Visiting American Serviceman Rescues Two Zambian Women at Victoria Falls

The quick thinking and bravery of a visiting U.S. Air Force serviceman saved the lives of two Zambians, March 9, 2009. <br /> <br />Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Keith Andrews, who was part of a delegation visiting Zambia last week from the U.S. Air



By US AFRICOM Public Affairs U.S. Embassy, Zambia LUSAKA, Zambia Mar 26, 2009
The quick thinking and bravery of a visiting U.S. Air Force serviceman saved the lives of two Zambians, March 9, 2009. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Keith Andrews, who was part of a delegation visiting Zambia last week from the U.S. Air Force Air War College, jumped into the rapidly moving Zambezi River about 60 meters from the edge of Victoria Falls, in order to grab two young Zambian women who had inadvertently fallen into the river. Andrews was able hold onto the women, despite the fast current, and eventually pull them to safety. According to witnesses, one of the women was talking on a cell phone at the edge of the river. Another woman accidentally bumped her, causing both women to fall into the river. They were quickly carried downstream toward the falls. Andrews, who was downstream posing for a photograph, heard screams and immediately moved towards the women, who were holding onto each other, and grabbed one woman's wrist. Andrew suffered a slight ankle injury from the incident. "I was just doing what any one of my colleagues would have done in the same situation," said Andrews. A witness to the scene, U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Christian Watt, said, "Had he not acted with the speed that he did, I believe these women would have perished over the falls." The U.S. Air Force Air War College visit consisted of nearly two dozen U.S. military servicemen, who visited Zambian counterparts during their weeklong stay. The visit was hosted by the U.S. Mission. (Editor's note: U.S. Africa Command - AFRICOM -- coordinates U.S. military support to American diplomacy in African nations.)
More in Media Room
AFRICOM Commander Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Algerian Ministry of National Defense
Read more
What is a Combatant Command?
A Combatant Command is a military organization that coordinates and directs operations in a specific area of responsibility. The Department of Defense splits their efforts around the world by region, and each Combatant Command is responsible for military operations in its assigned area.
Read more
US Defense Officials Conclude Visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire
U.S. defense officials have concluded a successful visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, focused on reinforcing defense and security cooperation with our key partners in Coastal West Africa. The delegation, led by Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Maureen Farrell, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, engaged in high-level discussions with senior defense leaders in both nations to enhance regional stability and address critical security challenges.
Read more
More in Media Room
AFRICOM Commander Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Algerian Ministry of National Defense
Read more
What is a Combatant Command?
A Combatant Command is a military organization that coordinates and directs operations in a specific area of responsibility. The Department of Defense splits their efforts around the world by region, and each Combatant Command is responsible for military operations in its assigned area.
Read more
US Defense Officials Conclude Visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire
U.S. defense officials have concluded a successful visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, focused on reinforcing defense and security cooperation with our key partners in Coastal West Africa. The delegation, led by Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Maureen Farrell, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, engaged in high-level discussions with senior defense leaders in both nations to enhance regional stability and address critical security challenges.
Read more
More in Media Room
AFRICOM Commander Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Algerian Ministry of National Defense
Read more
What is a Combatant Command?
A Combatant Command is a military organization that coordinates and directs operations in a specific area of responsibility. The Department of Defense splits their efforts around the world by region, and each Combatant Command is responsible for military operations in its assigned area.
Read more
US Defense Officials Conclude Visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire
U.S. defense officials have concluded a successful visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, focused on reinforcing defense and security cooperation with our key partners in Coastal West Africa. The delegation, led by Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Maureen Farrell, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, engaged in high-level discussions with senior defense leaders in both nations to enhance regional stability and address critical security challenges.
Read more