Marine reunites with good Samaritan who saved his life

Gen. Eric Smith survived the combat zone but collapsed while on a run around the Capitol. A good Samaritan named Tim LaLonde, who had run an ultramarathon that morning and happened to be nearby, did CPR for 10 minutes before an ambulance arrived. In a TODAY exclusive, Craig Melvin was there when they reunited for the first time since the medical emergency.
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#marine #goodnews #cpr

[@reaper215]

10 minutes of CPR is absolutely NO JOKE!!! God bless this man.

[@Roddy556]

You would need to be a marathon runner or something to have that much endurance

[@annag5097]

Doing 10 minutes of CPR after having run an ultra marathon- is even crazier

[@NINJUNK00]

I am in very good shape and I have a hard time after about 5 to 6 minutes so mad respect

[@emansol9588]

Coming across an unconscious person and saving their life is crazy enough. And then it just so happens to be the Commandant of the Marine Corps. What a wild story.

[@dl7281]

Not to mention the Commandant being found by a CPR instructor! The stars aligned.

[@UssEnterprise101]

Bro saved the Commandant of the Marine Corps!!!

[@stevejohnson5477]

Semper fi

[@huehuehue7308]

the amount of flexing id be doing with that under my belt..

[@2panzur]

Dude will drink for free near any marine for life. Might have to go into hiding in November for his livers sake.

[@UssEnterprise101]

@@2panzur haha

[@CB-ke7eq]

He will have more than one meal or drink bought for him by a marine, I tell you that.

[@SashaB11910G]

Doing CPR for 10 min requires an above average endurance. Good thing this guy is a marathon runner.

[@kayvillarosa7683]

Glad that a cpr instructor was able to provide immediate help until the ambulance arrived. Semper Fidelis from a former Marine.

[@jacoballen3267]

Semper Fi indeed!

[@shrek7188]

Even separated Marines never say former Marine. wow lol

[@kayvillarosa7683]

@@shrek7188 since when? You're wrong and obviously you have never been in any military branch.

[@shrek7188]

@@kayvillarosa7683 Since my brother is a retired SSGT Marine, since my dad's brother(my uncle) is a marine, dad is retired viet nam army vet, my other brother 8 years navy, me 9 years navy (almost 10). See usually the only ones who say former marine fall into these categories. Lackluster career, Dishonorable or Other Than Honorable Discharge, or they're just straight up lying. But no Marine truly proud of their service says former marine. A Marine is always a Marine!

[@mattbundy4900]

I hear Former often and it sounds better than ex.

[@MatthewsFav]

What a wonderful story. That CPR instructor is very humble and he is a hero for what he did. Glad the Marine will be OK

[@kristoffermangila]

Not just any ordinary Marine, but the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

[@8kigana]

it's great that this Marine like any soldier , sailor, airman or guard can come back to civilian life and know they are looked out for by the very people's freedom they volunteered to defend.

[@tubeloupe8444]

CPR instructor plays a significant role in saving the life of one of America's top ranking Marines, but still has to endure "small guy" jokes from the reporter.

[@TheJimprez]

He is the Commandant of the Marine Corp. So NO MARINE has a higher rank.

[@DeclanMBrennan]

You're kind of missing the point which is that size doesn't matter. A small guy can save a big guy or even a child can save an adult if they have the strength to give compressions and keep going until help arrives.

[@mbe3404]

General Smith could not have asked for a better response from TIm. "Just motivated"

[@Bretjohnson1331]

Gen. Smith is the commandment, he gives out all orders and directives. No Marine holds nor can hold higher rank. Meaning he isn't just "one of Americans top ranking Marines" he is the top ranking Marine of the United States Marine Corps.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

Dan Daly was a small guy, and he was quote “the most fightenest marine to ever live” and he won the MoH twice and was put up for the medal two more times for his actions, the Commandant certainly knows small guys have a lot of fight in them

[@seeharvester]

Finally. A good news story.

[@mdpo6419]

Facts

[@KOnig6027]

FACTS💀

[@Autobotmechanic]

I worked with Tim for a few years. He is one of the best guys out there and really know his stuff. It doesn't surprise me at all that he would jump into action like this, but it makes me really proud to see him getting the recognition he deserves!

[@steiner554]

The humility of the cpr trainer.

[@teresalegler2777]

Ten minutes of giving CPR is hard work! True hero and family. Well done! Glad the General is doing well. Everyone that is capable should learn how to administer CPR & Heimlic (spelling) maneuver.

[@darbyheavey406]

It sure is…and on the street with no resources. Fantastic job….skills anyone can learn…

[@TraceyAllen]

@@darbyheavey406coworker saved me from choking on a sandwich 15 years ago. It’s pretty awesome.

[@Roddy556]

We had to do two minutes or something to get certed and it got your heart rate up (no pun intended). It's hard work. If he wasn't a marathon runner he probably wouldn't have had the stamina.

