31st RQS Airmen recieve award for saving a local

Members from the 31st Rescue Squadron, front, pose with a certificate of appreciation for saving a local man's life after receiving it from members of the Kadena Town Nirai Fire Dept., back, at the KTNFD, Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. The 31st RQS members train a host of skills in order to rescue and provide life saving care in a multitude of scenarios, allowing them to be ready for the unexpected. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Johnson)

31st RQS Airmen recieve award for saving a local

Mr. Keiichi Teruya, left, the Kadena Town Nirai Fire Dept. chief, awards U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Schlittler, right, 31st Rescue Squadron commander, a certificate of appreciation for his squadron’s efforts saving a locals life at the KTNFD, Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. The 31st RQS members spotted a man in the water and acted rapidly, saving the Japanese man's life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Johnson)

31st RQS Airmen recieve award for saving a local

A member of the local press records 31st Rescue Squadron members as they speak about the events that transpired when they saved a local fisherman’s life, during a press conference at the Kadena Town Fire Dept., Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. The 31st RQS members train daily in order to rescue and provide life saving care in a multitude of scenarios, allowing them to be ready for the unexpected. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cesar J. Navarro)

31st RQS Airmen recieve award for saving a local

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Schlittler, 31st Rescue Squadron commander, holds a certificate of appreciation from the Kadena Town Nirai Fire Dept. at the KTNFD, Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. “Our mission is to save lives, and as the commander of the squadron it makes me happy to see that the team is ready to do the job at any time,” Schlittler said. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Johnson)

31st RQS Airmen recieve award for saving a local

Mr. Jin Hiya, right, 18th Wing Public Affairs media specialist, helps translate questions and responses for Senior Airman Shane Pentkowski, center, 31st Rescue Squadron pararescueman, and Lt. Col. Matthew Schlittler, left, 31st RQS commander, during a press conference at the Kadena Town Nirai Fire Dept., Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. The 31st RQS members spotted a man in the water and acted rapidly, saving the Japanese man's life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cesar J. Navarro)

31st RQS Airmen recieve award for saving a local

A member of the Kadena Town Fire Dept., left, thanks U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Schlittler, right, 31st Rescue Squadron commander, and Senior Airman Shane Pentkowski, center, 31st RQS pararescueman, for rescuing a local citizen and discusses training opportunities for the future during a press conference at the Kadena Town Fire Dept., Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. “Our mission is to save lives, and as the commander of the squadron it makes me happy to see that the team is ready to do the job at any time,” said Schlittler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cesar J. Navarro)

31st RQS Airmen receive award for saving local

Published Dec. 5, 2022
By Senior Airman Cesar J. Navarro, Staff Sgt. Kyle Johnson
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --