January 23, 2025

ACRT Consulting Utility Forester Recognized by USAF for Heroism

Steve Skelton, an ACRT consulting utility forester (CUF) based in Pennsylvania, was recently awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal for heroism after saving the lives of two elderly women on Jan. 12, 2025.

Skelton, who doubles as a U.S. Air Force Reserve staff sergeant, serves as a KC-135 Structural Repair Craftsman at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (914^th Air Refueling Wing) and is a part of its maintenance squadron.

Skelton quickly assessed the injuries and provided first aid, stabilizing the condition of two elderly women who had fallen down an escalator until paramedics arrived. He had been at a restaurant preparing to watch a football game when he heard their screams and turned to see the incident.

Col. Frances Dixon, Commander of the 914th Maintenance Squadron, shared, “He will just tell you that because he is a really humble guy. No, you were the right person, in the right place, at the right time, with the right training and the right intrinsic capabilities as a person, with the biased reaction to want to help.”