Rewind some two years ago to May 2022, and GySgt Benjamin Frazier who just happens to be an Intel instructor at Marine Corps Detachment Dam Neck (this was my last duty station, where I was an Intel instructor) was driving North on I-64. When he was crossing the bridge part of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel when he saw a young man on the bridge’s ledge.

Doing what is expected of a Marine, he stopped his vehicle rendered aid, and dialed 911. It so happened that GySgt Fraiser stopped to help another Marine, who was having a difficult time and wanted to end his life by jumping off the bridge. GySgt Fraiser reached out and grabbed the suicidal man’s left arm and then used his body weight to keep the man from jumping.

The two struggled, but GySgt Frazier managed to move the man away from the ledge. The two talked about of all things, being a Marine and how the younger Marine was struggling. GySgt was able to establish a rapport with the young Marine and kept him from ending his life.

On March 21, 2024, GySgt Fraizer received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (which is usually awarded for heroism outside of combat) for his actions.