THE  DUSTOFFER

The DUSTOFF Association Newsletter Spring/Summer 2017

In this issue:

DUSTOFF Association Launches

Major Capital Fund Raising
Campaign
page 4
bc
2017 DUSTOFF Hall of Fame
Nominee and Ballot
pages 25-27

Conceptual plan of proposed DUSTOFF Memorial site on Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.

Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 1

 President’s Message
G
reetings, fellow DUSTOFFers and friends. I hope this not only protecting the UH-1 DUSTOFF memorial at Fort
note finds you well, and you are just as excited as I am Sam Houston from further deterioration, but also improving
to hear the news about our 2018 reunion being back upon this memorial in a way that truly reflects the respect
in San Antonio AND during Cinco-de-Mayo weekend. Please and honor we owe to those brave DUSTOFF crewmembers
mark your calendars, make reservations early, and come join who died during the performance of life-saving DUSTOFF
us for the comradery and festivities. For those who couldn’t missions. Much of the initial ground work for this project
make it to this year’s reunion, you missed a great one. I fully is already complete, as Dan and Herb Coley have secured
expect our next one to be another home run. architectural plans, estimates, and gained approval from the
Aside from planning and running the reunions, the CG to proceed with any additional efforts necessary to see
DUSTOFF store, the DUSTOFF booth at AAAA, making the project through to completion.
numerous trips to welcome home DUSTOFF units, and many So how can you and I help? First, read the full details
other things, Dan Gower continues to lead this Association about this project later in the newsletter, so all of us can help
virtually single-handedly. I’m sure most of you would agree spread the word about it and help bring in additional dona-
with me in saying that each of us, as well as this Association, tions. Second, if you are willing to serve the Association and
is forever indebted to him for his service and leadership. lend a hand to those working this project, send Dan an email
With that said, I believe the time has come for many of and let him know. He may not have an immediate need for
us to step up and lend a hand to Dan in one of the largest help just yet, but he may at some point soon. It would benefit
endeavors ever initiated by our Association. This endeavor him greatly to already have a list of potential volunteers.
began several years ago and encompasses a project aimed at Last, if you, or someone you know, are potentially willing
to donate any amount toward this project, it would certainly
be appreciated.
In closing, I’d like to thank all of you who supported
DUSTOFF Association the Hall of Fame nomination and voting process this year.
Executive Council Additional thanks go to all the current command teams
who spent the time nominating their Soldiers for our annual
President: DUSTOFF awards program. Every nomination submitted
Mike Pouncey............. pounceym@[Link] this year deserved recognition, and it was difficult to vote for
only one in each category. For both our award winners and
Executive Director:
Dan Gower.................. executivedirector@[Link] those who were nominated, I’d like to congratulate each of
you and thank you all for continuing the legacy of DUSTOFF
Vice President: and what it truly stands for.
Chris Irwin.................. bestmedic_2004@[Link] I look forward to seeing you all next May at our reunion
Treasurer: and hope you all have a safe and enjoyable summer. To those
Dan Gower.................. treasurer@[Link] of you currently deployed, know that we fellow DUSTOFFers
keep you in our thoughts and prayers daily and look forward
Secretary: to your safe return home.
Jeff Mankoff................ jeffmankoff@[Link]
Historian: DUSTOFF!
Patrick Zenk................ historian@[Link] Mike Pouncey
President, DUSTOFF Association
Social Media:
Christopher Wingate... mcwingate@[Link]
DUSTOFFer Editor:
Jim Truscott................. jtrus5@[Link]
Web Site: [Link]
Ronald Huether........... ron@[Link]

uuuuu
DUSTOFFer layout & design
Susan Gower..................................... rockgower@[Link]

Printing
The Sorceror’s apPRINTice

PAGE 2 The DUSTOFFer

 Handing Off the Controls

I
DUSTOFF Team, entire MEPD Team, and our key strategic partners, so this
wanted to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for will be a smooth transition. I know you will all give COL
your unwavering support to our community. I consider Ortiz your steadfast support and feedback, as he assumes
it my highest honor to represent you, while serving as the controls and serves as your lead advocate.
the Aeromedical Consultant since 2014. I don’t need to remind any of you that our mission re-
The Surgeon General recently selected COL Ricky Ortiz mains the most noble of all. Never forget the proud legacy
to serve as our new Consultant. As most of you know, he you represent and those who came before us, who fulfilled
is the best of our best, and he will continue to advocate ag- MAJ Charles Kelly’s legacy. Bottom line, STAY DUSTOFF!
gressively for our people, our mission, and our incredible May God continue to bless you, our deployed teammates,
future. There is no one more qualified to lead us to the next our incredible Soldiers, Families, and our great Nation.
level. He is completely integrated with COL Breslin, our
“When I have your Wounded” — DUSTOFF!
COL Rob Howe

Robert F. Howe
DUSTOFF Association COL, MS, USA
Past Presidents Commanding
Chuck Mateer (1980–81)................ deceased 47th Combat Support Hospital
John Hosley (1981–82)................... mjohnhosley@[Link]
Byron Howlett (1982–83)............... deceased
Ed Taylor (1983–84)....................... eddotaylor@[Link]
Thomas Scofield (1984–85)............ tcscofield@[Link]
Joseph Madrano (1985–86)............ deceased The Huey Pilot
Jim Ritchie (1986–87)
Donald Conkright (1987–88).......... dconkright@[Link] Casually he walks to the slick,
Roy Hancock (1988–89) A helmet with dark visor in his hand.
Glen Melton (1989–90).................. deceased Stepping from the skid into the cockpit,
Gerald Nolan (1990–91)................. gerrynolan@[Link] The switches and dials at his command.
Jim Truscott (1991–92)................... jtrus5@[Link]
Roger Opio (1992–93)
He may be tired from many runs,
Ed Bradshaw (1993–94)................. edwardb421@[Link]
It seems he lives under this plexidome,
Robert Romines (1994–96)............ deceased
Daniel Gower (1996–97)................ aggiedustoff@[Link]
But with the stick between his legs
Charlie Webb (1997–98)................. dustoff6@[Link] And the pedals at his feet, he feels once again at
Herb Coley (1998–99).................... hscoley@[Link] home.
Merle Snyder (1999–2000)............. mndsnyder@[Link]
Gregg Griffin (2000–01)................. lonestar06@[Link] He fires up that turbine as the pre-flight is performed.
Jeff Mankoff (2001–02).................. jeffmankoff@[Link] The Jesus nut begins to turn,
Ken Crook (2002–03)..................... kcrook@[Link] That machine begins to rock
Art Hapner (2003–04).................... hapnera@[Link] And now starts that steady “Whop,”
Ernie Sylvester (2004–05) ............. deceased
And air begins to churn.
Garry Atkins (2005–06).................. garrylynatkins@[Link]
Doug Moore (2006–07).................. Dmoore78@[Link]
Timothy Burke (2007–08).............. tburke_76@[Link]
As those massive blades begin to claw the air, he
Robert Mitchell (2008–10)............. robert.d.mitchell172@[Link] Skillfully lifts his baby off the ground.
Bryant Harp (2010–11)................... medevac01@[Link] The tail begins to rise, and the front seems to follow,
Scott Drennon (2011-12)................ wsdrennon@[Link] But no better pilot will be found.
Johnny West (2012-14)................... jlw_52@[Link]
Jonathan Fristoe.............................. jonfristoe@[Link] I never saw his face,
Brian Almquist................................ balmquist@[Link] I never knew his name,
Ben Knisely.................................... airdanceone@[Link] But I’ll never forget the day the Huey Pilot came.

Founder With surgical precision he causes that Huey to hover,

Tom “Egor” Johnson......................... deceased Dip and dance behind a hill, then he routinely skims
the
Members at Large Tops of trees, rising only to have his Door Gunner
Chris Wingate..................................mcwingate@[Link]
make
Hank Tuell.......................................hanktuell@[Link]
Another kill.
Ricky Ortiz......................................[Link]@[Link]
Rob Howe........................................[Link]@[Link]
Taylor Pearce...................................tpearce95@[Link]
Pilot, continued on page 26.
Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 3
 DUSTOFF Association Launches Major Capital
Fund Raising Campaign

I
n 1973, MG Spurgeon Neel and DUSTOFF Association. At the cer- The DUSTOFF Association Execu-
then LTC Patrick Brady (now emony, the entire plaza surrounding tive Council explored upgrades to the
MG Retired) dedicated a UH-1 the helicopter was dedicated as the MG site and protection measures for this
helicopter as a memorial to the 213 Spurgeon Neel DUSTOFF Plaza. memorial helicopter in 2015-16, and
DUSTOFF Crewmembers who died Despite the paint jobs on the air- presented conceptual plans and early
during the Vietnam War while flying to craft, the airframe deteriorated due to engineering estimates to the member-
save lives on the battlefield. That heli- corrosion. In December 2007, the rear ship at the 2016 Annual Reunion.
copter stood on the plaza between the strut collapsed due to high winds and During the following year, it was
Army Medical Department Center and corrosion of the cross tube and reten- hoped that the AMEDD C&S might
School campus and the (then) Health take on the construction of a suitable
Services Command Headquarters on cover for the aircraft and begin the
Fort Sam Houston. The new memorial is to process of budgeting for that project.
In the ensuing years, the helicopter honor those 261 DUSTOFF This did not happen.
remained in that spot, serving as a vis- Crewmembers who gave The DUSTOFF Association mem-
ible symbol of the ultimate sacrifice of bership voted at the Annual Mem-
those brave men (no female DUSTOF- their lives while saving bership Meeting at the 2017 Annual
Fers were killed during the Vietnam others. Reunion to take on this project and
War). The Texas weather took its toll raise the funds necessary to construct
on that airframe, despite at least two tion straps. The aircraft was repaired, a suitable structure on the site, as well
repainting jobs. but access to it was limited as a caution, as installation of a first-class memorial
In 1998, the DUSTOFF Association avoiding injury to onlookers and visi- not only to our Vietnam War KIAs, but
teamed up with MG James Peake, then tors to the site. also all other DUSTOFF Crewmembers
commander of the AMEDD Center and In 2010, the existing helicopter was who perished in the conduct of life-
School, to upgrade the site. Improve- traded with a newly refurbished UH-1 saving missions, both in peace and
ments included an elevated pad, a new helicopter through an “intra-Army during combat operations.
sidewalk connecting the C&S and the Museum trade” between the AMEDD The new memorial is to honor those
building that now housed the Army Museum and the Army Aviation Mu- 261 DUSTOFF Crewmembers who
Medical Command, and a reflection seum. That aircraft was in place on gave their lives while saving others.
area under the tailboom of the airframe. July 1, 2010. To date, no further paint- Additional space will offer room for the
Two monuments with bronze ing, maintenance, or protection of the unfortunate need to appropriately rec-
plaques and landscaping were pro- aircraft from the elements of Texas
vided by donations collected by the weather has been accomplished. DUSTOFF, continued on page 5.

