A brave soldier's quick reaction saves lives.

Anyone residing in the small town of Lemont Furnace, Pa., would be able to tell A you about the coal boom or Gen. George C. Marshall and his prominent role in World War II. Few, however, know that there is a hometown war hero living among them today.

In 1984, Brian Sheetz continued a family tradition of military service by joining the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Just four years later, he transferred to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a reservist and was deployed to Italy for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002. During his seven months overseas, his primary duty was force protection on a U.S. installation--a post that would prepare him for events to come later in his career.

After returning home from active duty, Sheetz began his corrections career in January 2004 as a correctional food service instructor at the State Correctional Institution Greene in Greene County, Pa. This was cut short, however, when he was called back to active duty after one year of employment--this time to serve in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a 19K10, Ml armor crewman. His main duty on this mission was to provide security along supply routes.

On Feb. 27, 2006, Sheetz and his crewmen were on routine security patrol in an Ml battle tank. Sheetz, who had been assigned the position of loader that day for the tank's firing system, recalled the moment the tank was ambushed. "We were at a complete stop, scanning the area, when I turned my attention to another area. At that moment, I noticed an object entering the tank through the loader's hatch. I immediately recognized that it was a hand grenade. Without thinking, I reached for the grenade and threw it out of the hatch. As soon as it left my hand, it detonated." Sheetz selflessly positioned himself between the grenade and his crewmen with complete disregard for his own safety. Sheetz suffered severe shrapnel lacerations to his hand and face. Although this is the last memory he has of the incident, Sheetz has been told that he remained in the area to secure it.

Sheetz's valiant effort saved the lives of four men that day. Sheetz said that his training as a corrections professional supplemented his military training, teaching him to be very aware of his surroundings. "If I hadn't been so alert, the outcome would have been quite different," he said. Although Sheetz was in a lot of pain after the incident, all he could think about was his crew. He did not find out that they had all survived until several days later.

After his recovery and return home, Sheetz resumed his position at SCI Greene where he was awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections' Medal of Valor. This is in addition to the Silver Star and Purple Heart that the U.S. Army awarded him for his actions on Feb. 27. The DOC stated in its publication The Correctional Newsfront that, "Sheetz's quick reaction defined his character and distinguished him as a hero for his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion while upholding the highest traditions of the U.S. Army."

Despite these recognitions, it is the support he receives at home and on the job that has meant the most. "My wife and children have been by my side throughout this whole ordeal. I am grateful that they are supportive and understanding." Sheetz has been married to his wife, Denise, for 19 years. They have two children, Janelle and Brandon, and currently reside in Lemont Furnace. "1 also receive support from my superiors and co-workers, both veteran and civilian," Sheetz said, adding, "They have been very patient and accommodating, for which 1 am also very grateful and appreciative."

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For Sheetz, the incident has changed his life. "It has strengthened my faith in God and made me appreciate my family even more. The little problems in life seem quite trivial now. I no longer take things for granted. I continue to experience physical difficulties; however, when I see fellow combat wounded veterans, I know that I am very, very lucky."

Christy L. Babb was a student intern in ACA's Professional Development Department. She graduated in May from the University of Mississippi.