MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  A selfless action is defined as showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others, focusing on a motivation to help others or a want to do well without a reward.

One MHAFB Airman was the epitome of this definition when he selflessly helped out two strangers, putting their needs before his own.

On Feb. 1, Airman 1st Class Ryan O'Quinn was on a flight to Denver, the first flight on his way home to attend a close friend's funeral. The journey was not particularly an easy one for the Airman.

"I was feeling a little stressed and rushed because I wanted to get there as soon as possible," Airman O'Quinn said. "I wanted to know what was going on."

Danielle Ramondette and her 10-month-old infant were on the same flight, and had checked bags on the aircraft before takeoff. After landing in Denver, those traveling with checked bags were told to wait outside on the tarmac for their items to be unloaded and brought to them.

Ms. Ramondette was also in a rush - to shelter her young child from the freezing temperature.

"When the plane landed in Denver, it was negative 8 degrees," she said. "I was waiting for my stroller and car seat while holding my baby on the tarmac. I didn't have a thick blanket for him, so I used my rain coat and a receiving blanket to wrap him in."

When Airman O'Quinn saw the mother and her child standing in the freezing weather, he took immediate action. Approaching the mother, he asked why she was standing outside. After she explained she was waiting for her belongings, the Airman told her to go inside and he would bring her items to her. After a 10 minute wait on the tarmac, Airman O'Quinn returned inside and helped set up Ms. Ramondette's stroller.

"He was very polite and professional while helping me," she said.

Unbeknownst to Ms. Ramondette, Airman O'Quinn's delay on the tarmac resulted in him missing his connecting flight by two minutes that Tuesday, and he was unable to catch another flight until Thursday evening.

"She was really apologetic and thanked me again and again for helping her," Airman O'Quinn said. "She asked if there was anything she could do to help, but I assured her making sure the baby was inside and warmer was most important to me."

Nonetheless, the mother was extremely grateful to the young Airman.

"Because of Airman O'Quinn, my baby and I didn't have to endure below zero temperatures while waiting to retrieve our items," Ms. Ramondette said. "He was the only one to ask if he could help us and we are very grateful and will never forget his actions."