CRESTVIEW — Two members of the Emerald Coast Young Marines organization are being recognized for their achievements.
During the June 18 ECYM meeting in Crestview, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Daughters of the American Revolution presented awards to Enoch Colley and Michaela Cantwell.
Colley, 14, a YM lance corporal and Navarre resident, was presented with a MOPH award.
At the scene of two accidents — one in October 2015, and another early this year — Colley was able to use life saving skills he learned in the Young Marines.
"On the first occasion, the victim was in terrible shape and lost his leg. Colley reacted swiftly … to apply the necessary and urgent care to the victim, saving his life."
At the second accident, Colley, "denying his own safety, reacted into the situation. This time the woman and child were trapped in a vehicle upside down.
He shut down the vehicle and aided first responders in the extraction of the child and mother from the vehicle. "His actions are higher than expected for his age, and are with the highest standards and honor of our Corps value," the release stated.
The second Young Marine to be honored is Gunnery Sergeant Michaela Cantwell, 14, of Milton. She earned a DAR Youth Citizenship Award "for her enthusiasm, leadership and professional conduct well past her years. She is the epitome of leadership. Her positive mental attitude, selfless devotion to duty, and personal drive in keeping within the Corps values," the release stated.
"Cantwell has continuously proven herself as an instrumental member of our unit and her community. YM/GySgt Cantwell has been to virtually every volunteer event the unit has supported. She’s constantly molding and teaching the unit."
The organization said Cantwell selflessly reaches out in her community, being a personal spokesperson for the Young Marine organization.
"She’s taken a firm stance and personal approach to the war on drugs that ravish today’s youth and communities."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Emerald Coast Young Marines members earn awards