VAC Volunteer Kelly Bruun's Mission Report

SSgt Jessie Slotte was severely wounded when he was ambushed in 2007 while on dismounted patrol in Iraq. Chasing an insurgent he was ambushed when a 155mm artillery shell improvised into an explosive device was detonated under him. The grenades he was carrying detonated as well. Although not expected he has made amazing progress toward substantial recovery.
It was my honor and privilege to transport this wounded soldier from Fort Lewis to receive a special award and to reunite with his fellow warriors and the staff at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. It truly was a great experience that I will always remember.



SSgt Jessie Slotte and his wife Maria when we landed in Colorado for fuel



He we are “friends already” upon arrival in San Antonio



Jessie reuniting with staff at Brooke Army Medical Center where he endured 49 surgeries



I was welcomed into his group of friends. My hero finally had some fun in his life.
In just three days I have become lifelong friends with a great American hero and his wonderful and courageous wife Maria. I met and interacted with 16 of his fellow wounded warriors as well, and meeting those young soldiers has given me a new hope for the future for our Country.

-Kelly Bruun

Veterans Airlift Flies Wounded Warriors to Compete in Boston Marathon

I recently had the opportunity to help organize one of the most inspiring Veterans Airlift Command missions that I’ve had the privilege of taking part in.
On Saturday, April 18th, two Falcon jets flew down to Washington’s Dulles airport to transfer six double and single amputees, veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, to Boston to compete in the Boston Marathon as members of the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. The two flight crews, Signature Flight Support in Dulles and Boston, MWAA and Massport firefighters went above and beyond to support these great athletes and their family members.

In an effort to boost support for these soldiers, the Veterans Airlift Command, and for the business and general aviation community whose donations make VAC flights possible, we arranged to have several members of the media greet us upon arrival in Boston. The local Fox News and ABC channels, as well as the Boston Herald and Boston Globe were on hand to record the arrival and the inspiring story of the athletes. The cameras were even rolling as the jet pulled up to the Signature terminal with the American flag waving out of the Captain’s window.

Like many of VAC’s passengers, this was the first time on private airplanes for most of the athletes. Signature Flight Support rolled out the red carpet (literally) and the flight crews went out of their way to make the trip comfortable and fun. Both airplanes and their crews stayed in Boston the entire weekend and flew the athletes back to Washington.

…one more opportunity to show just a fraction of our gratitude for the sacrifice these soldiers have made. It was an honor for all of us involved.


Katie Pribyl
Director, Communications
General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Once in a Lifetime VAC Mission

VAC Pilot Bill Campbell and Lt. General (Ret) Hal Moore

We pilots, who have flown VAC missions, have felt our heart strings tugged upon by the soldiers and families we have encountered. Stoic hearts, bravery and courtesy have been the hallmark of all of those I have transported.

I recently had a once in a lifetime honor of transporting a man whom exemplifies Duty, Honor, Country over a long service life. Lt. General (Ret) Hal Moore. You may know him as the man represented by Mel Gibson in the movie “We were Soldiers” he authored the book “We were Soldiers once and young” . The book chronicles the battle of the La Drang Valley which was also known as the Valley of Death. In reality Lt. General Moore, then a Lt. Col, took 395 soldiers of the US 7th Cavalry up against 4000 well armed, well trained North Vietnamese regulars…and won!

This VAC mission was requested through Walt Fricke by the Commander of the 7th Cavalry in Ft. Stewart Georgia. Well into his late 80’s General Moore simply deserved better than commercial air carriers could offer. He was to be the Guest of Honor at the 2009 Cavalry Ball.

I picked up General Moore near his home and was amazed that this diminutive man had crystal blue eyes that literally sparkled in the morning sun under his black Stetson hat adorned with gold aiguillette and three silver stars. Even after all the years since my own service, it made me almost snap to attention

The General was sprightly and moments after takeoff we chased my co-pilot into the back of the plane and the general took control in the right seat of my 421. He admitted many years had passed since his flying days. Believe it or not he became a rotary wing pilot after he became a general. Now too short to see over the glare shield he flew by instruments. He flew the plane all the way to the approach in Ft. Stewart. Fortunately he allowed me to do the landing. I must say he flew the plane like he was born to it.

