Osan colonel receives presidential honors in Zambia

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda McCarty
  • U.S. AFRICOM Public Affairs
LUSAKA, Zambia --  U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Andrews was awarded the President's Medal of Gallantry during an Africa Freedom Day ceremony in Lusaka, Zambia, May 25 for his act of heroism saving two young Zambian women from likely death in the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls, Zambia.

Zambian President Rupiah Banda presented the award to 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.

Andrews' life-saving actions took place about a year earlier on March 8, 2009. He was visiting Zambia as part of a regional studies program with the Air Force's Air War College at Maxwell, Alabama. As an African-American and Africa region analyst, Andrews was intrigued and interested in learning more about southern Africa as well the continent of his ancestors. After classroom studies, 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.

Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is about 10 times the size of Niagara Falls and was particularly powerful at that time of year, with the Zambezi River that feeds it with high water levels.

While walking along the river, just before the falls, Andrews spotted a beautiful scenic area where a rock leaned out over the water and he stopped to have his photo taken. Just as he stood for the photo, Andrews heard splashes and screaming. He immediately turned to find two of three women that 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 of the falls that drop more than 300 feet, and without thinking about putting his own life in danger, jumped down over a ledge and got on his knees in the river. The current was very strong and the girls were struggling to find something to hold on to, he said.

"As she 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. 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 rested as his classmates helped the victims over the ledge away from the water. The women were upset and embarrassed for having been carelessly standing so close to the river's edge, Andrews recalled, but they were unharmed thanks to their rescuer.

He returned to the states and continued on with his life, never imagining 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 of his citizens. This ceremony was unique in that the President's Medal of Gallantry that is typically awarded only to Zambians was presented to a U.S. Air Force colonel. His selfless act to save two Zambian women was not only brave, but showed his heart and character, said the president.

With what all started with an interest in Africa, Andrews not only ended up studying its countries and exploring his heritage, but also becoming a hero and forming a bond with the people of Zambia.

"I'm very humbled by his Excellence President Banda and honored that the people of Zambia are presenting me with this award. 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."

Andrews, a father and grandfather, credits his paternal instincts and God for aiding him in the rescue.

Although Andrews was presented with a significant honor, he didn't act as though his actions were as heroic as others thought; he was simply being an Airman.

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

Andrews is the Chief of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, 607th Air and Space Operations Center at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.