(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — In March, a U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet was able to thank the woman who saved his life, after she witnessed his parachute malfunction during training and immediately jumped into action, providing medical assistance that would ultimately mean the difference between life and death.
According to USAFA, on July 31, 2023, registered nurse and military spouse Alicia Shamblin was driving home when the unthinkable happened–as she watched cadets participating in freefall training, Shamblin witnessed a cadet’s parachute malfunction.
“My initial instinct was a maternal one. I am the mother of a cadet and when I spotted the parachute malfunction, my first thought was that cadet is someone’s son or daughter,” said Shamblin.
Realizing the severity of the situation, USAFA said Shamblin quickly pulled her car over, rushed down a rocky slope, and reached the railroad tracks where Cadet 3rd Class Boaz Abramoff was about to land. Upon impact, Shamblin stabilized him, cleared his airway, and ensured his safety until emergency medical crews arrived.
The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing recognized Mrs. Alicia Shamblin for her extraordinary actions that saved the life of a cadet during an award ceremony at Polaris Hall, March 31, 2025. Shamblin, a registered nurse and military spouse, was recognized for her swift response and medical expertise when she witnessed a parachuting accident on July 31, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith)
“[Cadet Abramoff] is a walking miracle. If you spend a few minutes with him, you will quickly realize what an incredible young man he is. The Academy is a better place with him in it. I am thankful to have played a small part in his story,” Shamblin said.
Medical professionals later confirmed that Cadet Abramoff would not have survived the accident without Shamblin’s decisive intervention.
Mrs. Alicia Shamblin, a registered nurse and military spouse, embraces Cadet 3rd Class Boaz Abramoff during an award ceremony at Polaris Hall, March 31, 2025. Shamblin was recognized for her swift response and medical expertise that saved Abramoff’s life following a parachuting accident on July 31, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith)
“Many people have celebrated my recovery, but no one knew about the nurse who made it possible. Mrs. Shamblin is the reason I had a chance to fight my way back,” said Abramoff.
During an award ceremony on March 31 at the Academy’s Polaris Hall, Abramoff got the chance to thank Shamblin for her compassion, bravery, and heroism, because without it, he would not be alive today to serve his country.
The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing recognized Mrs. Alicia Shamblin for her extraordinary actions that saved the life of a cadet during an award ceremony at Polaris Hall, March 31, 2025. Shamblin, a registered nurse and military spouse, was recognized for her swift response and medical expertise when she witnessed a parachuting accident on July 31, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith)
“Since the accident, everything I’ve done has been because of her, and everything I will do for the rest of my life will be because of her. I hope to serve my country, help others, and build a future, but none of that would be possible without her,” said Abramoff. “I can never thank her enough. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Mrs. Shamblin.”
