Human interest: reliving a rescue Published Sept. 5, 2008 By Senior Airman Clay Murray 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Action movies recycle exciting moments like a cheap arcade game. High-speed chases, dangerous maneuvers and kung-fu fights on the big screen desensitize viewers. This story, however, didn't happen on the big screen. It was real, and it happened here. In 1953 Josef Seywert began his employment on Bitburg Air Base working in the commissary with a strong German accent as a cashier. A friend of his who spoke seven different languages helped him with his English. Years later, in 1976, Mr. Seywert, now the base housing inspector, made his routine rounds in base housing. On July 6, at around about 3:30 p.m., he went beyond the reach of his duties and rescued a man from a burning building. "It was early in the afternoon, shortly after lunch, when a friend of mine pointed out that a facility was on fire," he said. "It was an apartment complex that I had passed earlier that day going to an inspection appointment. I went into the building to evacuate anyone remaining in their quarters." Today, more than 30 years later, Mr. Seywert recalls the events vividly, much like parents remember the births of their children. "I arrived at one door that was locked and knocked to see if anyone was there," Mr. Seywert said. "There was no response, but I wanted to go in to make sure. Once inside the apartment, I found an Airman on the floor who had passed out from the excessive carbon dioxide intake. Apparently, he tried to crawl on the floor and escape." Before his employment on base, he worked in a fire department. He said his previous job may have helped him save the Air Force a life. If that's not enough, the Air Force Civilian Medal of Valor he was awarded might be convincing. "I served sometime in the fire department before I even worked on base," said Mr. Seywert. "I was 48 at the time of the fire. When something like this happens, you don't even think about what has to be done. It's just something you step up to do right away. The rescued Airman was rushed to the emergency room at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where he was treated and released. After Mr. Seywert stepped up to save someone's life, he went back to work and attended his next appointment. Once that was done, he reported to the commander, fire department and other officials for commendation. Life-changing events like this one can be a heavy burden for anyone to bear. Mr. Seywert has spent some of his time looking for ways to help him clear his mind. "There have been occasions where I would visit the woods and sit outside to reflect," he said. "It's something I did to help forget about it. When you are involved in something like this, you tend to think about all of the things that could happen." Mr. Seywert said he is happy with his accomplishment. He continues to be proud of the waves that still move in the Spangdahlem AB pool he made more than 30 years ago. "I still have friends on base who remember it when it happened," he said.