Student gets medal for saving man's life

Matt Heistand Arizona Daily Wildcat Cadet 3rd Class Jordan Rowan receives the Silver Valor Award from Air Force ROTC Col. Terence Thompson yesterday morning at McKale Field. Rowan received the award for saving Jewell Hall's life after the man accidentally punched through a glass window in La Paz Residence Hall.

The neighbor, Jewell Hall, a criminal justice sophomore, missed the door handle while leaving the residence hall Dec. 17 and shredded his right arm up to its bicep, slicing an artery.

"I could see the bone," Hall said. "It was squirting blood everywhere."

Rowan, a physical education sophomore, heard glass break and a yell for help. He followed a trail of blood to find Hall lying pale on the floor.

Rowan then took off his shirt and tied it around Hall's arm, elevated Hall's legs and arm and covered him with a blanket to prevent him from going into shock.

"It never occurred to me that he could die," said Rowan, who said he tried to remain calm.

Hall, who now has two paralyzed fingers, said he would have bled to death if his roommate had decided to drive him to the hospital. He said an onlooker called for an ambulance.

Rowan said he realized the impact of his actions when Hall's father thanked him for saving his son's life.

"I don't want to be immodest or arrogant," Rowan said. "I feel like a lot of people with the same training could do it. I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to show the skills I have."

Hall, who said he is very grateful, added that he feels safe knowing Rowan will someday protect the country.

"If anything, I owe him for the opportunity to get the medal and a little notoriety," Rowan said.

After college, Rowan, who has always been fascinated with flying, said he hopes to become a commissioned officer in the Air Force.

"I want to fly something with guns, troops or cargo," he said. "I think everyone who has the opportunity should serve their country in some way."

Rowan is the first University of Arizona student to receive the Silver Valor award, said Staff Sgt. Homero Lucero.

"He is an outstanding young man," said Col. Terry Thompson. "His act was selfless, one which showed his concern for his fellow student which resulted in saving a life."

"He will make a very fine officer," said Capt. Gina Lundy. "There is nothing he can't do."

Fellow cadets agreed.

"He is not afraid to step up to a challenge," said Cadet 3rd Class Alison Thompson, a criminal justice junior. "He is very responsible and very helpful. He is a good guy."

A story about the accident will also be printed in Leader magazine, an ROTC magazine distributed on college campuses, Lucero said.

"I will wear it (the Silver Valor Award) in uniform, proudly," Rowan said.