U.S. Army Sgt. Lauren Shalabi, an automated logistics specialist assigned to the 250th Brigade Support Battalion, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, poses for a photo in Syria, April 24, 2024. Shalabi’s quick response resulted in saving a severely injured civilian contactor in Syria.
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Picking up her meal at a market in North East Syria, U.S. Army Sgt. Lauren Shalabi wasn’t expecting chaos, but she was ready for it. Her daily routine on March 24, was abruptly interrupted when the market owner rushed over to her asking for assistance because one of his workers was severely injured.
Shalabi, an automated logistical specialist assigned to the 250th Brigade Support Battalion, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, was quick to respond, finding the man with his severely damaged right arm stuck in a generator. Utilizing her experience and tactical combat casualty care training, she pulled the man from the generator and rendered aid while communicating with her Arabic language skills, in order to stabilize him before moving to a safer location.
A six-year veteran police officer with the Jersey City, New Jersey Police Department, Shalabi continued to treat the victim while her teammates ran to get help from the medical personnel at the nearest coalition medical facility. When the help arrived, she continued to assist the process as a translator and got the casualty transported to the facility for treatment.
“My civilian and military training really came together. Our very own Staff Sgt. Polanco provided an incredible class when responding to any medical emergencies and as a police officer in Jersey City, I have encountered many gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other medical emergencies which require me to learn and act quickly under pressure,” said Shalabi. “I feel thankful that I could help another person. Thanks to our good team at the Role 1, this man has made a full recovery and is able to work again.”
For her heroic actions, Shalabi received an Army Commendation Medal from her command at the 250th BSB.
“Sgt. Shalabi represents the best of the 250th BSB, 44th IBCT, and the New Jersey Army National Guard,” praised Lt. Col. James Brettell, 250th BSB commander. “She exemplifies the capability that part-time National Guard Soldiers bring with them. She used her skills acquired as a Jersey City police officer to undoubtedly save that man’s arm, and possibly his life. She was on ground for less than a month and already proved herself a hero. Words can’t express how proud I am of her and her actions.”