Once on the ground Jill Eichner, my copilot, and I were given the run of Ft. Stewart. We had been invited to attend the Cavalry ball that evening and were virtually the only civilians there.

We visited the 3rd Division Museum and saw the wall of hero’s, all of whom had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. That was humbling. From there we went outside on a beautiful day and walked the Warriors walk. It is a brick lined sidewalk and every 20 ft is a tree, rimmed by brick, encasing a small memorial to a members of the 3rd Division who fell during the Iran, Afghanistan conflicts. This walk surrounds the parade ground and one is most struck by its simple beauty and that it is much too long and growing.

The general spoke to an officer leadership group in the afternoon and the young officers, many the age of the generals grandchildren, were mesmerized during the talk and effusive in their applause and praise.

In the evening we attended the ball. It was a most memorable experience. The full mess dress of the officers and enlisted men of the 3rd Division and 7th Cav is stunning. It isn’t often you see 400 men in black Stetsons, blue waistcoats with gold lapels and full dress medals. Additionally, those hardened by battle, wear spurs even in their best military attire.

The soldiers we met reinforce this old airman’s belief in the youth of this country. Words cannot describe the feeling in the room. One of the most poignant events is the series of toasts. They go something like this…

The toast is delivered by a single officer the response by the 400 in attendance.

Toast: Ladies and Gentlemen I propose a toast to the United States of America.
Response: To the United States of America

Toast: Ladies and Gentlemen I propose a toast to the United States Army
Response: The Army

Toast: Ladies and Gentlemen I propose a toast to the 3rd Division
Response: Rock of the Marne

Toast: Ladies and Gentlemen I propose a toast to the 7th Cavalry Regiment
Response: GarryOwen

Toast: Ladies and Gentlemen I propose a toast to our Fallen Comrades
Response: (Raised glasses but not a sound in the room)

The meal was excellent, the generals speech endearing and the contact with the soldiers stirring.

On the trip home that evening, after a 14 hour day, the Old General slept. The sounds of battles fought, the thoughts of friends and soldiers lost, momentarily replaced by the adulation of the next generation of our finest and the drone of a couple of old piston engines in his ears.

We have long been and remain in the best of hands with our military. We can never repay the debt we owe our warriors who give everything. I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who fly for the VAC for what you do to try.

Best regards
-Bill Campbell
N41041

Reflections on Veterans Day

Forty years ago TODAY, a 19 year old Army helicopter pilot, having served the larger part of his tour before being seriously wounded arrived back on US soil from Vietnam. He was strapped to a stretcher in the back of a C-141 Star-lifter. And to a welcome home and “thanks for your trouble”, that thankfully is not being repeated today. Thanks, in part to the volunteer pilots who make up the ranks of the elite “Veterans Airlift Command”.

Veterans Day is a good day to reflect on the positive change in attitude in America toward our returning warriors. It makes me proud (and not for the first time) to be an American.

Today a Chicago based volunteer for the VAC is en route from San Antonio to Columbus Ohio (after responding to an urgent call yesterday afternoon and flying to San Antonio last evening) to deliver a young Army specialist and his mother home to Columbus due to a family emergency. This young soldier is a bilateral above the knee amputee with a serious traumatic brain injury. And he knows he is appreciated by a grateful nation. The Veterans Airlift volunteers see to it that these families are treated with the respect, dignity and support that they deserve. While most of these heroes will tell you that this is not what they expect, we cannot deny that is our obligation as a grateful nation to recognize their sacrifice and offer them the best that we have.

Our volunteers do that. And this “old” Army Helicopter pilot…the one referred to above, is proud to be associated with this, one of the finest volunteer outfits in the US.

