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

[@davetarsha]

right on. That's focus, endurance, and discipline.

[@CurtisOnYoutube]

Ya it takes a lot out of you! I had to do it once and I was switching off with a buddy, when one of us got tired we would swap out. Really does leave you so exhausted by the end lol

[@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.

[@7thsonofa7thson80]

He's got a new family now the marine corps. He's on the good guy list.

[@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.

[@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.

[@mckrunchytoast2469]

Let's put this in prospective, this guy ran an ultra marathon and then just after lunch, came upon a stranger in a dire medical emergency and for 10 solid minutes he took over the Generals lungs and heart function. Keeping him alive and then down plays the whole thing? THAT ladies and gentlemen is what we need more of in this world....selfless acts, helping without hesitation, and above all else, humbleness.

[@brianjvigneault7056]

Absolutely ♥

[@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.

[@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!

[@brianjvigneault7056]

Thanks for sharing that! What a great Human ♥

[@IO-zg8md]

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

[@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.

[@bigiron1990]

“Just motivated” Now he may not be a marine but he’s got the spirit.

[@LibertyMagnus]

Best line of the interview. Semper Fi.

[@Fromthasouth13]

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

[@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

[@SashaB11910G]

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

[@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.

[@KhreamedKhorne]

Also, doing CPR 10 mins straight is a marathon in itself

[@CharlesJohnson-yd9ym]

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

[@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

[@vanrothpeou4291]

I worked and ran many marathons/ultramarathons with Tim. He is a great and very humble guy.

[@thelegionisnotamused8929]

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

[@chrishickey1720]

This story motivated me to sign up for CPR training.

[@brendasaunders4956]

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

[@HonestDoubter]

I love that the CPR instructor used the word "Motivated". We Marines understand that word! ;)

[@zackzeiler2594]

Tim is probably the most humble dude ever

[@Bombssawayy]

"just motivated" I dont think he realized how good of an answer that was to Gen. Smith... thank you Tim.

[@jt.8144]

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

[@doctorsuave]

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

[@willamestrada1121]

What a beautiful ending. I wanna hug the general. Also, the good Samaritan. Beautiful. Just beautiful. ❤❤

[@kevindelaney1951]

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

[@jameshutchins6077]

He was a hero’s hero. SEMPER Fi

[@jamialmedia1102]

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

[@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.

[@GT5005]

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

[@juliewick]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@dashcan8479]

Tim is a real hero and Eric owes his life to him. He would have died right there if not for Tim's intervention. The Master told us the Good Samaritan story for a reason. He was a gentile and that is the point the person who shows compassion is the hero.

[@BeardMan01]

10 minutes!!! That man is a BEAST! He knew that man's life was in his hands, and he refused to give up. That's awesome! (The literal definition of the word)

[@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.

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@loisbarber7023]

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

[@darbyheavey406]

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

[@jasonheath4266]

This is what makes America America. Everyday heroism.

[@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!

[@kkuenzel56]

This story does restore my faith in humanity.

[@bobbie4904]

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

[@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.

[@nigelkhan9278]

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

[@claynog101]

Finally. A good story

[@HazeainKing]

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

[@richardannaken]

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

[@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!

[@highlanddaniel]

Tim just ran 50K, then saves a persons life, and is reluctant to take credit!! Tells you a lot about him as a human being. Later all involved in saving the general received top certificates for civilians. The general was out for four months and his surgeon said that perhaps 5 out of a 1000 would have the same results. Semper Fi!

[@senseinammartialarts]

Respect to all these humble people 🙏

[@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.

[@Base-q1g]

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

[@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

[@joesph9748]

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

[@robertdillactor]

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

[@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.

[@22lyric]

Tim LaLonde, thank you to YOUR service to our country, too!

[@joesillamanrs7189]

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

[@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.

[@monicarust2383]

❤❤❤❤Great story!!

[@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

[@7thsonofa7thson80]

I like he said he was one of many that saved the marine, not all heros wear capes.

[@katiee5444]

People hear "He did CPR for ten minutes" and don't bat an eye. There's a reason that was emphasized, doing CPR by yourself for an extended period of time is TAXING. EMR's are taught to communicate if they need a change, and they usually change every 2-5 minutes. ( If I remember correctly :) )

[@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?

[@janetharned4343]

❤God Bless you Tim and all whom helped save the General's life!!

[@thegreenlogbook]

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

[@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!

[@jaimevalencia6271]

Bros a devil pup now he’s one of the boys for life

[@divBy0]

'Just motivated'....Awesome response!

[@rodhoover9158]

Wonderful story.

[@1469roach]

Simply beautiful

[@namelessnick9791]

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

[@stephenmorton8017]

uplifting behaviour! thanks.

[@thecorvetteviking137]

I served with General Smith when he was my company commander 2/2. He is a great leader and glad to see he is ok.

[@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!

[@willamestrada1121]

You forgot the little guy... a thank you perhaps?😊

[@EvilBeast979Triple6]

Semper Fi Devil Dog

[@philipschifano5876]

How crazy is it that the man who finds him. Is a CPR trainee. That is how god works. Amazing ALL the things that had to come together for it to happen

[@jackjohnson8244]

God bless our Civilians.

[@stevengibbins8350]

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

[@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.

[@TMGettingMoney]

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

[@Headhunter_212]

"Just motivated" actually sounded like Marine.

[@darkangel_1978]

What good fortune, that a CPR instructor happened to be close by, and was able to help save a man's life.

[@isisemkeb]

What a gentle timid Hero. A great human being.

[@RetiredTop43]

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

[@davidelias7439]

Amazing! God Bless!

[@EvilQueenMorticia]

That's awesome ❤

[@LibertyMagnus]

The fact the one most powerful men in America went into the hospital as a John doe is incredible. God bless the Commandant and God bless Chesty Semper

[@circusbrains]

that guy's cooler than half the action figures I had as a kid

[@bigd4561]

Awesome. One person at the time. A life is worth saving. 🎉

[@jessezapata5984]

Tim is a real class act!

[@rapidcars1]

This goes to show how important it is to have CPR training should probably be requirements to graduate from high school

[@Brandon-uf8my]

TIM AND ERIC BABY 💯💯💯

[@martindavis9930]

It's not the size of the dog in the fight... it's the size of the fight in the dog.

[@FFEMTB08]

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

[@timprescott4634]

Humble HERO!