DUSTOFF Association Honors Soldier for Aid Under Fire

I
n October 2016, SFC Brian Miles CPL Boucher jumped into action, as and prepared the patient for a MEDE-
contacted the DUSTOFF Asso- the Eagle First Responder (EFR). He VAC. These actions are in keeping
ciation to inquire about honoring a provided lifesaving measures, while with the traditions and mission of the
Soldier who had performed life-saving preparing a 9-Line MEDEVAC. CPL DUSTOFF community.
actions under fire during a combat tour Boucher packaged the patient and pre- CPL Kyle Boucher, formerly of
in Afghanistan. The DUSTOFF As- pared for movement to the LZ. 1-327th, 1st BCT, 101st Airborne Di-
sociation responded with a DUSTOFF The LZ was under sustained and vision, is now a firefighter with West
Association Certificate of Appreciation accurate gunfire. The squad laid down Springfield, Massachusetts. At the cer-
and Association Coin for CPL Kyle suppressive fire to keep the enemy at emony on 22 December 2016, Mayor
Boucher’s actions. bay, so the DUSTOFF aircraft could William Reichelt and Fire Chief Wil-
CPL Kyle Boucher exemplified land. CPL Boucher and his Squad liam Flaherty made the award, along
himself as an Infantry man during loaded the patient on the aircraft with- with DUSTOFF Association member,
his combat tour in Afghanistan, May out sustaining any additional casualties. SFC Bryan Patrick Miles.
2010-April 2011. On one occasion, CPL Boucher demonstrated medi-
during an intense firefight, the Squad’s cal and tactical grit during an intense —DUSTOFFer—
only Medic sustained a significant engagement with a formidable enemy.
gunshot to the neck. Without hesitation He treated life-threatening injuries
PAGE 4 The DUSTOFFer
DUSTOFF, continued from page 4. this project possible and legal. Dona- seek major contributors to this effort,
ognize future DUSTOFF crewmembers tion of such large sums of money to all contributions are welcomed and
making the same sacrifice. the Federal Government for structures greatly appreciated. If you or someone
Early engineering estimates predict on Federal Installations will require you know would like to contribute to
a “first-look” cost of approximately the DUSTOFF Association to proffer this project, you can either fill out and
$1,200,000, of which approximately the project through the Secretary of mail in the attached form with your
$800,000 would be for the structure the Air Force and onward to the U.S. contribution, or visit the DUSTOFF
and $400,000 would be for the granite Congress for approval. Requirements Association Website ([Link])
Vietnam Wall-like memorial and sur- of the State of Texas Historical Society, to donate via PayPal. NOTE: You can
rounding viewing area. as well as the U. S. Air Force regula- use your credit card through PayPal
To aid in raising this money, the tions, must also be complied with. To without having to join PayPal itself.
DUSTOFF Association Executive that end, your Executive Director and Also, the contributions you make are
Council has contracted with Founda- Herb Coley, President of the AMEDD tax-deductible, since the DUSTOFF
tion Search and formed a fund-raising Museum Foundation, met with MG Association is a 501(c)19 tax-exempt/
committee to search out grants and Brian Lien and COL David Raugh (CG tax-deductible corporation, in accor-
philanthropic foundations that donate of the AMEDD C&S and Cdr., 502nd dance with IRS rules and regulations.
money for such projects. Membership Airbase Support Group, the installation
participation has already begun to bring commander) and garnered their support —DUSTOFFer—
in money for this major effort. and that of their staffs.
There is much work to do to make Although efforts are underway to

Conceptual Master Plan

DUSTOFF Memorial Plaza

Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 5

 Rendering of concept for stone Memorial Wall to commemorate killed in
action DUSTOFF Soldiers from all conflicts.

Aerial view of memorial site.

Donations
Name:__________________________________________________ Please make your check out to:
The DUSTOFF Association
Address:________________________________________________ Memorial Helicopter Fund

City:___________________________________________________ Mail the check to:

State:____________ Zip Code:____________ The DUSTOFF Association, Inc.

C/O COL (R) Dan Gower, Execu-
Email Address: __________________________________________ tive Director
116 Shady Cir.
Amount donated:____________________ Sunrise Beach, TX 78643-8901

As a Memorial as requested_________________________________ Or Click on the Link to PayPal.

PAGE 6 The DUSTOFFer
 My Red Cross Story: Steve Peth
Service is in His Nature: From Army DUSTOFF Pilot
to Decorated Veteran to Private Sector to Volunteer
by: Clarice Nassif Ransom, from American Red Cross in the National Capital Region Blog, Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Name: Steve Peth, LTC, U.S. Army, an available position in the Department ibility in mountainous or jungle terrain
Ret. of Rehabilitation. and during variable weather situations
Resides: Nokesville, VA “Number one, this is a military to rescue the wounded. They would
Career: 26 years, U.S. Army, retired; base,” said Peth. “Number two, it is a then provide medical care en-route
BDM International; 10 years hospital setting. And number three, this to a dedicated medical facility, which
Raytheon Corporation, retired is where we treat the President of the proved to be the difference between life
Years of Volunteer Service: 11 and United States, members of Congress, and death for the wounded. DUSTOFF
continuing at the Walter Reed crews were responsible for saving
National Military Medical Facility hundreds of thousands of lives during
“The helicopter I flew the Vietnam War and are the model for

S
teve Peth is a dedicated American donned the famous red modern-day rescue efforts in war-torn
Red Cross volunteer and group cross with a white back- areas.
leader serving the staff and pa- “During one of my rescue missions,
ground to signify that, I finally got shot myself and evacuated
tients at the Walter Reed National Mili-
tary Medical Center (Walter Reed) in under the Geneva Conven- from Vietnam to the United States to
Bethesda, Maryland. His calm-at-the- tion rules, we were not heal up,” said Peth, who went back to
helm, friendly, and humble demeanor Vietnam for a second tour of duty.
supposed to be a target “Years later, when I retired, first
makes Peth the affable leader people
love to be around and follow. of combat.” from the Army after 26 years of service,
At Walter Reed, the largest military followed by a 12-year career in the
medical facility in the nation, Peth co- and other dignitaries. So, security has private sector, it occurred to me that
ordinates 65-75 American Red Cross to be a high priority.” I might be a fairly decent volunteer at
volunteers who help support care to the Service to others is a lifelong pur- Walter Reed, having been wounded
ill, wounded, and injured service men, suit for Peth and is embedded in his myself during combat. I could offer
women, and their families in the De- nature. empathy to young service people that
partment of Rehabilitation. The Ameri- “My inspiration to volunteer for others may not because of my personal
can Red Cross is the sole organization the American Red Cross goes back experience being injured in combat.
allowed to provide volunteers onsite to my first assignment in the Army, I wanted to do something to give
at the prestigious medical facility. where I was assigned as an Army back to the military community with
After undergoing a military clearance medical evacuation pilot (known as my newly found spare time. I saw on
process, potential volunteers are then DUSTOFF) for 11 months in 1968/69 television what they were doing to help
interviewed by Peth and matched with during the Vietnam War,” said Peth, Story, continued on page 8.
now 71. “Evacuating people from the
battlefield remains the most rewarding
part of my career, and I was 22-years-
old at the time. The helicopter I flew
donned the famous red cross with white
background to signify that, under the
Geneva Convention rules, we were
not supposed to be a target of combat.”
DUSTOFF crew members are
among the most highly decorated
Soldiers in American history. During
the Vietnam War, they pioneered the
concept of dedicated and rapid medi-
cal evacuation during combat, using
unarmed helicopters designated with
the red cross to distinguish them from
other aerial vehicles. Many Vietnam
battles raged at night, and DUSTOFF
crews had to find landing amid poten-
Steve helps a military veteran with Steve, DUSTOFF Pilot
physical therapy. tially deadly combat with little vis-
in Vietnam War, 1968.

Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 7

Story, continued from page 7. Motivating people to do the things On January 9, Peth experienced a
amputees through physical therapy, they used to enjoy before their inju- significant heart attack in the middle
and I knew that this is what I wanted ries is a goal for therapists and where of the night. Most people with the
to do. So I joined the American Red volunteers can help. type of blockage he had do not
Cross and began serving in 2006 at “For example, we have three Red survive. Because he lives in a fairly
the former Walter Reed Army Medi- Cross volunteers who are hobbyists rural area, Peth knew he had to get
cal Center and then transitioned to the with small remote control aircraft,” to the hospital as soon as possible
new Walter Reed National Military said Peth. “Once a week, as part of and couldn’t wait for an ambulance
Medical Center. their occupational therapy, they teach to pick him up at home. He asked his
When Peth is not shepherding and assist patients to build models wife to drive him, and very quickly
volunteers, conducting intake in- and fly the aircraft. This is extremely they decided to stop at the nearest
terviews, and placing volunteers in encouraging for the patients. We fire station on the way to the hospital.
different roles, he serves as a general also use what is called assistive They called 911 to warn the fire
volunteer at the facility’s Military technology. We have a volunteer up department that Peth was on his way
Advanced Training Center’s physi- in New Jersey who develops game and that he was suffering from severe
cal and occupational therapy sec- controllers. He has created a design chest pain. Little did Peth know, there
tions, doing what he can to help staff so people with missing thumbs can were several fire stations along the
and spend time with patients. From use a game controller. He designs it way to the hospital, so the dispatcher
changing sheets, pillows, and towels, and sends it to us electronically, and alerted all fire stations in the area of
to moving patients back into their we produce it for our patients, using the situation, because they were un-
rooms, or helping patients with their a 3-D printer onsite. The patients clear where Peth would end up. Peth
exercises, Peth is making a difference love it.” stopped at the Prince William County
to everyone whose life he touches. Working with the amputees is Fire & Rescue Station 6 on Dumfries
“The patients and the staff are our also quite an awe-stirring experience Road near Manassas, Virginia.
customers, and we are there to serve for Peth. While they did not have an onsite
them,” said Peth. “The staff is very “I have worked with five ampu- ambulance, they had the equipment
appreciative of anything we can do tees who have lost all four limbs,” to start to save his life, like setting
to help them out. We have volunteers said Peth. “One in particular, the up an IV and giving him nitroglyc-
from all different backgrounds, from first person to lose all four limbs and erine. Peth knew from his medical
retired doctors and lawyers, to col- survive, had a tremendous motivation background as a DUSTOFF pilot,
lege and high school students, and to keep going, and that inspired me. I that the fire station staff was doing all
everyone in between.” would see him once a week. He liked the right things to save his life. When
Peth acknowledges that he gets a cars; I liked cars. One day, I saw him they were finished administering on-
lot of inspiration from volunteering, on 60 Minutes. He was talking about site medical help, an ambulance from
especially when people show their getting an arm transplant. I had never a nearby fire station was waiting and
appreciation. heard of such a treatment. I started off they went to the hospital, where he
“All the clinic chiefs, doctors, asking him all sorts of questions, such continued to successfully be treated.
nurses, therapists, and patients appre- as where is he going to get it done and After Peth was released from
ciate what we do,” said Peth. “When how long did he think he was going the hospital, he wanted to person-
someone appreciates my contribu- to be on a waiting list to get arms? He ally thank the people who saved his
tion, that makes me want to do more.” said, ‘I don’t know, Steve, but your life with their quick response and
Walter Reed serves a lot of young arms look pretty good.’ Boy, did we teamwork. So, on January 29, just 20
people with terrible injuries, from laugh. To have such a sense of humor days after his heart attack, Peth and
amputees to those who suffer from with everything he faced sparked me his wife attended a dinner at the fire
brain and neurological disorders. to keep going.” house where all those who helped
save his life from both fire stations
were present. He was able to thank
them in person for saving his life.
“Those of you serving as civil-
ian first responders should not take
GEN Creighton Abrams, your service and jobs for granted,”
Commander of MACV,
pins the Silver Star on
said Peth. “I told them they should
Steve, prior to being be proud of what they do. They save
evacuated to the U.S., lives, and nothing is more precious
1969. than that.”
Peth wants to continue his legacy
of serving, so he went back to volun-
teering at Walter Reed as soon as he

Story, continued on page 9.

PAGE 8 The DUSTOFFer

 A Special Breed of Soldier
by pdoggbiker, October 25, 2016

T
here was no more welcomed 35 minutes of being wounded. interchangeable between helicopters.
sound to a wounded Soldier in In April of 1962, the 57th Medical These crews saved many lives and were
Vietnam than the whop-whop- Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) universally respected by all the Soldiers
whop of the “dustoff Huey” coming to arrived in Vietnam with five UH-1 in the war.
get them out of hell. Anyone who has “Huey” helicopters. They took the Many transport helicopters and
ever flown in a Dustoff Huey will never call sign Dustoff. Over time the num- crews also landed under heavy fire to
forget that heavenly sound. ber of medevac detachments grew in rescue or medevac wounded Soldiers.
The Vietnam War posed a unique Vietnam, until the entire country had Unlike medevac choppers, slicks were
logistical challenge to the military coverage. Dustoff became the univer- armed aircraft and could return fire dur-
leaders. The war was fought in triple sal call sign for all medevac missions. ing the flight, but they weren’t outfitted
canopy jungle terrain and bad weather. A Dustoff crew consisted of four with medical supplies. Many of these
There were constant guerilla attacks, people: two pilots, a medic, and a pilots risked the lives of their crew and
and the front line changed from day crew chief. Usually, one pilot would flew through an onslaught of fire to
to day. Often vehicles traveling on fly the helicopter, while the other rescue wounded Soldiers and get them
the roads were subject to landmines, acted as the aircraft commander. The to hospitals. Some of these birds were
ambushes, and poor road conditions. commander would navigate, monitor so badly damaged they barely lifted off
Some of the areas, where heavy all the radio transmissions, talk to with survivors — others, not so lucky,
fighting took place, were so remote the unit requesting the medevac, and crashed into the LZ or en-route to the
there were no roads. All of these fac- would take over flying if the pilot hospital.
tors posed one major problem for the were injured. The medic kept the These crews were relentless, trading
military. How do they transport the helicopter stocked with the necessary in their battered birds for new Hueys,
wounded safely and in a timely man- medical supplies, and the crew chief then returning to collect more of the
ner to the aid stations and hospitals would maintain the helicopter in top wounded. Several chopper pilots were
for proper medical care? The Army’s working condition. They would both awarded the Medal of Honor (MOH)
medical branch decided to revisit an load the patients onto the helicopter, for their actions during these types of
idea that came about in the Korean and the medic would administer any evacuations. Two come to mind: Bruce
War — a helicopter ambulance corps. necessary medical treatment on the Crandall and Ed “Too Tall” Freeman
The idea was implemented with so way to the hospital, often with the for their actions during the Battle of
much success in Vietnam that in most help of the crew chief. The medic and the Ia Drang Valley.
cases a wounded Soldier would be in a crew chief would stay with a particu-
hospital receiving medical care within lar helicopter, while the pilots were Special, continued on page 10.