Letter from Donald Shade-a VAC Volunteer

Marine Corporals Brett Sobaski and Christopher Lawrence

First, let us thank you for what you created with the VAC and all the time and effort you invest in what you do. This program provided the most amazing weekend for Roger, me and dozens of others in our Big Bear City, CA airport community.

As you know, Viet Nam Combat Veteran Roger Schmidt and I each flew our Skylanes to San Diego Montgomery Field in response to a VAC request to provide wounded Marines with an introductory flight in small aircraft. The date seemed perfect since our Pilot’s Association already had two aviation events planned which we were certain the Marines would enjoy.

On Friday, July 11th, Roger and I took off from Big Bear City Airport for the 100 mile flight to San Diego arriving just before noon. We met Marine Corporal’s Christopher Lawrence and Brett Sobaski at the terminal. First impressions proved accurate throughout the weekend as these two shining examples of courage & patriotism reminded us of the thousands of men and women who risk their lives to keep our country free.

Of coincidental note was the fact that Cpl. Sobaski was wearing a John Deere tractor t-shirt. This led to the quick discovery that Brett and Roger were Iowa neighbors, both knowing many of the other’s relatives.

Each Marine sat right seat in our Cessnas doing a fantastic job navigating over Miramar Naval Air Station and March Air Reserve Base en route back to Big Bear. Once landed, we hopped into my Jeep, top down, and headed off to lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. A drive around Big Bear Lake terminated at the airport where both Marines were enthusiastically greeted by our airport staff.

That evening, the Marines were again welcomed by 10 of us “airport folk” with a barbecue chicken dinner at my home. As most of us over-ate, Cpl. Brett Sobaski put us at ease by sharing the mid-west advice that his Grandfather gave him at an early age: “Bretty. Let me tell you… When Sobaski’s dine we don’t get full. We just get tired of eating.” That seemed to set the tone for the rest of the weekend.

After dinner we retreated to the big screen to watch “The Final Season”, a DVD movie about Iowa Baseball Champions in the town where Roger and Brett grew up. I won’t bore you with all the Iowa comments, but rest assured that Cpl. Lawrence, a Wisconsin native, and I, a California boy, had to roll our eyes more than once in response to the banter between the two.

Cpl. Sobaski left to spend the night at Roger’s home while Cpl. Lawrence stayed with me.

On Saturday at 0830 it was off again to the airport to fly EAA Young Eagles ( http://www.bigbearcityairport.com/young_eagles.html ). Eleven Big Bear Aircraft flew more than 60 Big Bear kids around the mountain peaks that morning. Cpls. Lawrence and Sobaski spent most of their time flying a turbine powered Aero Commander piloted by Big Bear Airport Commissioner Jay Obernolte. Scattered clouds and docile winds provided everyone with a great flying experience.

After lunch Cpl. Sobaski opted for a flight lesson with B.B.A.P.A. CFI Bill Jones and headed off down runway 08 in the Skylane. Cpl. Lawrence chose to spend his time “flying” on the ground in Roger’s 2007 Corvette. Rumor has it that ground speed of the Corvette may have exceeded that of the 182 for a short period of time. I do know that both Marine’s returned from their “flights” with smiles on their faces.

At 1500 both Marines were guests of honor at our Big Bear Airport Pilot’s Association Hangar Party / Barbecue. Seventy-five community members came out to thank the Marines for the sacrifices they’ve made and injuries they’ve suffered to keep us free. With the Marine Hymn playing in the background, retired Marine Colonel Bill Alley choked back tears of pride as he presented the Marines with a decorated cake, thanking the soldiers for service to their country. A dozen other Marine Veterans in attendance were evidenced by utterances of “Semper Fi” and “Oorah” heard throughout the afternoon. It was a proud day for all of us.

Both Marines expressed thanks and appreciation to those in attendance, and again tears started to flow. A standing ovation was immediate and well deserved for these two amazing young men.

