in Trouble

Upson County soldier recognized

for act of heroism

A Thomaston soldier has been recognized for going beyond his call of duty.

Lance Cpl. Thomas R. Sewell, an Enlisted Bachelor Housing Management Assistant, Base Operations, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, and his wife were enjoying a hot day swimming in the Flint River. Then Sewell saw two young women near the opposite side of the river who seemed to be in trouble.

One of the women, Krystal Aday of Camilla, had stepped off of a shelf into the deeper part of the river when the current started to sweep her away, carrying her deeper, into an even stronger current. Sewell later reported that she said she could not swim.

Sewell saw what was occurring and ran into the river, swimming to the far side. “She started yelling for help so I took off swimming as fast as I could,” Sewell said.

The young women were about 70 yards away on the other side of the river, Sewell explained.

According to Sewell, the river was too deep and the current so swift, they couldn't make it back to their the side of the river. He swam towards them and when close yelled, “Are you ok? Can you make it?”

“She said she didn't know,” Sewell explained. “She was having a rough time staying above water.”

Sewell told Aday he would assist her, wrapped his arm around her and brought her back to shore.

“I was checking on her friend all the time because she was right behind her,” Sewell said. He noted that the other girl was having a rough time but could swim a bit and made it back to shore.

“When someone needs help, I'm going to help them,” Sewell said. He admitted that the current was much stronger than he thought. In answer to why he would risk his life for strangers he explained, “They needed my help.”

Aday said there was no doubt “He saved my life.” She noted that she was very afraid because of the strength of the current.