FORT HOOD, Texas— Soldiers are called upon to fight against the continuing war on terrorism, but one Soldier had to fight a different battle last week when he helped a fellow Soldier who was in need of assistance.
The quick thinking of Sgt. Richard Lamas, a native of Bovina, Texas and an operations noncommissioned officer for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, helped save the life of another Soldier who was intent on ending his own life.
Lamas was heading home at the end of the day June 4 when he noticed a Soldier loitering in the parking lot of the Ironhorse Brigade Chapel. Lamas asked the Soldier if he needed assistance when the Soldier stated ‘I don’t think I can go back to my room because I might hurt myself.’
Lamas talked to the Soldier while they went to the chapel and sought assistance for the soldier. Finding the chaplain gone, Lamas took the Soldier down to the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop’s company area and sought the number for the chaplain on call.