U.S.M.C. Veteran Joe Landaker, father of Big Bear’s Marine 1st Lt. Jared M. Landaker, hosted both Marines at his home that Evening. Jared Landaker is a Big Bear Community Hero who died Feb. 7, 2007 when the helicopter he was flying in crashed while supporting combat operations in Anbar: ( http://militarytimes.com/honor/2552631.html )

This was a very special weekend for many people in Big Bear and Roger and I look forward to doing it again as VAC volunteers.

Marine Corporals Christopher Lawrence and Brett Sobaski should be a reminder to all of us that there are hundreds more like them rehabilitating in Military Hospitals all round the country. They appreciate any show of support that you can give them. Stop by a hospital and visit, send a card or care package, take them out on the town or a short trip, everything is appreciated.

This morning I had the personal honor and privilege of flying these two heroes back to San Diego. As you wrote to me in an earlier email, it’s the best kind of flying you can do.

Thanks again for what you and all the other VAC volunteers do. It does make a difference.

- Donald Shade

Here's an email we received today:

Jim, Bob, and Jen,

Attached please find pictures of my son and I upon his return from Iraq. Words can never say thank you for the assistance of seeing my son home. I only hope in the future I can help in any way I can with any of the foundations. While waiting for the bus to arrive at Quantico, I sat back and watched the families and friends that were anxiously awaiting seeing their loved one for the first time in a number of months. Nothing warms a persons heart more that to see the anticipation on faces and to know the same feeling. The pride that I felt was a feeling I have felt a number of times before in simple ways such as a ball game when the National Anthem is played. These fine young men and women put their lives on the line everyday to make sure America is free for each and everyone of us. They voluntarily make the choice to do this. I was addressed as Mamm, yet I felt I should be calling them by the highest title I could think of. The troops filed off the bus, with knees weak because they wanted to run to their families, however they stood in formation. That is a TRUE man. Yes, I yelled so loud, I am sure I was heard in Iraq. It was a strange day as I knew that at the same time as my son was in the air arriving back safely to the states, my older brother was in the air on his way to Afghanistan with the 7th unit of the Special Forces. Our stay at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel was a memory that will always remain in our hearts and minds. Upon arrival, we were treated as though we were a dignitary and every one of my concerns of rest for my son were diminished. Bob Sierralta became like one of our family. My son made comment about how down to earth he was. Bob repeatedly thanked my son for his service. He thanked me for my families devotion to the Armed Forces. Bob- I feel you have become a friend forever! Jen Salvati put the ball in motion. She called me a number of times to make sure all my needs were met. I will get the HONOR to meet her soon. Trust me- I will hug her until she tells me to stop. Again, Thank you for the opportunity to hug my son, a proud Marine as he stepped off that bus onto American soil.

Darcy Jones

A proud mother, sister, and American

HERO FLIGHT- submitted by guest author Chuck Asbury

The sleek Lear 25 rocketed out of Modesto California and turned eastward into a crisp spring dawn, climbing four thousand feet a minute. Within minutes it caught the jet stream dead on the tail and boosted its already legendary speed. The crew grinned as the GPS ratcheted upward, soon indicating 565 knots ground speed at 39 thousand feet. Owner/pilot Roger Claypool, turned to the cabin and smiled at the passengers; “We’re doing 650 miles an hour, and we’ll arrive right on time.”

Aboard was Sergeant Eric McManus, his wife Danielle, year old baby and mother-in-law. The one thing McManus longed for was a reunion with his combat unit back in Ft. Bragg North Carolina. He had been rotated home a couple of months before his tour of duty in Iraq was over, and it came without the happiness one would expect. While on patrol McManus caught a sniper’s bullet in Baghdad. The slug impacted just above the armored chest plate of his flak jacket and tore into his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. His band of brothers, paratroopers of the 325th Airborne Battle Team of the famed 82d Airborne division awaited his return at Fayetteville Regional airport.

