Colonel receives presidential honors in Zambia

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda McCarty
  • U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs
LUSAKA, Zambia (AFNS) --  The president of Zambia awarded an Airman a Medal of Gallantry during an Africa Freedom Day ceremony here May 25. 

Col. Keith Andrews, the Chief of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance for the 607th Air and Space Operations Center at Osan Air Base, South Korea, saved two young Zambian women from likely death in the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls, Zambia last year. Zambian President Rupiah Banda presented the award to Colonel Andrews during a ceremony held to celebrate Africa Freedom Day, a holiday to recognize the formation of the African Union and the collaboration of African countries toward liberation.

Colonel Andrews' actions took place March 8, 2009. He was visiting Zambia as part of a regional studies program with the Air Force's Air War College at Maxwell, Ala. After classroom studies, Colonel Andrews and his class visited Zambia, meeting with Zambian air force officials. The colonel and some of his classmates also visited nearby Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe.

While walking along the river, just before the falls, Colonel Andrews spotted an area where a rock leaned out over the water, and he stopped to have his photo taken. As he stood for the photo, Colonel Andrews heard splashes and screaming. He immediately turned to find that two women who had been very close to the water had fallen in.

The colonel immediately ran to the river's edge, which was very close to the point where the falls drop more than 300 feet, and jumped down over a ledge and got on his knees in the river. The current was strong, and the women were struggling to find something to hold on to, he said.

"As (one of the women) was lunging toward the edge, I reached out, and it was God's grace that I was able to be there at that spot because there was no one else close enough," Colonel Andrews said. "And I reached out as far as I could, and I was able to grab her wrist, and I just pulled with all my might, and I was able to pull both of them onto shore."

Left breathless and shocked, the colonel said he rested as his classmates helped the victims over the ledge away from the water.

The women were upset and embarrassed for having been standing so close to the river's edge, Colonel Andrews said, but they were rescued unharmed.

The colonel returned to the U.S. and continued with his life. He said he never imagined his efforts would reach the attention of Zambia's president.

As typical for Zambia on Africa Freedom Day, the president hosted an investiture ceremony honoring distinguished service by his citizens. This ceremony was unique in that the Medal of Gallantry that is typically awarded only to Zambians was presented to a U.S. Air Force colonel. 

Colonel Andrews' selfless act to save two Zambian women was not only brave, but also showed his heart and character, the president said.

"I'm very humbled by his Excellence, President Banda, and honored that the people of Zambia are presenting me with this award," Colonel Andrews said. "This is something that I'll remember for the rest of my life, and Zambia will always be first in my heart. ... Zambia, these are my people."

While Colonel Andrews was presented with a significant honor, he said he was simply being an Airman.

"Being in the military, that is our job: to serve our country and to serve fellow man," he said. "That is what I do: serve and protect others."