[@tacticalsapper]

This does not make him a hero. It makes him a good human and many other great things, but not a hero. A hero has to face potential great personal harm and despite that, still does the right thing. There was no great personal danger for him to face, so no, not a hero.

[@red2977]

Dude runs an ultra marathon, then does CPR to save a stranger's life afterwards and he looks like the last guy you would expect to step up and do this. 🤣What a great and humble guy.

[@Fromthasouth13]

*Highest Ranked Marine in the Marine Corps! Saved the Commandant’s life! Salute to that Gentleman!

[@IO-zg8md]

Do not underestimate the determination of a quiet (or humble) man. What a humble legend Tim is.

[@jeandelaney8080]

What an amazing story! Thank God that everyone who responded was there! Blessings to all!

[@bonenbeans]

god didnt save him doctors and the cpr instructor did

[@Daiseehead]

A handshake!!!?? Saving someone’s life warrants a hug, IMO.

[@mav40420]

Marines hug other Marines and family. It’s kind of a cult thing

[@leviharrison4127]

He's a marine. They don't do emotion in public.

[@bobbie4904]

cmc is wearing his uniform .... according to marine corps uniform regulations , not allowed

[@nplus1watches35]

that’s OK, Mrs CMC more than made up for it with her warm hug. She understood exactly what was going on and what Tim LaLonde meant to her and her family.

[@NowYourMad]

He probably did behind the camera and probably shed a tear too. Everything doesn't need to happen on camera .

[@thelegionisnotamused8929]

Hey Tim, thanks for keeping our Commandant around. Respect. Semper Fidelis.

[@GT5005]

We need to see more stories like this instead of the divisive garbage being spewed everywhere.

[@nigelkhan9278]

Semper FI Commandant. We should make this extraordinary individual a Marine.

[@manuelochoa9266]

I think the guy who saved the general should be made an honorary Marine!!! Thats to show that life is guaranteed, the general has been in wars always been in great shape and he had a heart attack! This story is amazing! For the grace of God it wasn't the general's time to die and God put a CPR instructor in his way! Praise the Lord and God bless our Marines! OooRaaah!!!!

[@chrishickey1720]

This story motivated me to sign up for CPR training.

[@USAIRFORCE621]

I followed this story from the start, and this proves that CPR definitely saves lives! Outstanding to see you back on the job General! Thanks so much to you and your wife for everything you've done to help our USMC and preserve our freedoms!

[@gardnert1]

Tim is a hero. It could have been anyone's life and he'd be the same hero.

[@jameshutchins6077]

He was a hero’s hero. SEMPER Fi

[@darbyheavey406]

This is a great story…the USMC Marathon is a great event.

[@jt.8144]

CPR instructor / 50k Ultramarathoner. RAW ENDURANCE. 10 minutes straight doing compressions is not an easy feat.

[@vernamendiola1573]

Standard 3 mile run. Yup, he's a Marine. I am proud daughter and mom of a Marine.🫡 Thank God that man was there. Miracles do happen.😇 Un Marine like 😂

[@brendasaunders4956]

Yes, never underestimate the value of what you mean to other people

[@CharlesJohnson-yd9ym]

Very Proud!!! Chuck in Michigan U.S. Navy Retired

[@farahmedic]

Such an important reminder of the importance of CPR training and wearing ID, like Road I.D. 😺💙🐾 Semper Fi

[@kevindelaney1951]

Decent people who come to the aid of others in dire circumstances are always to be recognized.

[@gabrielvazquez1691]

These are the stories that the news should keep running multiple times. Show society that there's still good around us and that people just like them can really be the change.

[@juliewick]

Tim you are such a good man!! Your humility and quiet strength are truly inspiring!! ❤

[@loisbarber7023]

Tears in my eyes...and Tim - heroes come in all sizes!

[@johnriddington9514]

Mannnn you could not pick a more 'don't judge a book by its cover' person. I'm floored, and so utterly humble the first thing he says about saving the Commandants life is "I think there's a lot of people that contributed, I'M VERY PROUD OF MY FAMILY". You walk into a room and you have the most Marine Marine possible, a distinguished heart surgeon, and a small, meek, quiet guy who's an ultra marathon running literal life-saver!

[@bobbie4904]

impressive that the cmc introduced himself to Tim as " Eric. " tim , you are from now on an honorary united states marine

[@jamialmedia1102]

OUTSTANDING!!! Hats off to Tim LaLonde!! And a speedy recovery to CMC Gen. Eric Smith!! Great story🙂

[@mitchyoung93]

Pretty sure there's a medal specified for civilians who perform a great task on behalf of the military...Mr Smith should be put in for that.

[@doctorsuave]

CPR needs to be mandatory in all high schools. Thank god this man was there.

