When heading out for a quick bite to eat for dinner, it’s not often you expect to jump into action. For Senior Airman Jose Perez, that’s exactly what happened on the evening of March 1, 2017. Perez, who is assigned to the 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron at Kapaun Air Station, was sitting down to a meal at a nearby McDonald’s when he noticed something amiss outside.

Another patron was attempting to start his car when smoke began seeping from the vehicle. Unbeknownst to the driver, flames had begun billowing from beneath the hood due to an electrical short. Perez sprang into action and ran outside to assist the driver. He immediately called 112, helped douse the flames and stayed on scene while emergency crews arrived to ensure the parties involved remained safe and calm.

According to squadron superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Willie Frazier, “It comes as no surprise he stepped up to help out others. He is very humble, and we think his attention to detail and constant can-do attitude was instrumental in his decision to help. He probably didn’t give a second thought to doing what was right. Senior Airman Perez exemplifies the core values of ‘integrity first,’ ‘service before self’ and ‘excellence in all we do.’”

Thanks to the quick thinking and response from Perez, the incident and damage were not as severe as it could have been. The flames were quickly put out, and there were no injuries reported.