평택시(시장 정장선)는 지난 28일 목줄이 풀린 개에 물릴 뻔한 위기에 처한 할머니와 손자를 자신이 물리면서까지 보호해 준 미군병사(조나단 로만 리오스 상병, Spc. Jonathan Roman Rios)에게 감사패 수여를 통해 고마움을 표시했다.

주한미군 제 2 전투항공여단 602항공지원대대 소속 정비병인 조나단 로만 리오스 상병은 지난 2월 19일 친구의 생일파티에 가기 위해 길을 걷던 도중 목줄이 풀린 하얀 색 허스키계열의 개가 할머니와 손자로 전해지는 두 명의 한국 시민에게 공격적으로 다가가는 장면을 목격한 후 그들을 구하기 위해 맹견을 막아서다 오히려 자신이 개에 물리는 상황에 처했다.

하지만 다행히 리오스상병의 신속한 대응으로 인해 할머니와 어린 손자는 현장에서 피신해 자칫 큰 사고로 이어질 수 있었던 상황을 모면할 수 있었다.

정장선 평택시장은 “미군장병이 위험한 상황 속에서 시민을 구한 용감한 행동은 많은 시민들에게 무한한 감동을 주고 있다,” 며 “향후 의로운 행동이 존경 받는 건강한 사회를 조성하는데 힘을 기울이겠다.” 고 밝혔다.

소속 사령관인 2항공여단 여단장인 브라이언 T. 왓킨스 대령은 “조나단 상병이 위험 가운데 보인 행동은 주한미군의 자랑이 되었으며 위태로운 상황 가운데 빛을 발한 진정한 용기야말로 모든 병사가 지녀야할 귀감이 되었다.“고 전했다.

한편, 리오스 상병은 개에 물린 후 광견병 등의 전염병위험으로 인해 4일 마다 5개씩의 항생제를 주사를 맞아야 하는 불편함과 고통을 겪었지만 “그런 일이 다시 있다면 주저하지 않을 것”이라며 자신의 행동에 대해 자랑스러워 했다.

Soldier hailed as hero in local community

By Sgt. Courtney Davis 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

PYEONGTAEK, Republic of Korea – A 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division Soldier was recognized by the Pyeongtaek City mayor for a “brave deed” during a ceremony at City Hall, March 28.

Spc. Jonathan Roman Rios, avionics and survivability equipment repairer, B Co., 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, demonstrated bravery and selfless service when he risked his health to protect two Republic of Korea civilians from an unleashed, aggressive dog in the city, Feb. 19. “His brave deed to save citizens in a dangerous situation has unlimitedly moved many citizen’s hearts,” said Pyeongtaek City Mayor Jung, Jang-Seon. “I will put more effort in creating a healthy society where the righteous deed should be respected from now on.”

The married father of two was walking along the outskirts of town on his way to a friend’s birthday party when he noticed a grandmother and her granddaughter being approached by the animal. “All of the sudden a dog got loose and that’s how it started,” said Rios.“There were people on the side walk and there was this little girl with her grandma. I didn’t want the little girl to get bit by this big, white, husky-like dog, so I got in the middle of the situation.”

He shouted at the animal, stepping between the civilians and the dog, using his backpack as a barrier when it didn’t retreat. “Once I saw everyone had left, I said ‘okay this is my time to run’,” said Rios. “I grabbed my backpack and tried to run, but he bit me and held on for a while.”

Rios was treated at the Troop Medical Clinic at Camp Humphreys and received a series of immunizations as part of his treatment. “Afterwards, I went to the TMC and experienced amazing care,” said Rios. “As soon as I arrived they washed the wound, gave me an antibiotic shot in the thigh, then they gave me five shots every four days.”

Rios said he wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. “I really am happy to help them. What can I say I’m a dad,” he said.“If I could do anything for anybody else I would.”

Rios’ command leadership also attended the ceremony in his honor. “I’m very proud of the Soldier’s actions in the face of danger,” said Col. Brian T. Watkins, 2CAB commander and Seattle, Washington native. “It truly embodies the personal courage we want in all of our Soldiers.