[@gew9487]

A huge thank you to all the rescuers and medical staff!!! A miracle!!! Blessings to this Marine, his family, his rescuers and medical personnel!!!❤❤

[@moonshoes11]

No magic required.

[@AA-xo9uw]

@@moonshoes11 Aren't you late for your cross burning?

[@moonshoes11]

@@AA-xo9uw who burns crosses?

[@jamesringo7070]

​@AA-xo9uw pretty sure the cross burners are a part of a more underground group.

[@stevenwalker4181]

I can’t tell you how happy I am to see Gen Smith is doing well and very thankful to the Good Samaritan and the medical personnel who helped him. He and his family are incredible people.

[@jaymag87]

There is a second side of this story. Eric and I were classmates at Texas A&M and in the Aggie Band together. We had a classmate that had virtually the same thing happen to him in 2017. He had taken and passed a stress test that morning. That afternoon he took his kids to soccer practice. While there he also decided to go for a run. Eric was found quickly. Dale was not. MAJ Dale Crockett, MD is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. I thank God that Mr. LaLonde and his family found Eric and the Mr. LaLonde knew what to do. I wish Dale had stayed around the soccer fields. He might still be here today.

[@thegreenlogbook]

Some incredible folks out there, and Semper Fi, Sir. Good to have you back in the fight.

[@joesillamanrs7189]

Guy who needs CPR and CPR instructor in the same time and place...wow

[@tnorthrup2711]

Great job! Our collegiate cert CPR class required us to provide compression CPR for 5 min straight in a scene created event. Best CPR class I had, as an already certified CPR student. While doing chest compressions the instructor walked up on the scene as a panicked son worried about his dad, getting in the way. Instructor wanted to see how we handled it. Called out switch with person doing breaths and removed the instructor, handed to a guy in the crowd, calmed him down. Then proceeded to switch back to compressions. Great training!

[@mario3804]

Outstanding great story, General Smith is a great Marine and a great American, thank you Tim for being a great person and saving a life.

[@richardannaken]

The general is very blessed that wonderful man and others took care of him 👍

[@Harley_Vampy_Sis_Quinn]

Bless All Those in this story. Just goes to show you kindness,compassion and more is appreciated and valuable. If you can help someone, do so. It might just be you, that might need that kindness some day.

[@kodoklengket]

Yup...this also shows that it takes a lot to make the world go round, we all have our roles no matter how small or large. If we trust each other, the world is a wonderful place. These people don't know each other but they all answered the call to save a fellow human being. Kudos to pure kindness.

[@TMGettingMoney]

Such a humble young man, God bless this angel 🙏🏾🏆👑

[@chuckbrandon627]

SHOCKING that his heart valve issue was not detected in decades of Marine Corps medical exams

[@ronchang9791]

It can be weird. I was born with a hereditary valve disease, and there was no evidence of it, until it randomly malfunctioned in my 30s and went to the ER. It required a procedure involving burning tissue in that valve to fix it.

[@michellemiles9966]

He's right, just one event leading up to that moment that day could have changed the outcome. This was a divine appointment and God provided. Oo-rah and God bless.

[@blueturtle1719]

Amen

[@claynog101]

Finally. A good story

[@nurseratchet2634]

WTG, Tim and family. General Smith was lucky to have you at his side. He was also very lucky to have Dr. MacGillivray on his team as well. Excellent surgeon. We miss him at MGH.

[@senseinammartialarts]

Respect to all these humble people 🙏

[@kkuenzel56]

This story does restore my faith in humanity.

[@robertdillactor]

Tim and Eric...great job! In all seriousness tho, absolutely amazing. God bless that man.

[@jasonheath4266]

This is what makes America America. Everyday heroism.

[@joesph9748]

Just motivated! I love that, he was motivated to give to another person. Well done

[@user-hm3lu4ri5f]

The CPR instructor was in the right place at the right time!

[@leviharrison4127]

WA State has one of the highest recovery rates for cardiac patients because there are so many CPR trained individuals here. A couple hours of your time every other year could quite literally save a life, if you haven't done one yet you should. And if you have then you should consider taking a stop the bleed course as well. Prayers to the General.

[@Base5700]

im 25 and when i was in school they had a cpr instructor come and teach us all how to do it and what signs to look out for. the instructor said they started doing classes in schools because a kid has saved one of his family members

[@redmondpeters6221]

When a soldier returns home from deployment they're just like every other man or woman. They're the same as everyone else. And when they're sick they deserve the same assistance as everyone else.

[@williamgray9318]

Outstanding job. He saved the Commandant’s life. RAH. And side note: is it just me or am I the only one who just stares at the Commandant’s rack?