As might be expected, the pay of an airborne infantry sergeant isn’t at the top of the income ladder, so hiring a Lear isn’t the first means of transport that comes to mind. But cost wasn’t a problem. It wasn’t, because of the creation of Walt Fricke, founder, Chairman and CEO of Veteran’s Airlift Command…the VAC. Fricke is himself a veteran helicopter pilot of the war in Vietnam and so seriously wounded during a combat mission that he spent more than six months recovering in military hospitals.

Fricke’s brainchild was borne of the need for wounded warriors to get to hospitals providing continuing medical care and to provide a means of reconnecting with comrades and loved ones. The slogan of the VAC; “THEY’VE GOT HEART, THEY NEED WINGS” is thus, both telling and fitting. Hundreds of aircraft owners have signed on to provide cost-free transportation for wounded warriors and their families. In less than two years after inception, Fricke’s VAC has flown over 550 Passengers across the breadth and length of America. On this particular flight McManus was in good hands, as Roger Claypool is also a doctor, and Britt Easterling, Roger’s regular first officer, has experience attending disabled persons and therefore capable of tending to needs that may have arisen en route.

Faster than scat, the Lear still needs fuel half way across the continent, and in a tad over two hours we landed at Grayson County Airport in Denison Texas. Before departure, calls were made to en route FBOs to arrange handling. When the purpose of the flight was made known, the response was astounding. Heartfelt thanks and appreciation were immediate, as were fuel discounts and priority handling. Lake Texoma Jet Center, prime FBO at Grayson County, handled refueling quickly and topped things off by providing box lunches for all. Every employee of the FBO came forward to give thanks and good wishes to McManus and his family.

The FAA has also come on board for these flights. While you’ve likely heard of Angel Flights and Lifeguard, you may soon hear a new call sign, as the FAA has issued the call sign “Hero Flight” to aircraft transporting wounded warriors arranged through the VAC. Astoundingly, the FAA granted use of the special call sign just two weeks after application was made by the VAC, shortcutting a process typically requiring six months. Using this call sign, ATC grants priority handling whenever possible, and that’s done often according to pilots flying these missions.

Volunteers of the VAC, individuals and corporations alike, are of a similar mind; the incredible sacrifices made by these young soldiers for our country and for all Americans far outweigh the generosity of aircraft owners and crews. Bottom line; it’s just a little time and some gas.

Sgt. McManus, perhaps a bit shy, perhaps anxious about reuniting with comrades he hadn’t seen in many months, noticeably perks up on the approach to Fayetteville Regional Airport, next door to Ft. Bragg. It’s a bit of a reunion for co-pilot author Chuck Asbury of Sacramento as well, for during Korean War days he too was a paratrooper in the same unit as McManus, thus making a unique and comfortable bond between crew and passengers.

The Lear pulls up to the Landmark Aviation FBO ramp two hours after leaving Texas and precisely on the ETA. When the engines spin down and the door opens, McManus’ paratrooper pals run to the plane and give a tumultuous welcome. His anxiety vanishes instantly, the troops are jovial, happy and unrelenting in their greeting. The reunion is awesome and solid, and McManus too, is again happy.

Standing behind are two grizzled combat veterans, Captain Jason Gardel and Master Sergeant Jamie Nelson, members of McManus’ unit, who quietly grin broadly at the heart-tugging reception. As well, several ladies are present, wives of both officers and enlisted men, and all members of the family of soldiers and kin irrevocably bound together by war. Indeed, there were few dry eyes.

Many more troops will arrive in the following days, as entire units require several days to cycle from a distant continent to home. Many will bring more greetings for their friend Eric in the coming days. To the man, they will be pained by the thought that he will not likely ever again walk on his own in the land we call home.

You have the opportunity to join in the cause. Your aircraft and crews are needed, and the VAC is grateful for your participation. The VAC is a fully qualified 501c3 organization and as such, operational costs of missions are tax deductible. If you’re going to Oshkosh you’ll have a chance to check into things on a first hand basis, as the VAC will have a trailer parked near the Warbirds Café this year, so make it a point to drop by and meet Walt Fricke and his folks. Likewise, you can call Walt at (952) 582-2911, or check out their website: www.veteransairlift.org.