ROLAND R WRIGHT ANG BASE, Utah -- On August 4, 2024, Airman 1st Class Jacob B. Teel, a member of the Utah Air National Guard, received the prestigious Airman's Medal for his heroic actions in saving two people from drowning off the coast of Isle of Palms, South Carolina. The Airman's Medal honors individuals who demonstrate heroism involving voluntary risk to their lives outside combat situations.
On May 8, 2023, Rebecca Bennett and her four children were vacationing at Isle of Palms. Their day at the beach took a terrifying turn when 13-year-old Will, the eldest child, ventured too far into the ocean. Realizing her son's peril, Bennett raced into the water with a bodyboard to rescue him. However, powerful currents quickly pulled them underwater.
Airman Teel, visiting the Isle of Palms while on leave from his deployment with the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, was alerted by a frantic bystander to the distress in the water, about 75 yards from the shore. Despite not considering himself a strong swimmer, Teel acted without hesitation. He plunged into the water, fighting exhaustion and the danger of ingesting seawater, and managed to reach the struggling pair, securing them on the board and bringing them safely to shore. His decisive actions and calm demeanor ensured the mother and son's survival.
Rebecca Bennett recounted the ordeal: "Will and I were fighting to stay above water with no success. I accepted that this was where we were going to die, and a feeling of peace washed over me. But then Will said he didn't want to die, and it reminded me I had three other kids on the beach, and I couldn't leave them. Will and I started praying and asking for help, and right then, the wave came down, and I saw Jacob on the beach. I knew we were saved."
Airman Teel's calm and steady presence amidst the chaos brought an unexpected glimmer of hope. With each wave that crashed over them, Teel's voice guided them through, assuring them that help had arrived. "Big wave, hold your breath," he instructed confidently, giving Rebecca and Will the strength to keep fighting.
For Bennett, the impact of that day has rippled through her life. "After that near-death experience, I look at my daughter Faith, who has special needs, and remember I almost wasn't here for her. We have five wonderful kids, we homeschool, and we are very wrapped up in our friends and family. That's where our treasure is."
Airman Teel's actions earned him the deep gratitude and admiration of the Bennett family. "Jacob did not hesitate to put himself in danger to save our lives," Bennett said. "If it were not for him, Will and I would be in Heaven. I'm thankful every day for Jacob Teel. He's a hero in our home!"
The Airman's Medal highlights Teel's extraordinary heroism, including his complete disregard for his life to save others. It epitomizes the Air Force's Core Values.
Maj. Gen. Boyack, The Adjutant General, Utah National Guard, praised Teel's remarkable bravery, saying, "It's not every day that we have an individual that steps completely outside of their job in the military, and into something they don't have experience in, to save the lives of others. Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something heroic to save a life."
Airman Teel's heroism serves as an inspiring reminder of the courage and tenacity of our service members, both in their military roles and as citizens ready to act in the face of danger. His actions that day at the Isle of Palms are a testament to the values and spirit of the United States Air Force, the Utah Air National Guard, and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.
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