[@theuscivicsnerd7070]

He has the exact same heart condition I have. This also draws attention the importance of early detection and screening as many like Gen Smith go most of their lives asymptomatic with no real symptoms. I was lucky it was noticed right away at birth so it was treated quickly and monitored. So much has advanced in understanding and treating it the last couple decades. Learn CPR it could save a life, also get screened.

[@jessezapata5984]

Tim is a real class act!

[@George-lo7eq]

God Bless that man!

[@namelessnick9791]

The news needs to start reporting more good news stories like this.

[@Eskey__]

Crazy how everything just lined up for everyone that day. Have a great day everyone.

[@Matterian]

My first CPR case was a save. I was helping transfer a senior to the hospital and he coded right in front of me. I loved saving lives. I loved being an EMT.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Thankful bystanders found him in time to save him. This event also emphasizes the importance of always carrying ID whenever you leave your house.

[@rodhoover9158]

Wonderful story.

[@EvilBeast979Triple6]

Semper Fi Devil Dog

[@timprescott4634]

Humble HERO!

[@monicarust2383]

❤❤❤❤Great story!!

[@HRBJHD]

It's so good to hear these folks give credit to those who were helpful, and not claim a miracle.

[@moonshoes11]

This. 👍 Thank you.

[@philipschifano5876]

The Miracle is IN those folks! Believe

[@moonshoes11]

@@philipschifano5876 How terribly offensive. People can be good without your magic.

[@pep590]

@@philipschifano5876 Amen brother.

[@KyleMcCullough-dl3ib]

@@moonshoes11yes people can be good without magic, but not without the love of Christ. Believe

[@chirho100]

Marines protect US citizens, it is nice to see a citizen return the favor to the Marines.

[@mattmckinney9820]

For everyone saying he didnt hug him, appearance's had to be kept for the press and all. Im sure he got a huge hug the moment they where in private company.

[@stephenmorton8017]

uplifting behaviour! thanks.

[@FFEMTB08]

Hands only cpr… it’s not hard to learn. Learn it, and never be scared to step in and do it.

[@jackjohnson8244]

God bless our Civilians.

[@stevengibbins8350]

This story restores ones faith in humanity. Bravo to all involved.

[@jaimevalencia6271]

This is the leader we need in warfare and home

[@lisecball161]

One more Hero among us.🙏❤️.

[@Matt0427]

Good work man! I'm so happy with the world when I see stuff like this.

[@vigilantobserver8389]

I hope you make a full recovery, Commandant! Semper Fi, Oorah! I wish they would standardize the CPR method. It's confusing. As a defense contractor, I had to take the CPR module training every year. Of the last 4 years I worked overseas with the USAF, they changed the CPR method 3 times!

[@isisemkeb]

What a gentle timid Hero. A great human being.

[@davidelias7439]

Amazing! God Bless!

[@fitzt70]

To Carson’s point, CPR certification only lasts for 2 years. I’m over due for renewal by 3 years. Luckily I haven’t been called to duty but need to get prepared just in case.

[@cryptopappy6408]

I'm 101 and I'm just so happy for the General and his family. Good people exist. I'm so happy that guy was there and TRAINED! Just HUGS to all. My cancer may be killing me but I'm happy to see this story! HuRah ( probablyy didn't spell that right but it's been 50 years ) Y'all get the point. I'm usually on point. Just so happy for the Gen and so happy for the man that saved his life! I've saved a few. Glad to know I'm not the only one who cares! HUGS!

[@themu2715]

God saved the Commandant thru this man. Made him his angel. Amen.

[@1224dlc]

That was God putting those two individuals together! God bless those people who came upon the man who protected our country!

[@sheepnationnetwork4241]

Amen!!!

[@leonardodalongisland]

Really? Why didn't your god just prevent the heart attack in the first place!!!!!!?

[@TheOne45Peoples]

stuff can happen that’s horrible but that isn’t ok to say oh something bad happened so I don’t believe in God

[@jeremycox2983]

Amen God doing what he does best protecting his children

[@jeremycox2983]

@@TheOne45Peoples it falls under the Free Will that God gave us

[@r.b.somers2052]

Great story. Thanks.

[@RetiredTop43]

Glad to see Gen. Smith back on his feet. S/F

[@tommybrannon]

You would have thought he been a little happier to meet the the man who saved him!

[@lyngruen8607]

SEMPER FI 🇺🇸 BRAVO YOUNG MAN! NOTHING IS COINCIDENCE 😮☝️💖

[@MrAntiBuffoonery]

Fate is insane. Imagine having a heart attack next to a CPR instructor.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

It’s fitting he’s a small guy, there’s an old saying in the military that Eisenhower quoted and it was “it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the size of the fight in the dog”

[@JulesA-C]

That's amazing. He is so very very lucky.

[@your_royal_highness]

General’s angels were looking out for him

[@MrElliotc02]

This is a good story...more please.

[@jimheckert5383]

America the Beautiful. 🇺🇸🍀🇺🇸