Story, continued from page 8. also commanded a variety of aviation Radars” that are being deployed today
could—within a few weeks after his and field artillery units. As an Army as part of a comprehensive missile
heart attack. helicopter pilot, he accumulated 3,600 defense system for the United States
“I am most proud of making a hours flight time with nearly half in Homeland, deployed troops, and
contribution that is appreciated and combat during his two tours of duty in friends and allies.
enhances the lives of the military, Vietnam. Peth’s decorations include: Peth joined the Raytheon Company
their families, and veterans, as well as the Silver Star, two awards of the Dis- in 1994, where he served initially as an
helping to earn a sterling reputation tinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal for Army Business Development Manager,
for the American Red Cross at Walter Valor, the Bronze Star and the Purple and later, Director in the Raytheon
Reed,” said Peth. “Also, I am a Vietnam Heart. Company Washington Operations. In
veteran. Vietnam veterans were not Peth retired from the Raytheon September 1999, he established the
necessarily appreciated by the public Company on August 1, 2004, as Vice Air and Missile Defense Directorate
as returning veterans are today. Regard- President of Air and Missile Defense in Raytheon’s Corporate Business De-
less of the way Vietnam Veterans were Programs, U.S. Business Development. velopment offices in Rosslyn, Virginia.
treated, I am passing along a legacy of He was responsible for a team of busi- Prior to joining Raytheon, he served as
treating everyone, especially veterans, ness development professionals provid- a Principal Staff Member for Strategic
with honor, dignity, and respect, the ing air and missile defense expertise for Systems Development in BDM Inter-
way Vietnam veterans should have Raytheon and interface with customers national.
been treated then and will continue to in the Department of Defense. “As you get older, you would like to
be treated by me now.” In 2006, Mr. Peth was awarded the do something that is appreciated within
Peth’s 26-year military career Missile Defense Agency Technology society and not necessarily getting a
includes enlisted, warrant, and com- Pioneer Award for his work on the paycheck to do it,” said Peth. “Being
missioned service. During that time, he missile defense “Family of X-Band a Red Cross volunteer fits the bill.” 

Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 9

 Special, continued from page 9.
What’s important to understand
is that the medevac pilots and crews
were a special breed. Their Hueys were
unarmed and were outfitted as a flying
ambulance. Normally, when medevac
left on a mission, two cobra helicopters
accompanied the Huey and provided
supporting fire in the event of a hot
LZ. On occasion, these pilots refused
to wait around for their escorts and
left by themselves to rescue wounded
Soldiers. Of all the chopper pilots per-
manently assigned to Medevac duty,
only two received the MOH during the
Vietnam War. These are their stories:

Michael Novosel
For conspicuous gallantry and
Brigadier General Edwin H. Simmons Collection – The Face of War– intrepidity in action at the risk of his
Corporal Larry R. Miklos, center, and an unidentified corpsman look life above and beyond the call of duty.
in horror as an enemy machine gun fires at the medevac helicopter CWO Novosel, 82d Medical De-
in which they are riding. tachment, distinguished himself while
serving as commander of a medical
evacuation helicopter. He unhesitat-
ingly maneuvered his helicopter into
a heavily fortified and defended en-
Ft. Rucker Remembrances Retired
emy training area, where a group of
Chief Warrant Officer Michael wounded Vietnamese Soldiers were
Novosel, Honored Veteran, pinned down by a large enemy force.
died 3 April 2006. Flying without gunship or other cover
and exposed to intense machine gun
fire, CWO Novosel was able to locate
and rescue a wounded Soldier.
Since all communications with
the beleaguered troops had been lost,
he repeatedly circled the battle area,
flying at low level under continuous
heavy fire, to attract the attention of the
scattered friendly troops. This display
of courage visibly raised their morale,
as they recognized this as a signal to
assemble for evacuation.
On six occasions he and his crew
were forced out of the battle area by the
intense enemy fire, only to circle and
return from another direction to land
and extract additional troops. Near the
end of the mission, a wounded Soldier
was spotted close to an enemy bunker.
CWO Novosel retired from Fully realizing that he would attract
the military in 1984 after 44 a hail of enemy fire, CWO Novosel
years. He is the author of nevertheless attempted the extraction
Dustoff: The Memoir of an by hovering the helicopter backward.
Army Aviator, which details As the man was pulled aboard, enemy
his military service.
automatic weapons opened fire at
Courtesy of Robert Lafoon close range, damaged the aircraft and
Special, continued on page 11.
PAGE 10 The DUSTOFFer
Special, continued from page 10.
wounded CWO Novosel. He momen-
tarily lost control of the aircraft, but
quickly recovered and departed under
the withering enemy fire.
In all, 15 extremely hazardous
extractions were performed in order
to remove wounded personnel. As a
direct result of his selfless conduct,
the lives of 29 Soldiers were saved.
The extraordinary heroism displayed
by CWO Novosel was an inspiration
to his comrades in arms and reflect
great credit on him, his unit, and the
U.S. Army.
Twenty-six years before receiving
the Medal of Honor for his actions in
Vietnam, Michael J. Novosel flew his
first combat mission as a U.S. Army
Air Corps B-29 pilot, during WW II.
When the Japanese surrendered aboard
the battle ship Missouri, he also piloted Courtesy of James Evans – Medevac helicopter in for landing
one of nearly 500 B-29s that flew over at 91st Evacuation Hospital Emergency Room.
the ceremony.
After the war, he commanded the
99th Bombardment Squadron until
its deactivation in 1947, after which
he became a B-29 test pilot at Eglin
AFB, Florida. Novosel left active duty
in 1949 and went into the Air Force
Reserve. When hostilities broke out
in Vietnam, LTC Novosel, then a pilot
for Southern Airways, wanted to return
to combat flying. However, due to an
overage of lieutenant colonels, the Air
Force was unable to accept him. Deter-
mined to do his part in Southeast Asia,
Novosel joined the Army as a Warrant
Officer and began flying helicopters.

Patrick Henry Brady

Major Patrick Henry Brady gradu- Courtesy of James Evans
ated in 1959 with a degree in psychol-
ogy and was commissioned a Second
Lieutenant in the Medical Service
Corps. After an initial assignment to
Berlin, he attended the Army Intel- MG Patrick Henry Brady in
ligence School. A background check 1989
uncovered some un-reported youthful
incarcerations, and Brady was expelled.
Fortunately, a slot for Brady was
found in the Army’s basic helicopter
school. Despite nearly washing out,
Captain Brady earned his wings in
December 1963.
In January 1964, Brady volunteered
for Vietnam and was assigned to the
Special, continued on page 12.
Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 11
 Special, continued from page 11.
57th Medical Detachment, Helicopter
Ambulance, led by Major Charles
Kelly. The unit’s call-sign was “Dust
Off,” a cry for help, and was the most
famous of all Vietnam call-signs.
Major Kelly was in a battle to
save Dust Off from ill advised Army
leadership, who wanted to use Kelly’s
helicopters for hauling “ash and trash,”
pinning portable red crosses onto heli-
copters only when needed for patient
evacuation.
Kelly was outraged and charged his
pilots to prove their worth by evacuat-
ing patients under conditions never
before attempted; at night, in weather,
and during the battle. Nothing was to
come between the crew and the patient.
Kelly became a legend, and Brady
began to develop survival flying tech-
Courtesy Douglas Pike niques for patient rescue in weather
and under fire.
On July 1, 1964, on a rescue mis-
sion, Major Kelly came under fire.
Friendlies screamed for him to get out.
Kelly’s last words, “When I have your
wounded,” were uttered as he took a
fatal round.
Despite efforts to change Dust
Off, Kelly’s dying words became the
standard and nothing more was heard
about portable red crosses. Thanks to
Kelly and his men, Dust Off would
rescue some 1 million souls in Vietnam,
setting unmatched lifesaving records.
Brady left Vietnam and was as-
signed to Fort Benning, Georgia, where
he continued to fly medevacs in the
antiquated H-19. In late summer 1967
Brady trained and outfitted the 54th
Dead Men Flying, Victory in Viet Medical Detachment for deployment
Nam, by Patrick Henry Brady, to Vietnam in August.
is a riveting tale from America’s The 54th was based at Chu Lai.
most decorated living Soldier. The war had intensified since Brady’s
Medal of Honor
first tour. Dust Off had gone from sup-
porting 16,000 troops to half a million.
Night, weather, and terrain were as
deadly as the communists.
Brady furthered his flying skills and
the 54th became specialists in combat
pickups at night, in weather, and under
fire, using techniques never before used
in combat.
On his second tour of duty in Viet-
nam, 1967-68, Brady, now a Major,
was second in command of the 54th

Special, continued on page 13.

PAGE 12 The DUSTOFFer
Monument Honoring Vietnam Helicopter Crews
Approved for Arlington Cemetery
by Charlsy Panzino, April 30, 2017

I
t’s been three years in the making, lengthy application process before the was moved by Hesselbein’s stories of
but helicopter crews who flew dur- end of 2014, but the cemetery’s advi- his own experiences during Vietnam,
ing the Vietnam War will have their sory committee was deadlocked 3-3 on including “stories of his friends and
own monument at Arlington National the proposal. The tiebreaker went to comrades who he still knows and those
Cemetery. The Vietnam Helicopter then-Army Secretary John McHugh, that he lost,” she said.
Pilots Association and Congress came who decided not to move forward with The Vietnam War was known as the
together for the Vietnam Helicopter the monument. “helicopter war” because the United
Crew Monument Act, directing the “The prime directive for the cem- States relied heavily on the aircraft to
Secretary of the Army to place a 2 1/2’ etery is to do everything it can not to transport troops and provide close-air
by 2 1/2’ monument at the cemetery in initiate an action that would displace an support. A monument that honors the
Virginia. It will be placed in Section 35 otherwise eligible veteran,” McHugh Vietnam-era helicopter crews is impor-
along Memorial Drive, not far from the told Time Magazine in 2016. “On a tant not only for family members who
Tomb of the Unknowns. very tough decision, that philosophy visit Arlington National Cemetery to
Retired Air Force LTC Bob Hes- and unwritten rule was the determin- see their loved ones, but also for those
selbein, who flew AH-1 Cobra gun- ing factor.” who aren’t directly impacted.
ships in Vietnam, helped spearhead the McHugh said the association could “It’s a teachable moment,” Baldwin
campaign for the memorial. In April donate the tree, as originally intended, said. “It gets people involved and gets
2014, Hesselbein, legacy committee but Hesselbein said just having the tree people to understand the story of the
chairman of the Pilots Association, marker didn’t give justice to those who helicopter pilots and crew members
and other members went to Arlington lost their lives. killed during the Vietnam War.” Hessel-
National Cemetery to discuss donating The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots bein said thousands of people contacted
a tree. Instead, one of the historians Association members sought action members of Congress to show their
suggested donating a monument. from Congress, and through publicity support for the monument, which the
“We discovered that the greatest and nationwide support from the com- Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
concentration of combat casualties who munity, the Vietnam Helicopter Crew is funding.
operated helicopters in the Vietnam Monument Act was passed in March. Hesselbein recognizes that the
War are in Arlington,” he told Military Senators Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and primary mission of the cemetery is to
Times on Thursday. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, introduced the provide grave space for American he-
The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots As- bipartisan legislation. Companion leg- roes who died, but the secondary mis-
sociation will donate this monument islation was introduced on the House sion is to be a national shrine. Tourists
to Arlington National Cemetery. The side by Rep. Mark Amodel, R-Nev.
Association members completed the Baldwin told the Army Times that she Monument, continued on page 16.

