New Jersey Teen Earns Rare Air Force Honour for Rescuing Crash Victims
What Happened
Joshua Haddad, a 2026 graduate of Salem County Vocational Technical High School, received the Air Force Junior ROTC Gold Valor Award after helping rescue two people trapped in a crashed vehicle in New Jersey. The rescue occurred in May 2026, with assistance from his parents. His school says he is the state's first recipient and only the sixth nationwide in a decade.
Key Takeaways
The award recognises exceptional courage involving personal risk. Haddad's recognition highlights a rare distinction within the Air Force Junior ROTC programme, with his school reporting fewer than ten recipients nationwide per decade.