National Guard Rescues Hiker in 90-Minute Smoky Mountain Save

When a hiker suffered a medical emergency on a remote Tennessee trail Wednesday, a military rescue team turned a potential tragedy into a story of precision and care.

The Tennessee National Guard's 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion received the call just after 3 p.m. about an injured hiker on False Gap Trail in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Within 40 minutes, a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crew was airborne from Joint Base McGhee-Tyson.

The team included pilots Chief Warrant Officer 4 Thomas McKnight and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andre Salas, crew chief Sgt. Gabriel Weston, and flight paramedics Sgt. 1st Class Giovanni DeZuani and John Sharbel. They reached the remote location near the North Carolina border in just 12 minutes.

Crew chief Weston carefully lowered paramedic Sharbel on a hoist line to reach the patient. After assessing the hiker's condition and preparing them for transport, the team hoisted both back into the helicopter hovering above the rugged terrain.

The paramedics provided continuous care during the flight to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. The helicopter touched down at the hospital around 4:30 p.m., less than 90 minutes after the initial call.

Why This Inspires

This rescue highlights the incredible dual role our National Guard plays. These soldiers train for combat missions but also serve as lifelines for their neighbors during emergencies.

Task Force Smokey, the unit that responded, specializes in these mountain rescues where every minute counts. Their training transforms dangerous situations into coordinated saves that bring people home safely.

The entire operation showed how preparation meets purpose when communities need help most.