Special, continued from page 12. defended and to be blanketed by fog. four flights to this embattled landing
“To reach the site, he descended zone and successfully rescued all the
Medical Detachment. It was during this through heavy fog and smoke and wounded. On his third mission of the
second tour in Vietnam that Brady was hovered slowly along a valley trail, day Maj. Brady once again landed at
awarded the Medal of Honor. turning his ship sideward to blow away a site surrounded by the enemy. The
Brady flew over 2,000 combat mis- the fog with the backwash from his ro- friendly ground force, pinned down by
sions and evacuated more than 5,000 tor blades. Despite the unchallenged, enemy fire, had been unable to reach
wounded during his two tours of duty close-range enemy fire, he found the and secure the landing zone.
in South Vietnam. He never lost a crew- dangerously small site, where he suc- “Although his aircraft had been
man or a patient on any helicopter he cessfully landed and evacuated two badly damaged, and his controls par-
piloted. badly wounded South Vietnamese tially shot away during his initial entry
Citation: soldiers. into this area, he returned minutes later
“For conspicuous gallantry and in- “He was then called to another and rescued the remaining injured.
trepidity in action at the risk of his life area, completely covered by dense fog, “Shortly thereafter, obtaining a re-
above and beyond the call of duty, Maj. where American casualties lay only 50 placement aircraft, Maj. Brady was re-
BRADY distinguished himself while meters from the enemy. Two aircraft quested to land in an enemy minefield,
serving in the Republic of Vietnam had previously been shot down, and where a platoon of American Soldiers
commanding a UH-1H ambulance heli- others had made unsuccessful attempts was trapped. A mine detonated near his
copter, volunteered to rescue wounded to reach this site earlier in the day. helicopter, wounding two crew mem-
men from a site in enemy-held terri- “With unmatched skill and ex-
tory, which was reported to be heavily traordinary courage, Maj. Brady made Special, continued on page 15.
Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 13
 New Entries on the
Flight Manifest
Glenn Alexander William Grimshaw Alixandra Powers
Randolph Brooks Donald Hall Carl Prince
Travis Brown Trevor Joseph Jon Saphier
Ryan Burger Garrett Kuipers Clarence Schreiber
Lauren Connelly Ryan LaPlante Chris Silver
Michael Crivello Seth Lockard Tyler Smith
Chad Cuomo Douglas Mason Julia Stalker
Mark Dickey Christopher Miller Charlie Thompson
Holly Dozier Jason Montgomery Stephen Trala
Michael Faulk Jeffrey Nelson Bruce Vernal
Joseph Fording Greg Nemetz Glenn Whiting
J. Christopher Gabell Richard Pindel Robert Wilson
Cheryl Ann Ginn Carl Piper David Woods

Financial Report
May 1, 2016, through April 30, 2017
INCOME
Interest Income $ 5.22
DUES 3,800.00
Donations 1,568.00
REUNION 2017 32,455.41
SALES - MEMORABILIA/EMAIL 8,558.85
----------
Total Income $46,387.48
----------
Interest Income includes interest earned at the Bank of America Bank Checking account for all accounts, including sav-
ings and our Certificate of Deposit.
EXPENSE
MEMORIAL EXPENSES $ 1,208.90
NEWSLETTER PUBLISHING 3,220.36
OPERATING EXPENSES 5,278.78
REUNION EXPENSES 2014 25,389.60
SALES EXPENSE MEMORABILIA 4,228.47
($35.28 sales taxes incl)
----------
Total Expense $39,326.11
----------
NET INCOME $7,061.37
==========
Balances at the bank are as follows as of the end of the FY:
Bank of America Business Checking $34,453.94
Bank of America Certificate of Deposit $10,393.41
Bank of America BizMax Savings $10,192.70
Retail Value of Store Items on hand $33,527.00
Value of annuity with Quad-A (our share) $29,482.00

The Memorial Fund began the year with $6,499.10. There were donations totaling $568.00 to the Memorial Fund this
year. One HOF plaque cost was $1,208.90. Our balance at the end of the FY is $5,858.20.

Financial, continued on page 16.

PAGE 14 The DUSTOFFer

 Special, continued from page 13.
We want your stories!
bers and damaging his ship. In spite of this, he managed to
Share them in The DUSTOFFer fly six severely injured patients to medical aid.
“Throughout that day, Maj. Brady utilized three heli-
copters to evacuate a total of 51 seriously wounded men,
The DUSTOFFer would like to publish
many of whom would have perished without prompt medi-
your article. If you have a recollection of a
cal treatment.
particular DUSTOFF or MAST mission, please
“Maj. Brady’s bravery was in the highest traditions of
share it with our members. If your unit has the military service and reflects great credit upon himself
been involved in an outstanding rescue mission and the U.S. Army.”
or worthwhile program, please submit your Dead Men Flying is the story of Charles Kelly, the fa-
essay about it to The DUSTOFFer. Don’t ther of Dust Off, who gave his life to save Dust Off – the
worry about not being the best writer. We greatest life-saver ever. His dying words, “When I have
will edit your material professionally. Send your wounded,” set the standard for combat medicine to
photographs with your article or attach them this day. It is also the story of the author, Medal of Honor
to your e-mail. recipient General Patrick Brady, who learned from Charles
Kelly and struggled to meet his standard.
Send typed, double-spaced, hard copy to the Brady led the 54th Medical Detachment as it rescued
address below, or e-mail your article to ed@ over 21,000 wounded — enemy and friendly — in 10
[Link] or jtrus5@[Link]. months, while sustaining 26 Purple Hearts. Finally, Dead
Men Flying is the story of salvation in the midst of horror,
Please send your submissions to: courage in the face of adversity, and the miracle of faith
The DUSTOFFer in the heat of combat. A riveting tale from America’s most
P. O. Box 8091 decorated living Soldier, this is a book that no American
San Antonio, TX 78208 can afford to ignore. 

Nominate Your Hero

for the
DUSTOFF Hall of Fame
DUSTOFFers, don’t let our legacy Print by Williams S. Phillips
go untold. The Hall of Fame honors
those who exhibited our ethics and
standards in their actions and their
contributions to DUSTOFF. Do your
homework. Find out about that man
or woman who made a difference in
your career by his or her inspiration.
Research your hero and nominate them.
Deadline is May 1. Details are on the
[Link] homepage. Click on the Hall
of Fame tab at the left of the opening
page for information. It’s OUR Hall of
Fame; let’s make it complete.
Print by Joe Kline of 498th Air Ambulance Platoon

Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 15

 Fighting for a Legacy to Honor our
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots and Crews
Submitted by Alex Ortolano, written by Bill Cameron, from Pocono Record, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania,
and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the NewsCred publisher network.

B
December 6, 2016, from [Link].
ill Mullen spent the better part ity requirements of all U.S. national The project regained momentum
of last week knocking on law- cemeteries, more than a century of in April 2015 when Rep. Matthew
makers’ doors. His visit began military burials — some dating back Cartwright got involved, said Mullen.
Tuesday morning. Mullen didn’t tell to the Civil War — have filled much “Last spring, Congressman Cartwright
lawmakers how to spend taxpayer dol- of the available ground space. had a meet and greet in Pocono Pines,”
lars. He didn’t demand policy changes. The proposed monument would he said. “I went to talk to him and try to
All he asked for was three and a half fill a footprint five feet in width and gather support for this project.”
square feet. one foot in depth and have a height of After giving his remarks, Cart-
“We’re trying to get a small monu- four feet. VHPA would fund the design, wright asked the approximately 25
ment to honor the almost 5,000 pilots production, and installation, as well as people there if they had any questions.
and crew members who came home in establish a trust for future repairs. Mullen took the opportunity to share
flag-draped coffins,” said Mullen. “We Secretary of the Army Eric Fan- his story.
were approved for one and a half feet; ning previously approved placement “I told him about this project,” said
we need five.” of a VHPA memorial tree in Arlington Mullen. “He came over to me, shook
A veteran himself, Mullen served as National Cemetery. Fanning granted a my hand and said, ‘Lieutenant Mullen,
a pilot during the Vietnam War, a con- location eight feet from a curb — un- you have my support — you can count
flict commonly called “The Helicopter usable burial space — with the under- on it.’”
War.” He has lived in Pocono Pines for standing that a monument would later Cartwright didn’t just support the
the past eight years. follow, said Mullen. bill — he championed it, said Mullen.
Mullen last week visited congress Fanning denied the monument The congressman had arranged many
about the project he began three years request for space considerations and of Mullen’s meetings with lawmakers
ago, while he was president of the suggested a one-and-a-half-foot plaque last week. Mullen called Cartwright a
Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association instead. Mullen refused what he felt pioneer for getting the bill both House
(VHPA). Mullen proposed placing was insufficient in honoring the thou- and Senate support.
a monument in Arlington National sands of service members who made “When he signed on, we only had
Cemetery to honor his fallen comrades. sacrifices. 13 co-sponsors,” said Mullen. “From
“I started thinking about a legacy “I have to speak up for my brothers when Matt joined us last April to now,
for Vietnam helicopter pilots and who don’t have a voice,” said Mullen. Fighting, continued on page 17.
crews,” said Mullen. “I thought one of
the first steps should be a monument at Financial, continued from page 14. join with the Army Aviation Associa-
Arlington, where we go to honor our tion in Nashville, TN, in April 2018,
heroes and war dead.” Significant purchases made dur- as a vendor/exhibitor to maintain our
Arlington National Cemetery faces ing this FY in the store were made to presence at the AAAA Summit. Your
an inevitable dilemma: space will run restock four new lines of product. We Executive Director and President,
out. Despite the most stringent eligibil- added a women’s blouse in short and along with COL Retired Rick Agosta,
long-sleeve versions, (and they sold manned the booth at the 2017 Quad-A
well at the reunion this year) men’s Summit in Nashville in April.
Monument, continued from page 13. fishing shirts, men’s and lady’s per- This year the Association voted
formance polo shirts, and a new fleece to pursue upgrading the memorial
who visit Arlington don’t necessarily
jacket. The inventory amount shown helicopter on Neel DUSTOFF Plaza,
go there to look at the graves but to see
above is the retail value of items on after spending $8,760.00 on design,
the Tomb of the Unknowns and other
hand. Plans are continuing to sell off concept, and engineering estimates. A
memorials.
old inventory. major capital campaign is underway
“People need to create memorials
The income from the 2017 reunion with the help of Foundation Search,
and monuments to honor those who
was $7,065.81, due to the extreme a major organization that assists in
give the ultimate sacrifice,” Hesselbein
support from not only the Holiday Inn- finding grants and foundations that
said. 
Riverwalk, but also the donations from support non-profit organizations with
a couple of members and one corporate their fund-raising efforts.
Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and
sponsor. The Association remains on solid
Reserve, training, technology opera-
The 2018 reunion will be in San financial footing with good cash flow
tions, and features for Army Times and
Antonio, where costs remain lower and and a strong outlook for the future.
Air Force Times.
possible attendance is much higher.
Plans are in the works to once again —DUSTOFFer—
PAGE 16 The DUSTOFFer
 What Ryan Owens Can Teach Us about Crushing ISIS
by Robert H. Scales, March 8, 2017, National Review, The Corner

In war, boots on the ground are necessary, but we can do much more to reduce the body count.

