Fred McGhee: Where Do We Find Such Men?

The answer to that question, more often than not, is “in the military.” Or at least from the military.

A tearful and thankful Drew Elam thanks Fred McGhee for saving his life

Last Thursday afternoon, 44-year old Drew Elam from Liberty Missouri, collapsed on the Congress Ave. Bridge here in Austin, suffering from a heart attack due to blockage from a blood clot in one of his arteries.

Luckily for Mr. Elam, Fred McGhee was driving across the bridge and saw Elam laying on his back. Mr. Elam did what most would hope they would do, too — he stopped his car and saved Mr. Elam’s life by alerting EMS and starting CPR. Moment later Austin Police Officer Kevin Kelly stopped and used an automated external defibrillator on Elam.

Yesterday, a very much alive, tearful, and very thankful Drew Elam met his life savers in an emotional news conference where the Show Me State native announced that he’s “a Texan now.” At least an honorary Texan…

Anyhow…when I first heard about this story last week, I told my wife, I’ll be Fred McGhee was in the military. Where everyone is taught combat first aid and CPR at a minimum. And where men are taught to walk towards danger and to the aid of those who need it.

And, sure enough, it turns out that Mr. McGhee was a former Navy diver:

On Tuesday, in pajama pants and hospital-issued socks, Elam dabbed his eyes and thanked the responders and hospital staff for his second shot at life. Elam’s father had died of a heart attack at 52.

“This is literally my new birthday,” said Elam, who flies back home to Liberty, Mo., today . “Thank you all.”

When McGhee walked in the room before the news conference, Elam hugged him, and the two talked about visiting and having dinner at each other’s homes.

“You’re my new best friend,” Elam told the former Navy diver. “You are truly a lifesaver. Don’t be so humble.”

A big hearty Hoo-rah! and a sharp salute of respect from this old Veteran to you, Mr. McGhee. And thanks.