Story by: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Malana Nall, Texas State Guard

Warrant Officer Jack Snow and Sgt. Earl Woolbright, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, Texas State Guard, were deep in a conversation about their recent ground search and recovery training and the importance of being prepared for an emergency or disaster as they headed home from drill on Interstate 35 south of Hillsboro, Texas, April 17, 2017.  

Then they saw the motorcycle accident.  Emergency personnel had not yet arrived, so Snow and Woolbright pulled over and got to work rendering medical aid and support to the two injured riders.  

“Those who were at the accident scene saw two Texas State Guardsmen rendering aid which is what they are trained to do in an emergency or disaster.  Snow and Woolbright represent the best of the Guard,” stated Maj. Ted Prescott, Commander, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment.  

Woolbright, who is the Assistant Fire Chief for Dallas County Fire/Rescue and an emergency medical technician, took charge of the scene.  He began assessing one victim, who was having difficulty breathing, seemed confused, had broken legs. Snow, who is a twenty-five year law enforcement veteran and deputy of Johnson County, attended to the other victim who showed signs of trauma to the head and hand. They attended to the victims until Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and emergency personnel arrived.

“Sgt. Woolbright was instrumental in providing emergency assistance at the scene.  He performed his duties professionally and calmly.  He provided important patient information to the emergency responders,” stated Snow.

Both credit the emergency training that they have received from the Texas State Guard and their law enforcement professions.  

“I have been an EMT/Firefighter for 27 years. My training and service in the Texas State Guard keeps my skills sharp and provides me with another opportunity to serve others.  I am honored to be a member of the Texas State Guard,” stated Woolbright.

Snow agreed.  “My training in the Texas State Guard for emergency situations and my law enforcement background give me the skills and knowledge that allowed me to assist the victims of this accident just as I would do in any other emergency or disaster,” commented Snow.

Woolbright and Snow received the Texas State Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon from Brig. Gen. Howard Palmer, Commander, Army Component, during a ceremony held at Camp Maxey, Paris, Texas, May 6, 2017.