WESTFIELD, Mass.—-A former Marine Corps Lance Corporal who lost his Springfield home in the June 1 tornado that ripped through Western Mass will be cited for heroism at the Westfield River Valley Detachment 141, Marine Corps League (MCL), pig roast and annual family picnic on Sunday, July 3, for saving the life of a man attempting suicide from the Tower Square Garage in downtown Springfield.
The Roland Knapp Award will be presented to Javish Garcia for displaying heroism and reflecting honor on the Marine Corps League. He was to receive the award at the Dept. of Mass., MCL, convention on June 4 but he was unable to attend because of the devastating events of the tornado. Garcia is a member of Det. 141, MCL.
Despite his 44 Clark Street, home receiving extensive damage during the tornado that wiped out the entire street, Garcia responded to the cries of his next door neighbor who was trapped in the wreckage of his home. With the assistance of his 17 year old daughter, Kaitlyn, pulled the man out from under a heavy beam and called 911 for medical assistance.
“He possibly saved that man’s life because of his immediate action,” said Springfield Patrolman Joel B. Stern, who was on the scene of the devastation shortly after the tornado pass through.
Stern, also a Det. 141, member, was dispatched to the scene of the January suicide attempted at Tower Square and said Garcia was wrestling with the man when he arrived. “Then in February, the same thing happened with another attempted suicide. He again saved that man’s life.”
Garcia, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and participated in combat during the Bosnian is a security guard at Tower Square.
As a result of the tornado, Garcia’s home was ordered condemned and will be torn down. His insurance will cover most of the replacement.
At the June 4 convention, the Dept. of Mass., MCL, voted $2,000 in immediate assistance and the Marine Corps League Foundation is expected to act on additional funds. In the meantime, MCL detachments from throughout the state have sent contributions to Garcia to offset living expenses not immediately covered by insurance and FEMA.
Frank G. Real
Marine Corps League
New England Division
Room 545
State House, Boston, MA 02133