Army National Guardsmen receive Certificates of Commendation

HELENA, MONTANA – On Nov. 23 Missoula County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Richard Maricelli and Sergeant Robert E. Parcell traveled to Helena to present four members of the 1-189th General Support Aviation Battalion, Montana Army National Guard, with Certificates of Commendation for their efforts in an Oct. 5 rescue of two hikers near the summit of Holland Peak.

"Congratulations on a job well done!" wrote the Sheriff's Office in a press release.

A narrative of the events: On Oct. 5, a 56-year-old male was reported to have experienced a life-threatening medical event near the summit of Holland Peak in the Swan Mountain Range. His hiking partner was able to contact 911 Dispatch for assistance and the local search and rescue unit was activated to handle the situation. The Two Bear Air rescue helicopter, based in Kalispell, Montana was undergoing maintenance and not available to respond. The Life Flight helicopter from Missoula, Montana responded to the area, located the two hikers, but was unable to land due to the extreme, hazardous terrain.

After a request was processed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Detachment 1, Charlie Company, 1-189th GSAB deployed to the area in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Despite turbulent winds, high altitude, and the unforgiving terrain, the medevac team was able to locate the imperiled hikers and hoist them to the safety of the aircraft. From there, they were transported to the Condon airstrip for further medical and other assistance.

"Due to the expertise and abilities, the men were successfully rescued and a possible tragedy was averted," read the press release. "The performance has brought great credit upon each of the members of Detachment 1, Charlie Company, 1-189th GSAB and the Montana Army National Guard."