Ali Joy’s search for the marines who helped her survive

In the aftermath of losing her husband, Austin Joy, to a rip current, Ali Joy began to sort out what had just happened to her. She remembered that a young man who appeared to be a Marine was out there with her as she was trying to save her children and her self. She could not touch bottom and her twin girls were panicking and grabbing on to her, making it extremely difficult to keep everyone above water.

The young man shouted out to all them, “Float on your back, float on your back!!” Ali began to do this and instructed her girls to do the same. They all began to tread water and were able to stay afloat until more rescuers came in the water and on surfboards.

Ali credits this man and the advice that he gave for allowing her to stay afloat until their ultimate rescue. She desperately wanted to find this person and thank him, so she contacted Camp Lejeune, the US Marine Corps base closest to Atlantic Beach, NC.

Ultimately, they were able to identify four marines who were present that day and helped in the rescue. Ali’s story inspired a story which was written and published on Defense Visual Information Distribution Services site. Furthermore, the Marines who were involved have been nominated for special commendations due to their acts of bravery.

Please see the article linked below!