Photo By Senior Airman Kylie Barrow | Senior Airman Stevi Brewster, 20th Attack Squadron remotely piloted sensor operator,...... read more read more
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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – “I personally feel like anyone would get out and do what I did,” said Senior Airman Stevi Brewster, a sensor operator assigned to the 20th Attack Squadron. “I play a lot of what-ifs in my mind, but you can’t question God, and He put me there at the right time.”
On November 18, 2023, while Brewster was home on leave in Texas, a night meant for celebration turned into a harrowing scene of urgency and heroism. Just after attending her best friend’s wedding, Brewster was driving down a dimly lit road toward her father’s house when she heard the sound of screams piercing through the night.
Brewster proceeded to stop her car and investigate where the screams were coming from when she spotted a truck crashed into a tree, made worse by the sight of two young boys severely injured.
“Save him first, he’s closer!” one boy yelled, desperately urging her to save the other boy who was closer to the flames from the vehicle.
Brewster swiftly assessed the situation. The immediate cries of the boys revealed the severity of their wounds. One boy had severe injuries, his femur protruding through his skin, while the other complained of painful wrists — injuries suffered during the impact. Realizing they were unable to assist themselves, Brewster acted quickly. She dragged them each to safety, one by one, just as the fuel tank exploded.
Once the boys were out of immediate danger, she called her dad for help. With his assistance, they moved the boys farther down the road as the fire began to escalate, tires exploding around them. In the moments that followed, as they awaited the police and medical personnel, Brewster kept the boys engaged, asking them questions to keep them conscious and alert. Thankfully, one of the boys had his phone, and they were able to contact his parents, providing them with crucial updates about their sons’ conditions.
Once the ambulance arrived, she climbed aboard with the boys, offering prayers for their recovery before they were transported to the nearest hospital and then airlifted to a children’s hospital for surgery.
Fortunately, both boys have made remarkable recoveries. The twelve-year-old endured significant injuries, including the loss of 7 cm of his femur. He began walking again in January of 2024. The other boy suffered a less severe compound fracture with broken toes and healed significantly faster.
“I was in the office when we got a phone call from the state troopers about Senior Airman Brewster.,” said Master Sgt. Michael Woodard, 20th ATKS mission support superintendent. “We weren't surprised that she would do something like that, that she would do the right thing. We were proud of her.”
Woodard also praised Brewster for her positivity, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field, noting how she continues to push through challenges with resilience and an unwavering desire to help others.
Reflecting on what compelled her to act during such a critical moment, Brewster recounted her journey to the Air Force, in which she enlisted on July 6, 2021. Raised by a single father, she sought purpose and independence, preferring service over traditional paths like college, marriage or kids.
Currently assigned to the 20th ATKS, her career has taken her to Whiteman Air Force Base, though she finds herself contemplating her future — whether to continue in the military or to pave a new path.
Amid her thoughts, Brewster remains grounded by her faith, believing that her presence at the accident was part of a divine plan. “My faith is the only thing that got me through that process,” she said. “Even just driving home after that was nerve-racking, but you have to let go and let God.”
On June 14, 2024, Brewster was recognized, along with many others, by the Texas Department of Safety for her heroic actions and was awarded the Directors Award.
“DPS would like to say thank you to some DPS personnel and members of the public for their unwavering commitment to public safety, exceptional courage or a relentless pursuit of excellence.” said the Texas Department of Safety. “What they all have in common is that each of these award recipients has demonstrated a resolve in making Texas a better place to call home.”
Stevi Brewster’s story is one of extraordinary courage and selflessness, and her courage and commitment to helping others reflect the very core values we aspire to embody as an Air Force.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2024 12:24 |
| Story ID: | 478939 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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