Gunnery Sgt Abiud Montes

Trouble always seems to find Gunnery Sgt. Abiud Montes, and trouble always seems to lose.

The two-time combat veteran earned a free flight from American Airlines by providing emergency medical care to a passenger during a May 31 cross-country flight.

On vacation, the 19-year reservist saved two relatives from drowning off the coast of Puerto Rico.

And when an elevator he and other potential jurors were riding in became stuck at a South Florida courthouse in 2007, Montes helped everyone escape, receiving praise from a judge.

Such examples highlight the grace under fire demonstrated by Montes, a paramedic in the civilian world.

"When we are on the scene, and someone's life is on the line, he's always focused and comes through on his end," said Simon Serrao, Montes' partner at the Hollywood (Fla.) Fire Department.