Academy recognizes military spouse for heroic life-saving actions
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)
By Mackenzie Mendez
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Academy recognized Mrs. Alicia Shamblin for her extraordinary actions that saved the life of a cadet during an award ceremony, March 31.
Shamblin, a registered nurse and military spouse, was recognized for her swift response and medical expertise when she witnessed a parachuting accident while driving home on July 31, 2023.
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)
As she observed cadets participating in Airmanship 490, the Academy’s basic freefall parachuting course, Shamblin immediately recognized a malfunction in one cadet’s parachute. Realizing the severity of the situation, she quickly pulled over, rushed down a rocky slope and reached the railroad tracks where the cadet was about to land. Upon impact, she stabilized him, cleared his airway, and ensured his safety until emergency medical personnel arrived. Medical professionals later confirmed that the cadet would not have survived without her decisive intervention.
“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. “[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.”
Cadet 3rd Class Boaz Abramoff, the cadet whose life was saved that day, spoke about the profound impact Shamblin’s actions have had on him.
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)
“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. “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. I can never thank her enough. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Mrs. Shamblin.”
The Academy’s leadership emphasized the significance of recognizing individuals like Shamblin, who embody the values of selflessness, courage, and service. Her actions ensured that a future Air Force officer was given another chance—not only to recover but to continue pursuing his commitment to serve.
The March 31 ceremony served as a moment for the Academy community to acknowledge Shamblin’s heroism and the life-changing difference one person can make in a moment of crisis.