Egress Airmen save family Published June 20, 2005 By 2nd Lt. David Tomiyama 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- On what should have been a peaceful, relaxing day off, Airmen here found themselves busy rescuing a family from a water disaster.During a kayaking trip, Airmen 1st Class Todd Branthoover, Erik Main and Walter Lewis, and Senior Airman Mark Medonis, all of the 33rd Maintenance Squadron’s egress shop, saved a family swimming in a creek in nearby Niceville. The Airmen were resting on a dock in a swimming area when some children told them a family was drowning and asked the Airmen if they could help. “We could hear the kids crying up the stream,” Airman Branthoover said.Airmen Branthoover and Lewis were the first to arrive on the scene in their kayak. They found the family trapped by the river’s current pushing them against a fallen tree. The mother, father and a cousin were in the water while three younger children were perched on a branch, Airman Branthoover said.Airman Branthoover swam to the family, giving them life preservers. With Airman Branthoover in the water, Airman Lewis said he got the mother and one of the children aboard the kayak and paddled them to safety.Airmen Main and Medonis arrived shortly thereafter and got the other two frightened children down from the trees and aboard their kayak. “The kids didn’t want to come off the trees,” Airman Main said.With the mother and children safe and secure, the father and cousin swam to shore. The family said the whole experience left them drained but appreciative of the quick-thinking Airmen.