T
he heartwarming recognition of than single digits in Iraq and Afghani- Force Base. The furor brought about
Navy SEAL Ryan Owens’s sac- stan. The American preoccupation with by one Navy SEAL’s death must be a
rifice brought me to tears during preserving the lives of its soldiers is cautionary tale for this administration.
President Trump’s address to Congress. deeply rooted in our liberal democracy. As our Soldiers and Marines move
For me, the sight of his widow’s deeply Jefferson’s elevation of life as one into Mosul and Raqqa, the butcher’s
emotional response was the high point of our inalienable rights underscores bill will begin to climb. Like it or not,
of the speech. the “sacred obligation” of military lead- President Trump’s commitment to
Later, I started to think: The death ers to provide for the protection of their “winning” will be inexorably tied to
of one guy—just one guy—was enough winning as bloodlessly as possible. His
to elicit days of media controversy over We seek to kill them as goal is made all the more problematic
the circumstances of Owen’s death, a means for achieving a by an enemy who holds a diametrically
followed by a universal outpouring of opposite view of the value of life, his
gratitude and sorrow.
strategic end. They seek and ours.
Then I thought about poor Harry to kill us as an end in it- So far, our quest for bloodless
Kinnard. During the summer of 1985, self, hoping that the tally warfare seems to be working fairly
I interviewed General Harry Kinnard well. The rate of combat deaths among
for a book I was writing about the Ia
of dead Americans . . . will close-combat Soldiers has decreased an
Drang Battle, fought by the First Cav- make us tire of it first . . . order of magnitude since my service
alry Division during the early days in and go home. in Vietnam. But we can do more to
Vietnam. The battle was immortalized reduce the butcher’s bill. What follows
in the book and movie We Were Soldiers Soldiers. All well and good. Except that is a recitation of what we’ve learned
Once . . . and Young. Harry commanded our enemies have learned to exploit our about combat survival and how we’ve
the division. sacred obligation as a means to defeat adapted over the half century since
We met at his home. When he us in battle. Ho Chi Minh put it suc- Vietnam — followed by a caution.
spoke, I sensed a feeling of melancholy cinctly when he reflected to a journalist First, it helps to fight relatively
as he recounted the battle. As a lieuten- just before America entered the war in unsophisticated enemies. To be sure,
ant colonel, Kinnard was operations Vietnam: “They will kill a hundred of ISIS, like its al-Qaeda and Taliban
officer for the 101st Airborne Division us; we will kill one of them, and they predecessors, is a diabolical enemy,
during the German siege of Bastogne will tire of it first.” willing to die. And its soldiers have
in World War II. Thus, our obligation is both a intimate knowledge of the terrain and
“At Bastogne, we lost more men blessing and a curse. As Harry Kin- indigenous peoples. But none of these
every day than we did during the entire nard learned so painfully, our commit- enemies can contest our superiority in
fight for Albany [Ia Drang],” he said. ment to preserve Soldiers’ lives has the air and in cyberspace. As in past
“But the press got on us right away. fundamentally changed how we fight wars, we are able to save lives by sub-
They [the North Vietnamese] left the wars and how our enemies seek to win stituting firepower for manpower.
battlefield, not us. But it was a loss in against us. We seek to kill them as a So far, our aerial campaign has
the sense that you’re not looking for means for achieving a strategic end. killed thousands of ISIS fighters around
2-to-1 losses, you’re looking for 10- They seek to kill us as an end in itself, urban strongholds in Mosul and Raqqa.
to-1, or 20-to-1. So Albany was really hoping that the tally of dead Americans The Iraqi army would never have been
a loss.” amplified in the harsh light of global able to enter Mosul without our precise
And so goes the American Way of media will make us tire of it first . . . and often painfully deliberate bombard-
War. After every conflict, the accept- and go home. ments. But there’s a caution: Killing
able tally of the butcher’s bill goes Now President Trump is promising from the air has limitations.
down: from thousands a week in World to crush ISIS, a noble goal — until the
War II to hundreds in Vietnam to less body bags start arriving at Dover Air What, continued on page 18.

Fighting, continued from page 16. may go before the House during the tions,” said Mullen.
current session. With a potential vote “There are so many things on Rep.
we’ve gotten up to 88 — and that in the near future, Mullen said he has Cartwright’s plate right now, but he
number lags behind by a week or so.” other reasons to share the story. spent so much time with me,” he said.
On Monday, the Library of Con- “I want people in the 17th district to “I want to pat him on the back for
gress Website listed the bill with 89 know we have a great guy representing helping us get through the maze of the
co-sponsors. Titled H.R.4298, the bill us — regardless of political affilia- political structure.” 
Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 17
What, continued from page 17. Also remember that President Soldiers move about in vehicles
We’ve been bombing for years, Trump’s promise to crush ISIS has superbly protected against explosive
and ISIS has learned to adapt by hid- a temporal component. Pressure to blasts from IEDs. But the enemy hasn’t
ing among the people, digging in, and achieve demonstrable results might been idle. As we get better at protect-
dispersing. As a result, more and more well induce haste, and haste works to ing Soldiers, our enemy gets better at
bombing is needed to produce fewer the enemy’s advantage. When research- defeating them. Increasingly, we are
and fewer results. We have learned ing my latest book, Scales on War, I re- seeing even the most primitive enemies
painfully from past wars that over time discovered a fact that most experienced using anti-tank precision-guided mis-
the psychological impact of explosions ground commanders have known for siles supplied by Russia and Iran. Their
diminishes as the enemy becomes in- decades. Elite Soldiers, such as Navy diabolically creative employment of
ured to attacks from above. Worse still, SEAL Ryan Owens, are far less likely mines and IEDs continues to confound
the deadly effects of our aerial weapons to die in combat than their younger, our best efforts to defeat them.
have become less lethal after the Bush less experienced, and conventionally It’s also vitally important to note
and Obama administrations abolished trained brethren. that the closer the fight, the fairer the
the use of cluster bombs. fight. No amount of materiel superior-
It’s all a matter of simple physics: They will try a suicide at- ity can completely protect against an
enemy determined to kill. In fact, the
thousands of exploding little bombs kill tack, using a very large ex- lessons are universal: Within about
far more effectively than one single,
large explosive blast. Eventually, the
plosive-laden vehicle or a 50 yards of the enemy, air-delivered
aerial onslaught will reach a tipping buried IED. A hugely tragic killing power is of no use. Sophisti-
cated sensors reveal less than eyesight
point at which laying on many more loss may be enough to does. Digital dominance gives way to
tons of bombs will kill many fewer ISIS
and too many more innocent civilians.
make us end our involve- courage, guile, tenacity, skill at arms,
We can save American lives by ex- ment and come home. surprise, and the will to win.
pending the lives of others. Our effort When the fight against ISIS heats
to make our Iraqi and Kurdish allies Age also plays a part. Owens was up, I’m afraid we will discover that
into effective fighters has been slow 37 and had been in the Navy almost airpower, weapons technology, the use
and often painfully inept. But, as the 20 years when he died. Evidence is of surrogates, and elite forces will not
old Army saying goes, “We don’t have compelling that the optimal age for a be enough to further reduce the cost of
to make them good, just better than the close-combat fighter is about 28 to 35. close combat in places like Mosul and
opposition.” That’s the age span when experience Raqqa. As long as Soldiers like Ryan
But the use of surrogates has limi- and caution replace impulsiveness and Owens are compelled to “lead with
tations. For one thing, the fighting recklessness. their bodies,” they will continue to die
prowess of our temperamental allies It’s also important to note, however, in unacceptable numbers. The only way
is enhanced by the proximity of their that elite Special Operations troops are to radically lessen the cost is to replace
American advisers. But the closer our in critically short supply. Owens died bodies with unmanned surrogates, such
ground forces get to the “killing zone,” on his fifth combat tour. If the admin- as drones and robotic vehicles.
the more of them will die. It’s a delicate istration wants to accelerate the pace of Fifteen years of fighting in Iraq
balancing act, and ISIS knows it. action against ISIS, it will have increas- and Afghanistan have yielded some
Remember their strategic objective: ingly few options other than sending results. We now deploy a constellation
kill Americans. They will inevitably into harm’s way less experienced, of unmanned drones, some of which
attempt a mass killing of American conventional Soldiers who are, sadly, are armed. These remarkable machines
Soldiers, most likely inside Mosul. more likely to die in combat. save lives by helping to identify enemy
They will try a suicide attack, using a The imperative to reduce the human positions before contact. This is a vital
very large explosive-laden vehicle or a costs of close combat has compelled capability, because more than half of all
buried IED. A hugely tragic loss may be the Department of Defense to improve Americans killed in combat die while
enough to make us end our involvement the gear that Soldiers carry into battle. trying to find the enemy.
and come home. Progress has been painfully slow, to be The next big step to guarantee sur-
Caution is the surest means for sure. But after more than a decade of vival in combat is to proliferate armed
avoiding casualties, and so far in Mo- pressure to increase combat effective- drones and to put control of them in
sul, a slow, methodical advance seems ness, Soldiers are better able to survive the hands of forward combat elements.
to be working. After all, ISIS has dug in in combat today, thanks to improved Lives will be saved when a unit under
and isn’t going anywhere. But experi- equipment and training. fire is able to push a button on a cell
ence has shown that time is often on the When I fought in Vietnam, the cost phone that launches a missile from an
enemy’s side. Unless his stronghold is to fully equip me was about the same orbiting drone, killing an enemy fighter
completely isolated, he can continue to as it was in World War II: $1,900. only a few meters to his front.
strengthen his defenses and move about Today it’s north of $20,000, thanks to Technology is now at hand to
to avoid our aerial assault. And he can technologically advanced body armor, employ armed robotic vehicles. Some
reposition to confront our assault more sensors, night-vision devices, radios, primitive mechanized robots have been
effectively. and new weapons. What, continued on page 19.
PAGE 18 The DUSTOFFer
 The Morning After
by Ed MacDonald, posted on [Link] on June 10, 2011, by jhadmin

I
t was a morning like no other. Key about the event. The Communications management system soon enough, but
members of the management team Center was closing the book on the marketing and financial issues seemed
sat around the conference table last elements of the Post Accident more pressing with the shrinking flight
with bleary eyes and a demeanor that Plan. Communications specialists volume.
reflected their shared loss and pain from were introspectively trying to figure Since they had no formal incident
the night before. Self-doubt and a sense out “why.” Let’s flash back to days or reporting systems, there was not really
of their own human frailty permeated weeks prior to this tragic and prevent- any way to spot trends, except for word
each team member down to the core. able event and look at each discipline of mouth. She was very comfortable
What could have prevented this tragic a little more closely. with their safety record and felt that
event? Why didn’t they see it coming? the past accolades somehow protected
This gray, cool, drizzly morning them from future problems. She tried
would be the beginning volley in a No one at the table want- to avoid pressuring the pilots or medi-
long and eventually fruitful period of ed to make those calls cal crews directly, but the few subtle
introspection and soul searching for ever again. No one in the and worried comments about declining
the management team. The pain on the flight numbers in the hall and a few
faces of the team members was palat- room would ever look at “pep talks” at team meetings should
able, but would eventually lead to a the air ambulance busi- be having some effect on the teams
stronger and safer organization—the ness and operations in the by now. She did, however, remember
hard way. watching a few pilots get fired because
It begged the question, “what signs same light. they just weren’t “team” players or
did we miss?” Was this a case of mis- didn’t get along well with a few flight
directed management, poor training, Management nurses along the way.
carelessness, equipment, culture, or The program director and business One particular pilot was just too
just blind fate? The NTSB would be ar- managers had been very concerned that slow and conscientious and never
riving mid-afternoon and would begin flight volumes were way down and felt launched quickly enough for them.
the tedious process of putting the chain somehow that the crews were contrib- Most pilots pushed hard and were
of broken pieces together. The painful uting through poor or apathetic interac- pretty rushed to get their twin-engine
calls had been made to next-of-kin and tion with a few hospitals, and the pilots helicopter off the ground in the six-
team members. There wasn’t a dry eye should be a bit more aggressive, taking minute window. If they didn’t, they
in the house, and a huge piece of them flights that the nearby competitor was had to fill out a tedious deviation form
was now missing. No one at the table grabbing from them. She had been to and chat with the lead pilot. The lead
wanted to make those calls ever again. some of the safety courses at the Air pilot had been counseled on several
No one in the room would ever look at Medical conferences, but really felt as occasions by the operator’s business
the air ambulance business and opera- though those lessons learned were for managers about how important the up-
tions in the same light. other programs, not hers. After all, they coming contract renewal was, and that
Flight crew members and family had gone 15 years without an accident pleasing the program management was
were gathering in the ready room try- and had even been highlighted on the so very important. The business model
ing their best to console each other. local television news station for their and the bottom line were driving most
The press corps was trying their best stellar safety record. They were going of the decisions.
to corner anyone who knew anything to get around to implementing a safety Morning, continued on page 20.
What, continued from page 18. I have to end with a question: If never do this again.” We will indeed do
given to Soldiers to play with, but none the greatest impediment to winning this again soon in Mosul and Raqqa.
are yet ready for prime time. Just imag- our wars over the past many decades And, again, too many lives will be
ine for a moment how differently Ryan is the specter of dead Americans, why lost needlessly because too many in
Owens’s raid would have played out if a hasn’t the nation done more to keep Washington, D.C., believe that keep-
cluster of small, autonomous, machine- alive those most likely to die? ing heroes like Ryan Owens alive is
gun-firing robots were available to lead I believe one answer is that the not a national priority. Well, General
the assault against the Houthi strong- belief still lingers in Washington that Harry Kinnard would argue that it is.
hold in Yemen. Google and most major America can win its wars without any So should we. 
carmakers are developing and driving “boots on the ground.” Surely the ex-
unmanned cars, as we speak. Why perience of the last 15 years of constant Robert H. Scales is a retired general
can’t we borrow that same technology ground wars in the Middle East has put and former commandant of the Army
to build vehicles capable of killing the paid to that notion. As one of my fellow War College. The Naval Institute Press
enemy remotely without shedding the military theorists, Conrad Crane, has recently published his book, Scales
blood of our Soldiers? written: “We have never been able to on War.

Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 19

Morning, continued from page 19. tinue to shop around until they could close calls together, but now she was
find a helicopter even after weather very comfortable with John and never
The Aviator turn-downs by one operator. questioned his decisions. They had
John arrived just barely on time for John wasn’t concerned about his plans to meet for a family picnic at the
shift change the night before. The shift lack of sleep or nasty mood, because State Fair next weekend.
change briefing was so hurried that he they rarely flew at night in the last few Our evening’s paramedic, Chad,
actually didn’t remember whether or months as the other competitor’s heli- was a veteran fire fighter, paramedic,
not the outgoing pilot had said some- copter was pulling in those flights. They and prior Army Special Forces medic
thing about an electrical smell or not. were a fully instrumented program with with some experience in the Gulf War
His piloting skills were legendary, night vision goggles. John’s operator years ago. He was the poster child for
at least in his own mind, and surely had their base on the company list for physical fitness and bravado. His para-
among his circle of drinking buddies. goggles, but it was still several months medic skills were legend at the county
He always felt that “Truly superior down the road before they would see fire department, and this was his first
pilots are those who use their supe- them. They still did things the “old shift after completing the very short in-
rior judgment to avoid those situations doctrination hurriedly completed by the
where they might have to use their He slowly walked out to program last week. Most of the training
superior skills.” He had managed to was oriented toward the equipment and
the helicopter and casu- clinical protocols. His crew resource
get himself into some very tight situa-
tions in the past and always extricated ally walked around to management (or Air Medical Resource
himself from a potential embarrassing insure that the big pieces Management (AMRM)) training was
moment or worse. He was feeling a bit postponed until the annual training
were still there. cycle met in six months. He had some
irritable and tired but had been there
and done that many a time before. reservations about his readiness, but
He had attempted to get a nap that fashioned way,” and he had misgiv- knew that he was with an experienced
afternoon, but the kids were pretty ings about the new fangled technology crew and would just follow their lead.
noisy, and he was sure that sleep was anyway. Jan had gone through so many AMRM
what he caught up with on the night He slowly walked out to the he- classes she could recite the redundant
shift. He grabbed a candy bar and an licopter and casually walked around points in her sleep.
energy drink as he left the house for his to insure that the big pieces were still
evening meal. there. He thought to himself that he Communications
Just prior to leaving the house he really should do a more thorough pre- The Communications Specialist
had a heated argument with his wife flight, but had left his flashlight in crew was crammed into a small room that
about their spending habits that were quarters. Besides, he had thoroughly could well have doubled as a closet.
mimicking those of the federal gov- checked the aircraft five days ago at They had most of the radios and phones
ernment. The hefty new boat payment hitch change, and it really had flown required to get an aircraft off the
and the lack of workover opportunities only once since then. He only did a ground, but flight following was weak,
were causing the family budget to go really thorough by-the-book pre-flight due to a lack of repeaters and alternate
deeper into debt. He had picked up if either the FAA or Check Airman was methods to track an aircraft in flight.
an opportunity to fly some part-time watching. It felt a little sloppy to him, It was cramped and stuffy and a hard
shifts with the local television station but he had other things on his mind this place to sit in for hours.
and was doing a little flight instruction evening. He had been counseled a few There really wasn’t enough busi-
to supplement their income, but it just times by the Lead Pilot for missing a ness at night to warrant a relief spe-
wasn’t enough. few key items on his preflight, which cialist at night, so if he needed a break
It didn’t help matters that there were led to a cowling flying off at a hover the phones and radios simply went un-
increasing rumors of more company and a shore power cord dropping off at manned. Bill was on duty for his tenth
base closings circulating, and flight 200 feet. But he felt his long tenure at straight night shift and had come in six
volumes had been way down recently the program and popularity made him hours early due to a sick call.
placed at a nearby airport within two essentially invulnerable, ten feet tall He had been at the program for
miles of them. The state didn’t really and bullet-proof. about five years and felt it was certainly
have any oversight controlling EMS a more comfortable way to make a liv-
helicopters, so that air ambulance mar- The Clinicians ing than riding a truck on those foggy
ket was just saturated. Most everyone The medical crew consisted of a cold nights as a medic. He had heard
in the field knew that there just wasn’t veteran flight nurse and a gung-ho, yet far too many rumors that the program
enough business for both of them. brand new flight paramedic. Jan had was in financial jeopardy and was going
Competition hadn’t been based on been a flight nurse for over 10 years to make sure he captured every flight
safety or quality of service, but how now and nothing much fazed her. She possible. The operator’s operational
many pizzas, gadgets, and free gifts had seen pilots come and go at the control was just a paperwork drill for
a service could provide the agencies program, but was good friends with the FAA, but really ineffective in over-
and hospitals in the area. Some of area John, tonight’s pilot. They had been
hospitals or EMS agencies would con- through some trying times and a few Morning, continued on page 22.
PAGE 20 The DUSTOFFer
From the Consultant
by Rick Ortiz

A
s the new consultant, I am hum- ally confident they will deliver victory anytime—giving them trusted care,
bled by the honor to write this against these challenges this fall, when resulting in inspirational confidence to
first article in The DUSTOFFer. these reports are due for decision by the fight harder and win our Nation’s wars.
With good advice from Rob Howe, the Army Senior Leadership. A very symbolic recognition is 1LT
first thing I did this spring was to build Another person that merits great Matt Norcia, winner of the 2016 Order
the consultant team to help guide the credit is Josephine Thompson and her of the Daedalions. 1LT Matt Norcia’s
leader development of our exceptional PD MEDEVAC team. Life cycle man- national recognition has far-reaching
community. Mike Breslin and Dave agement of our MEDEVAC fleet is no symbolism in our Army. As an Aero-
Zimmerman have kindly agreed to help easy task, but her team of quiet techni- medical Evacuation Officer in Army
me as deputies. Pat Zenk manages our cal professionals makes it look easy. Medicine under the command and
Facebook and strategic communica- control of our Army Aviation friends,
tions. Sam Diehl accepted a role as our Overall, my initial as- 1LT Norcia represents the incredible
operations officer to help synchronize value our 67J, MEDEVAC Officers,
the consultant efforts. Finally, Steve sessment as the new guy bring to our Army. Matt’s achieve-
Schmidt took over from Chris Chung is that the state of the ments are indicative of the effective
as the Human Resource Command 67J 67J community, despite integration between medical and avia-
assignments officer. tion that delivers to our warfighters the
Speaking of Chris, I want to take challenges, is marked by best evacuation system in the world.
a moment and publically recognize excellence. Our Dustoff Specifically to Army Medicine, this
Chris Chung’s incredible contributions Officers are delivering symbolizes the value of our DUSTOFF
to DUSTOFF and the 67J community. officers and further highlights their vi-
Chris transitioned recently to take com- leadership, trust, and ex- able career and competitive excellence,
mand of the GSAB in Fort Bliss, but the cellence to the Army. as they serve with selfless dedication to
legacy of his efforts, both in HRC and our Force. That is what Matt achieved
in his previous line assignments, will be and what he represents.
sorely missed. Fortunately, Chris was Their efforts have greatly modernized I am even more proud to list and
recently awarded the Order of Military our MEDEVAC aircraft, while sus- ask you join me in congratulating the
Medical Merit for all his hard work and taining watchful eyes on the HH60M following officers in their respective
achievements in Army Medicine. production line. Her team’s efforts with superior achievements:
I also want to recognize the tre- the HH-60V initiative keep us relevant 2016 Order of the Daedalions —
mendous efforts and arduous work with the future aviation platforms. Army Aviator of the Year
that Mike Breslin and his Medical Josephine is also pushing hard to es-
Evacuation Proponency Division tablish/enhance the 67J8X MEDEVAC 1LT Norcia, Matt, C/3-25 Aviation,
(MEPD) are doing for DUSTOFF. The Acquisition career field, a promising 25 CAB, Wheeler AAF, HI
challenges we face as a community are and vital career to the Dustoff commu- 2016-2017 Professional Military
being directly addressed by his team of nity. I would be remiss if I do not also Education Selections
DUSTOFF professionals. From tactical recognize the work that Christian Cook 1. AY17 Senior Service College
to strategic, MEPD is making our com- is doing with program management and COL Anthony Meador
munity better every day. funding. Christian and Josephine work COL Daniel Moore
I am especially impressed with their hand-in-hand to assure that we have COL Dave Zimmerman
efforts in the progress of institutional- the best aircraft our crews and patients
izing the Flight Paramedic program, deserve. Their efforts and contributions 2. AY17 Intermediate Level Edu-
a program that essentially went from are big rocks that merit public com- cation
a 9mm to a 50-caliber in our enroute mendation and appreciation. MAJ Daniel Bunn
care capability (the Flight Medic). Overall, my initial assessment as MAJ Spencer Cash
Strategically, Mike and his team are the new guy is that the state of the MAJ Samuel Diehl
completing the analysis on two tough 67J community, despite challenges, MAJ Thomas Dolce
issues, MEDEVAC force structure suf- is marked by excellence. Our Dustoff MAJ Julian Gilbert
ficiency, and 67J viability in the force Officers are delivering leadership, trust, MAJ Justin Goldman
today. Although these topics are not and excellence to the Army. 2017 is MAJ Sean Henderson
new, the strategic environment MEPD proving, yet again, that our over 330 of- MAJ Bradley Kistler
has to navigate to win against these ficers remain committed and passionate MAJ John Robichaux
threats is different. However, I believe to the reason we exist . . . to dedicate MAJ Brian Smith
in their competence and am person- ourselves selflessly to saving the lives
of our Joint warfighters anywhere, Consultant, continued on page 22.
Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 21
Morning, continued from page 20. flashlight was still sitting on the bedside darkness ahead warned ominously of
seeing pilot decision-making. table, but knew it was only a 15-minute perils ahead.
leg to the scene. As he strapped in, John was busy trying to identify
The Final Minutes the crew arrived at the helicopter and the intermittent flash of a panel caution
The call from the rural fire depart- were climbing aboard, as he pulled light that distracted him from the route
ment dispatch came in at 03:25 to Bill the trigger to get going. He thought to ahead. He had flown this route many
for a multi-car accident with serious, himself that perhaps someone should times before. His altitude was good
life-threatening injuries. Dispatch said have walked around, but they were enough for the next mile or so, but he
that the other nearby program was en- in too big a hurry this time. They all dared not climb too high, as the wispy
route, and they urgently needed help. knew that a quick launch looked good clouds might indicate a ceiling closer
Bill diligently copied the information to management, and this was an urgent than expected. He still could not see
and rousted the pilot from what was call requiring their services right away. any lights ahead nor any horizon. His
apparently a very deep sleep. They were a crew whose dedication attempt to contact the communications
John heard the tones go off but to the profession of saving lives was center went unanswered. He anxiously
couldn’t find the radio to respond. He admirable. They really cared about this told the crew that they should see the
was groggy and somewhat disoriented, avocation of service and would go to next town lights very soon, as the GPS
but the cobwebs slowly dissipated as he any lengths to help others. indicated it was only two miles ahead
rolled out of bed. John didn’t remember The new paramedic had mumbled of them.
if he had checked the weather before something to the flight nurse as they He was considering turning around
falling into bed, nor whether he had rode up the elevator to the helipad. It but thought he should see lights and
updated their weather status. Earlier was some vague remark from his coun- horizon any time now. The crew was
in the evening he had seen some halos ty medic buddy earlier that evening, acting a bit nervous but said nothing.
around the street lights and felt a little reporting heavy fog on the hilltops. They knew that John had plenty of ex-
more moisture than usual in the air. But She was too busy going over rapid perience and would never push. John
he never really checked the temperature sequence intubation procedures in her was getting very nervous now and
and dew points in the region. head, and the weather comment went pondering climbing into the clouds for
When he finally put together the unattended. Besides, she had seen the an instrument recovery. His last instru-
dispatch information in his head and bright stars over the helipad as they ment work was well over eight months
heard the urgency in Bill’s voice, he walked to the helicopter, as well. She ago, and he had little confidence in
began to move a little quicker. He knew that her experienced pilot for the those skills. The team never spoke up
meant to check the computer-based evening wouldn’t push if the weather nor knew what they hit that dark night.
weather in that very dark and hilly part got gnarly, especially after the close call It was over in a micro-second. This
of the county, but as he walked to the they had last shift. time they were about a minute too late
helicopter, he saw stars through the John gave his takeoff information to turn around. 
pitch black night and decided it would to the communications center and Author’s Note: This article is basi-
be just fine. Communications hadn’t yanked the aircraft into the night. The cally an updated version I wrote for the
mentioned any weather issues, nor flight over the city lights was clear and Air Medical Journal, titled The Next
relayed that the competitor had turned smooth. As they reached the end of the Accident in 2001. It does not reflect
around five minutes into their flight, city glow below them, he tried desper- any particular persons, companies, or
since no one told him. ately to see into the pitch black terrain situations. None of the people in the
John hurriedly climbed into the in front of them. A few wispy clouds story are real, but it very well could
cockpit. He cursed at himself that his passed around them, but the mushy have been any of us . . . or could yet be.

