The guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens will recognize two local sailors for their life-saving efforts during the tornadoes that hit Moore, Okla. last month.
The the two sailors will get medals from what their commander calls actions of honor and courage during a ceremony on Wednesday at Naval Base San Diego.
Sean Kelley, Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class, and Arturo Guerra, a Cryptologic Technician Collection 3rd Class, were visiting their family's when the tornado struck Oklahoma on May 20.
Kelley found shelter with 13 other family members and neighbors. His mother got a text from a neighbor who needed shelter. Kelly and his dad then ran down the street---as the tornado was heading their way--and brought the woman and her three daughters to shelter.
Kelly, his father and Guerra heard that the nearby elementary school was destroyed and had kids trapped.
The group were some of the first to arrive at the Plaza Towers Elementary School and tried to find kids in the rubble.
The sailors rescued four kids and their teacher and also helped a dozen other families.
Kelley plans to collect donations to help the families who have lost everything from the tornado.
