Even though he'd heard it many times over, each time Master Sgt. Don Walsh had to sit through a Self Aid Buddy Care briefing, he still paid attention diligently.

When it finally came time for him to utilize the training, instinct just took over.

The Washington Air National Guardsman was attending a squadron function last summer at Camp Murray when one of his coworkers started choking on a piece of meat.

"I caught her out of the corner of my eye and she started reaching out for somebody," said Walsh, who's worked full-time for 27 years as a supply technician for the 111th Air Support Operations Squadron at Camp Murray.

Walsh sprang out of his seat, calmly made a fist, and performed the Heimlich Maneuver.

"One quick thrust and out it came," Walsh said.

As with many things in the military, because of all the training Walsh knew exactly what to do.

"You train and train, and when it does happen it's like second nature," said the Tacoma resident.

After the coworker regained her breath, Walsh calmly went back to finishing his meal.

"I didn't think much about it ... I just call it part of doing my job," he said.

But someone else thought very highly of Walsh's lifesaving act.

Walsh was recently awarded the Washington Air National Guard Guardsman Medal for his actions.

"The quick action and expert skill of Sergeant Walsh clearly saved the victim's life," the citation reads. "The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Walsh reflect great credit upon himself and the Washington Air National Guard."

While Walsh doesn't consider himself a hero, he admits it's nice to be recognized.