Air Force Officer Honored For Aid At Nev. Crash

An Air Force Academy instructor was honored for rushing to help people after an air race crash in Nevada.

Lt. Col. Ryan Osteroos was presented the Military Hero Award by the American Red Cross during a ceremony in Colorado Springs on March 8.

Osteroos had taken 12 cadets to the show in September to learn about the latest in engine and propeller technology.

During a race, a plane crashed into spectators about 175 feet from him. He was showered in debris but raced to help others.

“I’ve never really seen anything like it,” he said.

Osteroos helped administer emergency aid through training he received in the military.

“We were opening airways, stopping bleeding and treating people for shock,” he said.

While he is thankful for the award, Osteroos said it is hard to receive an award for a tragic event. He said there were a lot of people working to help others that day.

The cadets weren’t in the stands when the crash happened.