Consultant, continued from page 21. Management/Urban Planning lowship

MAJ Nicholas Spangler CPT Jonathan Metcalf, 70A MHA/
MAJ Sara Turinsky MBA Baylor University FY18 MEDEVAC Command Se-
CPT Matthew Slykhuis, 70C – lection
1. AY17 Long-Term Health Educa- Masters in Accountancy, Healthcare CPT Amy Breguet, C/6-101 FT
tion and Training (7 selects) Economics and Policy, or Statistics Campbell, KY
CPT John Alderete, 70B Intern- CPT Nicholas Toney, 67J MS CPT/P Jared Brynildsen, C/3-25
ship, Office of the Chief of the Medical Homeland Security Wheeler AAF, HI
Service Corps MAJ Daniel Bunn, USAAAD,
CPT Cassie Bonadeo, 70C MBA/ 2. FY17 Iron Major Selection FLATIRON, FT Rucker, AL
MPA Defense Comptroller Program, MAJ Karen Baimbridge CPT/P Raymond Hanson C/2-3
Syracuse University Hunter AAF, GA
CPT Matthew Clark, 70A MHA/ 3. 2017/2018 CGSC Interagency CPT Trevor Joseph, USAAAD,
MBA Baylor University KD/Post MEL4 Fellows JRTC, FT Polk, LA
CPT Christopher Dimaio, 70K MS MAJ Heath Holt, Office of the
Architecture/Engineering/Construction Director of National Intelligence Fel- Consultant, continued on page 23.

PAGE 22 The DUSTOFFer

 Top of the Schoolhouse
The DUSTOFF Training Complex’s Contributions

I
Contributors SSG Tim Ward ECB NCOIC, SSG James Johnson AACC NCOIC, SSG Tanya Foderingham JECC NCOIC
n recent years the United States June. Each and every day the students lence and the United States Army Air
Army’s School of Aviation Medi- are exposed to a multitude of aspects Ambulance Detachment Flatiron. The
cine tasked its Enroute Care Branch that an operational flight paramedic students also receive their initial ACT
with operationalizing the U.S. Army’s will need to accomplish their mission. qualification and academics to prepare
critical care flight paramedics. The Students are rapidly indoctrinated them for MEDEVAC operations.
school was also tasked with ensuring into the world of aeromedical medi- The AMEDD Aviation Crewmem-
that the Joint Services Enroute care cine with classes ranging from stress ber Course also trains the Flight
providers were on the fore front of and fatigue, spatial disorientation, and Paramedics in-flight patient care, with
Enroute critical care medicine. The extensive information aimed specifi-
cadre responded with up-to-date and These MSTs replicate the cally at patient care in the rotary wing
cutting-edge techniques and practices platform. They receive low-fidelity
gleaned from the most current aca-
confined space, noise, and point-of-injury training with a culmi-
demia and field experience. temperature variations nating flight where they treat simulated
The resultant product is currently that an operational flight casualties in the back of a UH-60 while
being fielded in MEDEVAC units in flight. They then transition to high
across the Army and within critical
paramedic may experi- fidelity simulation training in our
care settings in the Army, Air Force, ence in flight. Medical Suite Trainers (MST) that are
Navy, and international partners. The mocked up to replicate the four differ-
DUSTOFF Training Complex houses toxicology, to classes about the effects ent H-60 evacuation platforms.
the two courses responsible for this, of noise and vibrations, gravitational The multi-million dollar facility,
the AMEDD Aviation Crewmember forces, and exogenous factors. Their where the Flight Paramedics receive
Course and the Joint Enroute Care aeromedical experience is culminated their simulations, houses the four MSTs
Course. with a hypobaric chamber exposure at configured to the exact specifications
The AMEDD Aviation Crewmem- 25,000 feet, where they experience and that Flight Paramedics encounter in the
ber Course is responsible for operation- begin to identify and understand the ef- operational environment. These MSTs
alizing the Army’s Critical Care Flight fects of hypoxia. From there, students replicate the confined space, noise, and
Paramedics at the end of their almost receive extensive didactic training on temperature variations that an opera-
year-long pipeline. The average class is the associated systems of the H-60 air- tional flight paramedic may experience
between 26 and 30 students, yields an frame. The flight paramedics then train in flight. They are presented with chal-
average of 240 per year, and lasts ap- at Cairns Army Airfield where they get lenging scenarios derived from patients
proximately four weeks. The AMEDD practical hands-on experience on a UH- pulled directly from the Institute of
Aviation Crewmember course will 60L helicopter, courtesy of the United
begin its ninth iteration at the end of States Army Aviation Center of Excel- Schoolhouse, continued on page 24.

Consultant, continued from page 22. LTC Scott Farley, 615th Aviation Command Central, FT Sam Houston,
Support Battalion, FT Hood, TX TX
CPT/P William Keller, C/1-52 FT LTC Paul Roley, 2-3 General Sup- COL Buddy Meador, Redstone
Wainwright, AK port Aviation Battalion, Hunter AAF, Arsenal Army Health Clinic, Hunts-
CPT Zachary Mitchell, C/1-228 GA ville, AL
(DET) Soto Cano AB, Honduras COL Dave Zimmerman, Schofield
MAJ Todd Perry, USAAAD, NTC, FY 18 LTC CSL AMEDD OPERA- Barracks Army Health Clinic Schofield
FT Irwin, CA TIONS Barracks, HI
MAJ Nolan Roggenkamp, LTC Sam Fricks, 61st Multifunc-
USAAAD, Yakima, WA tional Medical Battalion, FT Hood, TX FY 18 COL AMEDD TRAINING
CPT/P Jonathan Spikes, C/2-1 FT COL Ed Mandril, Medical Recruiting
Riley, KS FY 18 COL CSL AMEDD OPERA- Brigade, FT Knox, KY
MAJ Andrew Wilson, C / 3 - 2 C P TIONS
Humphreys, Korea COL Dan Moore, 28th Combat —DUSTOFFer—
FY 18 LTC CSL ARMY COM- Support Hospital, FT Bragg, NC
PETITIVE CATEGORY - AVIATION FY 18 COL AMEDD STRATEGIC
OPERATIONS COL Dirk Lafleur, Public Health
Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 23
 Closing Out the Flight Plan
From The VHPA Aviator, The Newslet- When he wasn’t lucid, it was as though 1955 to 1975, retiring from Fort Lewis,
ter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots he thought he was still in Vietnam. He WA, where he served the last four years
Association, Issue 36-03, May/June would look around the room and talk as a Dustoff Helicopter Pilot.
2017, Taps, pp. 46-47. to men he knew then who had died. He attended South Puget Sound
I am aware Vietnam was a traumatic Community College, two years, earn-

D aniel P. Philipps, USA Flight Class

71-43, RVN: 72-73 57 MED DET,
Call sign: Dustoff
time for many of its pilots. Thank you
for your service.
ing an Associate of Civil Engineering
Technology. He worked for WSDOT
Olympic Region, Materials Lab for
It is with regret that I inform you
my father, Daniel Philipps, passed
away on August 13, 2014. He died of
R oger R. Santo, USA CW2 (Ret)
Flight Class: 69-27, RVN: 70-71
334 AWC, 71 B/229 AVN, Call sign:
25 years.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry
Santo, of Rochester, a sister, two sons,
lung cancer. He was diagnosed on June Gunrunner four grandsons, four step-children, and
13, 2014, and passed away on August Roger Raymond Santo passed away numerous great grandchildren. He was
13, 2014. Two friends he toured with March 27, 2017, in Rochester, WA. He predeceased by his sister, Judith, and
in Vietnam also died of similar causes was born April 19, 1939, to Bernard and parents Bernard and Alyce Santo.
within a year of him. When he fell ill, Alyce Santo, in Browns Valley, MN.
he often would talk about Vietnam. Roger was in the U.S. Army from —DUSTOFFer—

