DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — Whether computer-based or hands-on, military members are in a constant state of training. Some training, such as the Career Development Course new Airmen must complete, is learned and immediately applied to day-to-day operations. Others, like Self-Aid and Buddy Care, only apply to specific situations. Most Airmen have been fortunate enough to never need their SABC training, but in a foreign country more than 7,000 miles away one Airman had his skills put to the test.
Special Agent Nicolo Solarino, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Det. 12, received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, at a ceremony held at the Mirage Club Nov. 26., for heroic actions taken while under enemy attack during a deployment in 2004.
At the time, Solarino was a senior airman assigned to the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in Southwest Asia.
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"When I was growing up, I knew I wanted to do one of two things: join the military or become a cop," Solarino said. "Security Forces afforded me the opportunity to have both sides of the coin."
On Sept. 11, 2004, he was performing customs inspections on personnel and equipment when his post came under attack.
A 107 millimeter rocket detonated nearby and he was thrown approximately 10 feet. Once he recovered, he assessed his surroundings and noticed a fellow Airman down and suffering from life-threatening injuries.
"I could see the fear in Nic [Solarino's] eyes and I know he could see it in mine," said Senior Airman Brian Koflage (Ret.), wounded warrior. "I was laying there, legs and hand gone, but I was still conscious. I just remember Nic telling me that everything was going to be okay while he worked to save my life."
While still under enemy fire, Solarino made his way back to his tent and retrieved SABC supplies, personal protective equipment and Koflage's identification. Once Solarino returned, he and another Airman continued to perform emergency medical care on Koflage, all while using their bodies to shield him from subsequent rocket attacks.
"One of the things I've noticed about Solarino is his ability to think 10 steps ahead while staying in the present," said Maj. Emily Gebo, AFOSI Det. 12 commander and the ceremony's presiding official. "That skill is what helped him save a fellow Airman's life that day."
