I participated in my first Angel Flight the other day. I really prefer not to be involved with another one. It is hard not to cry in public. The Angel Flight is the name of the flight to take one of our fallen heroes home. A few nights ago, some of our Special Forces guys were on a mission. They took casualties. 3 of them had wounds which needed attention and surgery. Basically, they will eventually heal up and do alright. Unfortunately, one of their buddies was badly hurt. He essentially came in already expired, but we worked on him doing whatever we could, but to no avail. Usually, within 24 hrs if the weather permits, the body is flown out to the home base. They bring the body out in its’ temporary casket, with a flag draped over it. All the troops form a line on each side of the path leading from the ambulance to the plane. The casket is carried by the members of his platoon from the ambulance to the back of the plane with every soldier in full salute. Once it is in the plane the unit, one by one boards the plane to say their good-byes. Some of the docs were there because the other 3 wounded guys wanted to say their good-byes, so we escorted them out. We brought them out in another ambulance and rolled them in their wheelchairs to the line. One guy held his shot up arm in the salute position for the whole procession. I don’t know how he did it, but he wasn’t about to put his arm down until the order was given. Less than 24 hrs earlier, we took an AK 47 round out of that arm. That unit is scheduled to go home in a week. I know it hit everyone pretty hard, including me.
Things have definitely gotten busier. I hear reports that Mosul has become one of the last strong holds of the insurgents, so the Army is stepping up things to clean it up. Unfortunately, that will probably keep us busy.
More attacks have been aimed at the Iraqis and less to the Americans. The Iraqis are softer, easier targets. Also, when they hit American targets, we tend to more often finish completely what the insurgents started. The Iraqis have improved, but don’t always finish the job.
Hopefully home in a few weeks.
Tom
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4 comments:
I'm glad you were able to help 3 of the soldiers, they're lucky to have you there (along with all the other medical staff). Wish you were here this weekend with mom for our White Coat Ceremony. We'll take pictures!
I know that experience must be tough.I hope you guys don't get to busy. Everyone including the pt's are anxious for you to come home. Stay safe and hope to see you soon!!
Selina
Tom, You inspire me so much! I can only imagine how hard and how moving it had to be involved in the Angel Flight. And I'm not sure which touched me more. Knowing how much you're doing to help and giving it probably more than you ever thought you had. Or knowing that while you're doing all of that, you miss family things at home that some many others take for granted. When things get tough here for me, I just read your blog and become inspired. It makes all my worries and concerns so much more managable and less difficult to get through. I truly can't wait until your back home safe & sound. I don't think I could ever be more proud of anyone as much as I am of you right now. Keep up the wonderful work!
Sue
Sue, Kristin, and Selina,
Thanks for your comments and support. They say No man has ever been successful without a good woman or women behind him (or frequently in front of him). Thanks for all that you do.
Tom
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