[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 110 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. ROBERT DREWES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2000

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
American and proud Californian, Dr. Robert Drewes, in recognition of 
his extraordinary courage in saving the life of Abby Csaplar.
  In April, 2000, Dr. Robert Drewes was leading a 24 member California 
Academy of Sciences trip to Africa. One stop on the trip was the 360-
foot high Victoria Falls where the accident occurred. Abby Csaplar was 
attempting to take a photograph of the Falls when she slipped on a rock 
and fell over the edge. She grabbed onto a bush, which prevented her 
immediate death and stopped her fall.
  Dr. Robert Drewes instantly dropped his pack and climbed down the 
side of the cliff in order to assist Abby Csaplar. Once he reached her, 
he supported her weight and helped her sit on a small six-inch ledge 
until help arrived. Victoria Falls park rangers brought a rope that was 
first secured to Abby Csaplar and then Dr. Robert Drewes, pulling them 
to safety. Dr. Robert Drewes acted selflessly and with great courage, 
reacting in a moment with extreme courage and saving the life of 
another individual.
  It is fitting that Dr. Drewes is being honored for this extraordinary 
act of bravery, and I ask my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in 
honoring this great and good man. We are indeed a better county, a 
better Country and a better people because of him.

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