Albuquerque, N.M. –
U.S. Army Recruiters Staff Sgt. Craig Myers, Staff Sgt. Leon Lloyd and Staff Sgt. Vincent Tolentino unexpectedly found themselves in a life-changing situation while returning to the Rio Rancho Recruiting Station in March after a visit to a local high school.
While waiting at a red light near their station, they witnessed a car strike a motorcyclist who was passing through the intersection. Myers and Lloyd, both Soldiers and experienced motorcyclists, wasted no time and rushed to the downed rider. The motorcyclist’s hand had been severely lacerated across the top.
“The only piece of gear he wasn’t wearing was gloves,” said Myers.
The U.S. Army had prepared Lloyd, Myers, and Tolentino for this moment.
“We knew adrenaline might cause him to stand up,” said Myers, “but that’s the last thing you want to do.”
As Tolentino called for emergency services, Lloyd attempted to keep the motorcyclist calm, and Myers acted quickly to address the injury.
Moments later, Boatswain’s Mate Petty Officer 1st Class Ashley Zappier from the nearby U.S. Navy recruiting station arrived with her personal medical bag, a gift she received from the last unit. Myers used her combat gauze and a compression wrap to effectively wrap the rider’s hand and stop the bleeding.
Soon after, law enforcement and medical personnel arrived on the scene. The responding officer asked who had applied the bandage to the motorcyclist. Myers stated that when he identified himself, the officer’s praise was direct, “Great work and quick thinking.”
Before enlisting in the U.S. Army, Myers was juggling two full-time jobs when his wife gave birth to their daughter. Realizing something needed to change, he decided to visit his local Air Force recruiting station. His father and stepfather are both retired Air Force, so this seemed like an obvious choice. However, after his visit, Myers concluded he was looking for something different, so Myers walked into an Army recruiting station undeterred.
“The Army recruiter completely took care of me,” said Myers. “He stayed late and everything.” This act of dedication and care left an impression. Since then, Myers has gone on to recruit his brother to join the U.S. Army.
For Myers, taking care of others is not only something he does in the U.S. Army, it’s a core value he lives by. While he initially enlisted for benefits and stability, he said he stays because “the Army takes care of me and my family.” This commitment to care for others is something he strives to embody in his role as a recruiter, ensuring that the same care and support is passed on to those he mentors, and on occasion, to a motorcyclist in need.