What began as a routine moment quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency when one of our AMSAs began choking on a blueberry. The staff member went from eating to coughing and then to silence. She used the universal sign for choking and was visibly panicking. Despite the immediate efforts of those nearby, the situation was not improving. That's when Mr. Gangwer heard the urgent call for a nurse and sprang into action.

Drawing on his training, he performed the Heimlich maneuver with precision and confidence. Thanks to his swift and skilled response, the obstruction was dislodged, and the staff member was able to breathe again. While life-saving interventions are second nature to many in clinical roles, they are not part of the daily routine in Community Care, where our focus is on providing indirect support to Veterans. Mr. Gangwer's ability to respond so effectively in a critical moment is a testament to his dedication, composure, and readiness to serve others, no matter the circumstance. We are proud to recognize Mr. Gangwer for his heroic actions and for embodying the very best of our values.