The tech sergeant is credited with saving the lives of 28 people during the attack. For his actions, he was presented the 2021 Air Force Sergeants Association William H. Pitsenbarger Heroism Award on March 17, the release states.
Recalling the events of that night, Walker, who has four deployments under his belt and has taken part in multiple active-shooter training exercises, said he told restaurant patrons and staff to hide in the kitchen, barricading the door in such a way that it could be opened only from the inside.
Walker grabbed the restaurant keys from the manager, walked out and locked the doors behind him. He closed three more garage-style doors to thwart the shooter -- risking himself as he stood outside the restaurant.