Three Wyoming National Guard members were recognized as the Wyoming Military Department’s Heroes Among Us for 2019.

Gov. Mark Gordon and Maj. Gen. Greg Porter distributed the awards Nov. 2, during the annual Governor’s Reception, in Cheyenne.

The Heroes Among Us Award recognizes heroic efforts of Wyoming Military Department personnel who assist fellow citizens outside the scope of their military duties.

The 2019 recipients are:
• Wyoming Air National Guard Lt. Ruth Bowen, of Denver, for her actions following a five-car accident on an interstate in Iowa. Bowen, a nurse in the 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, rendered medical aid after triaging the seven victims.

• Wyoming Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Steven Allred, of Laramie, for his assistance with a domestic violence dispute in his neighborhood last month resulting in multiple charges against the suspect. Allred is a recruiter with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

• Wyoming Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Christopher Runnells, of Cheyenne, for assisting with a two-car accident on the way to the Denver International Airport. His quick actions to assist a man thrown from one of the vehicles saved the man’s life. Runnells is a member of the 153rd Maintenance Squadron.
Porter, Wyoming’s adjutant general, said the awardees represent the department well.

“It’s important to recognize the airmen and soldiers who go above and beyond to assist those in need,” he said. “These men and women are assets to the Wyoming National Guard and I salute them.”