I would like to express a big thank you to Homer's volunteer emergency medical technician group and a special thanks to good Samaritans Cathy Stingley and Guy Rosi. Everyone's efforts on March 23 helped to save the life of my son, Dustin Absher.

Dustin experienced an injurious snowmobile accident on the trail near the Jones parking trailhead. The accident left him immediately gasping for air, in shock and severe pain. It was later found that his lung was punctured by one of multiple broken ribs. One member of our group left to call for help, and then an angel, Cathy Stingley, approached our befuddle and panicked group. She took over immediate care issues while help was called in. Her past EMT training proved to be an invaluable resource in our time of need. Stopping her snowmobile outing and giving immediate aid depicts the true spirit of a good Samaritan.

The emergency volunteers who arrived later to transport and start direct medical-patient services are also deserving of recognition. I was very impressed with their level of competency and professional approach, especially when I found that their devoted efforts are done on a truly volunteer basis! Our community volunteer service programs pay for training and call outs, whereas Homer's EMT volunteer team is not paid. Thank you for your commitment to such a valiant and unheralded community service.

Pat Pollard, mother of Staff Sgt. Dustin Absher, U.S. Air Force (on the road to a healthy recovery) Big Lake