Army Captain Steve Voglezon started out his Sunday as any other day, but he emerged a true hero unexpectedly. Voglezon’s act of heroism took place in Chatham County, North Carolina, as he witnessed a horrible accident while traveling down the highway.
WNCN reports that 67-year-old William Thompson and his wife Kathleen, 63, were driving in their Acura sedan when suddenly, another vehicle driven by 59-year-old Mark Ricketts crossed over the line, and hit the Thompsons head-on causing his Chrysler SUV to flip.
Both vehicles burst into flames.
Smoke and flames surrounded the vehicles as the Thompson’s were trapped inside with no way to escape.
Nearby residents frantically tried to help the couple, but the windows were up and all the doors were locked, according to ABC News . Everett Bacon sprang from his home, fire extinguisher in hand, before the firefighters had a chance to arrive.
Right at that moment, off-duty Army Captain Steve Voglezon came up on the scene as he and his girlfriend were on their way to the mall. Voglezon jumped from his car and raced to the vehicles on fire, grabbing the fire extinguisher and breaking out the windows of the car, as he reports to WCNC .
“I picked up the other gentleman (William Thompson), took his to safety, while the officer was trying to free the other woman (Thompson’s wife) on the other side of the vehicle.”
Voglezon (wearing his Captain America t-shirt) admits to ABC News that he attributes his Army training to his quick thinking and ability to stay calm in a horrific situation.
“Had I not been a soldier I would not have known what to do. The Army has helped a lot.”
Another hero resident, John Spurrell, helped rescue Ricketts from his SUV.
All three victims were rushed to UNC Hospital with serious injuries, but non-life threatening.
Voglezon is being called a hero, but he believes it is just all in a day’s work.
“We have a calling to do whatever we we’re called to do. Today I was called to be there at that spot at that time.”
Photo Credit: WCNC.com
