WOODBRIDGE, VA – The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), the oldest military support organization in the United States, “Strengthening Our Military Family®” since 1861, honored six military first responders during its 18th Annual Angels of the Battlefield Awards media event and breakfast morning. The annual ceremony and breakfast occurred at the AUSA Conference and Event Center in Arlington, VA.
“Each year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to honor these extraordinary Angels of the Battlefield and their service in saving lives,” said William French, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.), President and CEO of the Armed Services YMCA. “This is the only award of its kind across all military branches and the Department of Health, recognizing these courageous first responders who play a critical and irreplaceable role in saving lives on the frontlines.”
The Armed Services YMCA, founded by volunteers who braved the Civil War battlefields to provide care and comfort to troops, has always honored these folks. Angels of the Battlefield Awards pays tribute to the history of the organization by honoring active-duty military who serve as combat medics, corpsmen, and other medical and rescue personnel representing five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, in addition to once civilian paramedic as part of the Defense Health Agency. Today, the organization provides care and comfort to junior enlisted military families through no- or low-cost programs and direct services designed to help them navigate the challenges of military life.
The 2024 Angels of the Battlefield have shown exemplary heroism all over the world as well as
in their backyard. The honorees are:
U.S. ARMY: Sergeant First Class (SFC) Tyler J. Twigg:
A highly decorated U.S. Army medic with over 12 years of service, SFC Twigg’s nomination is a testament to his life-saving actions and commitment to his fellow soldiers. In February 2022, his quick thinking and decisive intervention saved the life of a fellow employee at Fort Moore, Georgia, who was choking. Utilizing his medical training, SFC Twigg successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver and continued medical care until emergency services arrived, demonstrating his readiness to act in critical moments, even off the battlefield. Beyond his heroism, SFC Twigg is deeply committed to the Army and its mission. He inspires others through his leadership and expertise as the Medical Reception NCOIC at Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Moore.
U.S. MARINE CORPS: Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1) Bobby R. Phillips:
For having exceptional courage, leadership, and lifesaving efforts while serving with the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), HM1 Phillips’ nomination stems from his extraordinary actions during a critical mission where his quick thinking and medical proficiency saved the lives of multiple injured Marines. Faced with intense combat and dangerous circumstances, he provided lifesaving medical aid while maintaining his composure under fire. HM1 Phillips worked tirelessly to stabilize wounded personnel, coordinating their evacuation and ensuring their survival despite overwhelming odds. His dedication to the mission and his fellow Marines exemplify the spirit of the Angel of the Battlefield award.
U.S. NAVY: Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer First Class (Fleet Marine Force) Joseph C. Hardebeck:
Nominated as the 2024 Angel of the Battlefield for the United States Navy due to his extraordinary heroism during multiple hostile incidents, particularly a drone strike at Erbil Air Base, Iraq, on December 25, 2023. Despite the ongoing threat, HMI Hardebeck left the safety of a bunker to prepare the trauma bay for incoming casualties. His swift, lifesaving actions—ranging from wound management to critical interventions like intubation and blood transfusion—helped stabilize a severely wounded U.S. service member, ultimately saving their life. His bravery and exceptional medical expertise reflect great credit upon the U.S. Navy.
U.S. AIR FORCE: Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Devann E. Jordan:
Serving as an Independent Duty Medical Technician with the 606th Air Control Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, SSgt Jordan has been a key medical leader in various operations, providing critical care and ensuring the health and readiness of her squadron. SSgt Jordan’s swift actions one early morning when she woke from a vehicle accident near her home, and without hesitation, she assessed the scene. She took control, identifying three injured individuals. Her leadership was critical as she stabilized a victim with a cervical spine injury, preventing further harm. She continued to provide lifesaving medical care to the other two injured individuals, treating chest injuries and a broken wrist while coordinating with emergency services via her fiancé. Her calm under pressure and precise medical assessments ensured the injured personnel received timely and appropriate care, ultimately saving lives.
U.S. COAST GUARD: Petty Officer Aaron J. Mulkey:
For showing unwavering dedication, bravery, and exceptional skill in search and rescue operations, AST2 Mulkey has been known for his technical expertise and steadfast commitment to service, often placing the safety of others above his own. In January 2024, AST2 Mulkey demonstrated extraordinary courage while rescuing three individuals from a capsized vessel near Khaz Point, Alaska. Responding to an iPhone SOS alert, he skillfully located the survivors in treacherous seas and deployed into turbulent waters. AST2 Mulkey performed multiple rescue attempts despite dangerous conditions, personally recovering each survivor from the wreckage. His quick decision-making and expertise in handling the injured, particularly a critically wounded individual, exemplified his dedication to saving lives under extreme circumstances.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Ms. Karina Smith:
Recognized for her unwavering dedication as a member of the Defense Health Agency, Smith has a distinguished career dedicated to the health and well-being of military personnel and stands out among her peers for her leadership and commitment to providing critical care in high-pressure environments. Her nomination is supported by her command and validated through her exemplary service record. Ms. Smith’s nomination is based on her life-saving actions during a high-stakes medical emergency. She displayed exceptional composure and expertise, delivering urgent care that directly contributed to saving lives. Her quick decision-making and mastery of emergency medical protocols ensured that the injured personnel under her care received immediate and appropriate medical attention, reflecting her deep commitment to the health and safety of others.
Each year, the Armed Services YMCA serves nearly 150,000 military service members, spouses and children and delivers more than 2 million points of service through its 12 Branches and 24 Affiliate Partners. Since the pandemic, the ASYMCA has distributed 2.5 million pounds of food
primarily to junior enlisted ranks.
To learn more about how the ASYMCA is “Strengthening Our Military Family®,” visit www.asymca.org.
