A security forces noncommissioned officer lost consciousness and was saved by a fellow Airman at a Las Vegas restaurant March 5.

Members of the security team for Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment '06 were at dinner when Master Sgt. Jeff Jones noticed that Staff Sgt. Dionne Bennett, an Air National Guard augmentee, looked faint and "un-alert." Sergeant Jones is the security superintendent for JEFX '06 and assigned to the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

"She put her hand on her head and complained about being hot," Sergeant Jones said. "I asked if she was OK and she simply replied, 'I don't know.'"

At that moment, Sergeant Bennett fell out of her seat and began to lose consciousness.

Sergeant Jones barked orders to the restaurant staff and began to administer first aid. After confirming that the restaurant staff called 911, Sergeant Jones kept his co-worker alert, checked her heart rate, pupil dilation and applied a cold compress to her forehead.

Once paramedics arrived, Sergeant Jones was able to give them vital information they needed to administer further care. He then accompanied Sergeant Bennett to the hospital to provide additional support.

"I know that any one of our military family would have done the same for me," Sergeant Jones said. "I'm just glad that everyone present was able to do their part to help one of our team.”

Sergeant Jones credits his training as a certified first responder for giving him the tools to save his friend's life.

"While at Kadena Air Base, Japan, I received the training ... it all came back to me at that moment," he said.

For Sergeant Bennett, the road to recovery is expected to be short. Doctors later diagnosed she experienced an aneurism but will recover fully. She's already looking forward to returning to work during the exercise.

"I've got a few follow-up appointments, but I'm ready to get back with the mission support element," Sergeant Bennett said.

"I want to thank (Sergeant Jones) personally for saving my life," Sergeant Bennett said. “Him keeping calm and in control is what made the difference."

The incident has clearly cemented a bond between the two security forces Airmen.

"Sergeant Jones is definitely my hero … I don't know what I would have done if this had happened somewhere else," Sergeant Bennett said. “I’m lucky to have such a caring and prepared team.”