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Mercer County Veterans Service driver Don Rammel speaks after being honored by county officials and the Dayton Veterans Affairs office.
CELINA- Mercer County Veterans Service driver Don Rammel was honored Thursday by county officials and the Dayton Veterans Affairs office for saving the life of a veteran while on the job.
Rammel, 62, of St. Marys was on his way out of the Dayton VA Medical Center on June 6, in the middle of transporting a veteran, when he noticed a man choking in the cafeteria and stopped to help him.
"On Thursday, June 6, 2024, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Mercer County driver Don Rammel witnessed a veteran choking on his food," said Assistant Acting Director of the Dayton VA Jeanne LoVette while honoring Rammel Thursday at the county courthouse. "Don quickly realized the veteran needed assistance, as he could tell he couldn't breathe. He quickly ran to the veteran and asked if he was OK. The veteran shook his head. Don proceeded to perform three Heimlich compressions. After the third compression, something was dislodged. Medical personnel began arriving and took over the scene. When he realized the medical personnel was taking over, he proceeded out to bring the county vehicle around for his veteran trip (back) to Mercer County."
Mercer County Veterans Service driver Don Rammel and his family pose for a photo after he was honored by county officials and the Dayton Veterans Affairs office.
Mercer County Veterans Service Director Eric Pugh said that he would not have known about the incident if it weren't for the veteran Rammel was transporting telling him.
"We had a driver (Rammel) go down to the Dayton VA, notice someone choking in the cafeteria, and then he performed the Heimlich maneuver and the obstruction was passed," Pugh said. "And as he was walking out, one of the nurses that were running over tried to get his name and this driver said, 'I'm busy,' and just kept on moving. So Dayton VA knew that part of the story."
Rammel has been with the county veterans service office for a little over a year, Pugh said. He will soon be leaving the office to drive school buses for Spencerville Local School District.
"I've enjoyed all the people I've transported through the Veterans Association," Rammel said. "I kind of had an idea something was up, but I had no idea it was for this. I was just put there by somebody, (and) I needed to be there. I reacted. I'm glad he's OK. … I appreciate all this."
Mercer County Veterans Service driver Don Rammel received an award for his lifesaving efforts at the Mercer County Courthouse auditorium on Thursday afternoon.
Dayton VA Medical Center Director Jennifer DeFrancesco thanked Rammel for his service.
"For your service to all of our veterans, the Dayton VA particularly (and) those out here in Mercer County," DeFrancesco said.
DeFrancesco awarded Rammel with a certificate of appreciation and a Commander's Coin of Excellence for his service. A Commander's Coin is a prestigious symbol of recognition within military and civilian organizations.
In addition to honoring Rammel, LoVette, DeFrancesco and VA staff will also visit other county facilities while in the area, DeFrancesco said.
