Christian Boksa of Coral Springs was awarded the JROTC’s top honor for saving four boys from drowning of Pompano Beach. {Photos by David Volz}
A group of friends was having fun in the water at Pompano Beach when a rip tide suddenly carried four teenage boys out to sea.
Christian Boksa, of Coral Springs, sprang into action on March 15, rescuing each boy one at a time from the turbulent water. The boys were members of the Pompano Beach High School Army JROTC program and knew each other well.
A cadet and company commander in the Pompano Beach High School Army JROTC program, Boksa was honored with the Medal of Heroism, the highest honor a JROTC cadet can receive, during a ceremony attended by cadets around Broward County.
“I saw that the current had swept the boys out, and I knew they were in danger, so I dove into the ocean and brought each one back to shore,” said Boksa.
Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Johnson, the leader of the JROTC program at Pompano Beach, said Boksa’s bravery exemplifies the essence of being a leader in the face of adversity. “His contributions on that day will be remembered and celebrated, highlighting the profound impact that one individual can have through courage and self-sacrifice,” said Johnson.
One of the boys he saved, Jeremy Gunn, now a private first class in the U.S. Army Reserve, attended the event. He was active in the JROTC color guard and is thankful that Boksa saved him from the water.
Christian Boksa of Coral Springs.
Boksa also received the Director of Amery Instruction Award for Leadership and a Coin for Excellence. During the past year, he has served as commander of the Tango company. He will attend the University of Florida this fall but is not planning a career in the military.
Christian Boksa of Coral Springs
The ceremony, which took place at Pompano Beach High School, included members of the Broward County School Board and Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. The cadets wore formal military attire, and various awards were presented.
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