Schoolhouse, continued from page 23. theatre of operations are likely to en- the Army’s inventory. Standing 60 feet
counter. The ultimate goal is to prepare tall, students’ techniques and practices
Surgical Research. The simulations Critical care Flight Paramedics for a are developed to assist in the standard-
are accomplished with our eight high multi-domain battlefield. ization of one of MEDEVAC’s most
fidelity Laerdal Sim Man 3G and Sim The Joint Enroute Care Course is dangerous missions; hoist operations.
Man 3G Trauma mannequins. These also housed at the DUSTOFF Training USASAM cadre are currently devel-
trainers are able to replicate almost Complex and is a vital part of Enroute oping standard operating procedures
every aspect of a critical care patient care curriculum. Since inception, JECC with the expectation that they will be
from vitals (with haptic feedback), to has trained 1, 362 healthcare providers. carried forward into the operational
ventilation, and can even bleed in flight Those healthcare providers represent force to better standardize the practice
if not managed properly. the Army, Navy, Air Force, and foreign of hoist operations. With three fully
The Flight Paramedics receive partners. JECC incorporates the most functional Breeze Eastern hoists, the
training on the most up-to-date equip- recent lessons learned from active tower is capable of training students
ment that is available in our Patient theatres of operation in order to better in proper operational procedures in a
Movement Item Room (PMI). The PMI prepare the future providers who will safe static setting, where deficiencies
capability of the DUSTOFF Training be placed in those austere environ- can be identified and corrected before a
Complex is compounded by the shear ments. The providers are given access critical failure occurs. This ability will
amount of equipment students have ac- to multi-service patient movement greatly mitigate future operational risk
cess to for hands-on familiarization. We items to ensure familiarity, regardless factors. Students will receive familiar-
have the most up-to-date equipment, of the critical care platform utilized ization with jungle penetrators, Skedco
including the Propaq MD, Tempus Pro for evacuation. The JECC experience operations, and primary survival gear
monitor, Hamilton T1 ventilator, and assists providers unfamiliar with the carrier operations. The hoist tower will
a multitude of other items that Flight rotary wing platform in becoming ac- become the standard for new flight
Paramedics are likely to encounter quainted with the confines of several paramedics training in the AMEDD
during critical care transport. different platforms utilized for critical Aviation Crewmember Course.
The recent acquisition of the in-line care transport. The partnerships that The DUSTOFF Training Complex
fluid warmers and golden hour contain- JECC establishes within the commu- and its staff are at the forefront of criti-
ers adds to the realism and continuity nity of critical care and healthcare pro- cal care practices and will continue to
that students would expect out of a first viders are essential for the continued maintain its high level of excellence.
class facility. The PMI room is specifi- growth in the field of lessons learned The Enroute Care Branch will continue
cally dedicated to ensuring providers and what is currently happening in the to produce providers that are capable
are familiar and ultimately comfortable joint theatres of operation. Students re- of sustaining those who require the
with the equipment they can expect to ceive a similar but extended amount of highest level of Enroute patient care
encounter at their units and while de- high fidelity polytrauma simulation in for decades to follow. The complex and
ployed to various theatres of operation. order to better operationalize providers its staff are at the pinnacle of Enroute
With six complete Medical Equipment for upcoming missions. JECC is truly patient care.
Sets (MES) the DUSTOFF Training a force multiplier.
Complex is able to replicate the exact The recently retrofitted and updated —DUSTOFFer—
load outs that Flight Paramedics in the hoist tower is the only hoist tower in
PAGE 24 The DUSTOFFer
 2017 DUSTOFF Association
Hall of Fame Nominee
C
olonel (Ret.) Robert D. “Bob” Operating Bases within the Iraqi The-
Mitchell is nominated for in- ater of Operations, his battalion Task
duction into the DUSTOFF Force safely evacuated nearly 39,000
Hall of Fame for his ceaseless dedica- patients, flying over 7,000 combat mis-
tion, historic, doctrinal, and innovative sions, and logging over 15,000 combat
contributions to DUSTOFF Aviation. flight hours, with no accidents or en-
For more than 31 years, he served as an emy shoot-downs in one of the most
inspirational leader in uniform and con-
tinues today as a Senior Defense Ana-
lyst at Medical Evacuation Proponency
. . . the Commanding
Division, U.S. Army Aviation Center General remarked, “. .
of Excellence, Fort Rucker, Alabama. . an extraordinary and
Throughout his distinguished career,
Bob’s historic impact on DUSTOFF
historical performance
Aviation is arguably unsurpassed by all in combat by an officer,
modern era DUSTOFF Aviators. leader, and Soldier, who COL (R) Robert D. “Bob” Mitchell
COL Mitchell was born on 4 April
1958 in Marion, Ohio, and graduated
is in the top 1% of all Bat-
Medical Service Corps Aviators (67J)
from the University of Toledo in 1982. talion Commanders I have to compete for command of General
Prior to entering the Army, Bob ex- ever served with.” Support Aviation Battalions (GSAB).
celled in athletics and leadership as an This action was both historical and
All-Ohio, All-District, All-Conference crucial to successfully filling the huge
Quarterback for his undefeated 1975 geographically challenged locations in gap in professional development and
football team, Northern Border League U.S. Central Command. career progression for 67Js, created
Ohio Wrestling Champion, and recipi- In COL Mitchell’s evaluation by the loss of Medical Evacuation Bat-
ent of an NCAA Football Scholarship report, the Commanding General talions. Ultimately, the directive was
to the University of Toledo, where remarked, “an extraordinary and his- sent to the Army Surgeon General, LTG
he was a three-year letterman and torical performance in combat by an Kevin Kiley, for approval and granted
starter. He was also recognized as the officer, leader, and Soldier who is in DUSTOFF Aviators the eligibility to
2006 University of Toledo 12th Man, the top 1% of all Battalion Command- compete for GSAB Command in 2009.
inducted to the Swanton High School ers I have ever served with.” For their As the Director of Medical Evacu-
Athletic Hall of Fame, and honored exemplary actions in combat, COL ation Proponency, COL Mitchell per-
with a Distinguished Graduate Hall of Mitchell’s battalion was bestowed the sonally steered significant historical
Fame Award. prestigious Lieutenant General Ellis D. changes in Aeromedical Evacuation,
Bob’s outstanding military career Parker Award for the best Combat Sup- to include a complete reorganization
included numerous leadership, op- port Aviation Battalion in the Army. In of 38 MEDEVAC Companies, and the
erational, and strategic assignments, addition, his subordinate units earned systematic institution of Critical Care
several commands, and two combat honors as 2005 Dustoff Association Flight Paramedic Training for more
deployments to Iraq. As Commander Rescue and Crewmember of the Year, than 1,200 medics in active and reserve
of the 36th Medical Evacuation Bat- 2005 Army Times Soldier of the Year, components.
talion during combat operations in Iraq, and 2005 Medical Service Corps Award Bob routinely briefed members
his organization took on the exceed- of Excellence. of Congress and senior civilian and
ingly complex mission of providing Building on his combat experience military leaders in the Department of
air and ground evacuation to more than in battalion command and while at- Defense (DOD) on MEDEVAC issues,
140,000 U.S. and Coalition Forces in tending the U.S. Army War College, acquisition strategy, fleet management,
support of the Multi National Corps- COL Mitchell used his stellar reputa- training, doctrine, and operational is-
Iraq (MNC-I). tion and influence to leverage a pivotal sues for Operations Enduring Freedom
Bob was responsible for more doctrinal win for DUSTOFF during the and Iraqi Freedom. He was also the
than 1,000 Soldiers, 60 Blackhawk critical period of Aviation Transfor- chief architect for the Army Medical
helicopters, 72 Ground Ambulances, mation between 2004-2005. Through Department’s requirements process
and more than 380 pieces of equip- direct collaboration with Vice Chief for aircraft attributes and specifications
ment and rolling stock. Despite being of Staff of the Army, General Dick
dispersed throughout 18 Forward Cody, Bob convinced him to allow Nominee, continued on page 26.
Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 25
 2017 DUSTOFF Association
Hall of Fame Nominee
Nominee, continued from page 25. of-wounds rate in the history of modern structor at STRIKEHAWK AVIATION
for the Future Vertical Lift Program of warfare. LLC. Bob also sits on the Army Avia-
Record, DOD’s number-one acquisi- COL Mitchell served as the Avia- tion Association of America Executive
tion program for the next generation of tion Consultant to the Army Surgeon Board of Directors, the DUSTOFF
Army aircraft in 2040. His tremendous General for five years, President of the Association Executive Board of Direc-
analysis successfully convinced the DUSTOFF Association for two years, tors, and the Army Aviation Heritage
AMEDD leadership of the urgent need and was nominated for the Board of Foundation Board of Directors.
to advance the 4-week Flight Medic Directors Army Aviation Heritage As a direct result of his outstand-
Program to the Critical Care Flight Foundation. Bob holds numerous mili- ing historic, doctrinal, innovative, and
Paramedic Program (9 months in du- tary and FAA civilian ratings, to include superlative leadership contributions to
ration), which was an overwhelming Master-Rated Army Aviator, Profes- DUSTOFF over an extended period of
contributing factor to the survivability sional Airline Transport Pilot license, time, COL Bob Mitchell is worthy of
rates exceeding 92%, the lowest died- and Flight Instructor Helicopter and induction into the DUSTOFF Hall of
Airplane. He has amassed 6,000 mili- Fame. From his days in high school and
tary and civilian flight hours and 500 college as an all-star athlete, through
Pilot, continued from page 3. combat flight hours. As a flight instruc- his years serving on active duty as
tor, he has personally trained and certi- an officer of the highest caliber, COL
fied more than 1,000 military and FAA Mitchell is a world-class contributor
He listens to the Peter Pilot and certified pilots. Bob earned a Master’s to the legacy of DUSTOFF. His enor-
Crew Chief as well, Degree in Aeronautical Science from mous impact on the Army aeromedi-
As he watches for popped smoke. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University cal evacuation continues to flourish
Glancing down, he sees looks of and has authored and published five today with his passion for excellence.
relief on haggard informative articles regarding aviation *******************************
Faces; they know he will not medicine and medical evacuation.
choke. COL Mitchell’s awards and decora-
Culminating his military career,
tions include: Legion of Merit (1 Oak
COL Mitchell served as the Director,
Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal,
With bullets pinging on the thin Medical Capabilities and Integration
Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf
metal, and stars Center, where he was the Senior Capa-
Appearing on the windshield, he Clusters), Air Medal, Army Commen-
bility Developer and Force Integrator
holds steady to the stick. dation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters),
for the Army’s combat medical sys-
People are screaming to his rear, Army Achievement Medal, Army
tems and organizations of the future.
mortars dropping Good Conduct Medal, National De-
His critical responsibilities included
Dangerously near, fense Service Medal with Star, Armed
the synchronization and execution of
But he maintains a firm control Forces Expeditionary Medal (Haiti),
of his slick. concept developments, experimenta-
Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on
tion, simulation, and requirements
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global
development for full spectrum opera-
He saves a dozen lives and takes War on Terrorism Service Medal, Ko-
supplies where no one tions in support of 13 Combat Support
rean Defense Service Medal, Humani-
Else wishes to go; for him it is just Hospitals, 615 Blackhawk Helicopters,
tarian Service Medal, Armed Forces
another day. and 225 Ground Ambulance vehicles,
Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon,
At base camp he helps wash totaling more than $25 billion. Bob was
Overseas Ribbon with Numeral Two
blood from the rear cabin, the pivotal architect behind the his-
(Korea), Army Meritorious Unit Com-
And after he fingers new bullet torical reorganization of the AMEDD
holes, he casually walks away. mendation, Army Superior Unit Award,
Center and School to the AMEDD’s
Expert Field Medical Badge, Master
Health Readiness Center of Excellence
Army Aviator Badge, Master Parachut-
I never saw his face, I never knew in support of the Training and Doctrine
his name,
ist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Order
Command’s Center of Excellence
But I’ll never forget the day the of Military Medical Merit, Order of
Concept.
Huey Pilot came. Saint Michael (Aviation), and the “A”
COL Mitchell currently works as
Proficiency Designator for the highest
the Senior Defense Analyst at Medical
– Author Unknown level of contributions and expertise to
Evacuation and Proponency Division,
Medical Evacuation.
U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excel-
lence, Fort Rucker, Alabama, and
—DUSTOFFer—
serves as CEO and Chief Flight In-
PAGE 26 The DUSTOFFer
 2017 DUSTOFF Association
Hall of Fame Ballot

COL (R) Robert D. “Bob” Mitchell

This ballot is for the 2017 election for DUSTOFF Hall of Fame induction. Those elected will be inducted into the
DUSTOFF Hall of Fame at the 2018 Annual DUSTOFF Reunion in San Antonio, Texas, May 3-6, 2018.

Nominees must capture two-thirds of the votes cast to be elected. Please participate in this endeavor. It’s your Hall of Fame
and our legacy. Vote yes or no for the nominee below. It should be noted that just because there is only one nominee, your
vote is critical. Nominees are selected based upon your belief that they meet the criteria.

COL (R) Robert D. “Bob” Mitche ll q Yes q No

You may vote online (instructions below), or mail this ballot and any donation you wish to make to:

DUSTOFF Association
P. O. Box 8091
San Antonio, TX 78208

Your ballot must be received at the post office box or online on or before October 31, 2017, to be counted.

Instructions for Voting Online

• Log on to [Link]
• Click Hall of Fame Ballot & Voting Booth
• Click Robert “Bob” Mitchell’s Narrative to read narrative of the nominee
• When ready to vote, click Go to Voting Booth
• To log in, use the following:
Username: dustoff
Password: hof2018
• Fill in all blanks.

Spring/Summer 2017 PAGE 27

DUSTOFF Association
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U.S. Postage Paid
San Antonio, TX 78208-0091 Permit No. 3017
San Antonio, TX

Address service requested

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Membership Application/Change of Address
q I want to join the Association as a Life Member
Officers and Civilians $100.00 One-time fee
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q Check here if change of address, or e-mail change to executivedirector@

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Send check or money order, payable DUSTOFF Association

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PAGE 28 The DUSTOFFer