August 26, 2009

Governor Riley to Honor Alabama National Guard Heroes for Helping Injured Church Bus Passengers

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley will honor members of the Alabama National Guard whose heroic efforts helped the victims of a church bus accident in Mississippi last month.

On Friday, Governor Riley will present 47 members of the Alabama Army Guard’s 2101st Transportation Company with the Alabama Commendation Medal.

The soldiers were on a bus on Interstate 20 returning to Aliceville from drill at Camp Shelby, Mississippi on July 12 when a bus in front of them carrying members of the First Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana suffered a tire blowout and rolled over three times. Coming upon the crash site almost immediately, the Alabama Guard members lifted the 30-passenger bus so trapped victims could be freed. The Guard members also directed traffic and helped the injured until local emergency personnel could arrive on the scene. Tragically, two bus passengers died as a result of their injuries.

“These Guard members are true heroes. When they saw people in need, they used their training to help save lives and care for the wounded. They took action not to be heroes, but to serve others. Every Alabamian should be proud of what these men and women accomplished,” said Governor Riley.

The medal ceremony will take place in the Old House Chamber at the State Capitol at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.