGee wasn’t breathing. By then the man had begun to turn blue, restaurant staff said.

Wilson responded by performing the Heimlich maneuver, which dislodged an obstruction in McGee’s airway. At that point he inhaled and began breathing again. While being lowered to the floor he regained consciousness and began asking what had happened.

Wilson stayed with McGee until emergency medical responders arrived on the scene.

Col. Walter Safley, South Carolina Wing commander, presented the Life Saving Award to Wilson at the Aiken squadron’s weekly meeting Thursday. Wilson was also presented with a proclamation from Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon in honor of his actions. McGee and his wife were in attendance for the presentation.

Photos by 1st Lt. Norwood Bodie