Veterans Airlift Command

Letter to our Pilots and Aircraft Owners

2011-11-16T12:15:00.004-06:00

I am sharing with you all my husband’s recent experience flying commercially so that you can get a better understanding of how much you help out not only us, but also veterans across America.

My husband, Jack Zimmerman, was asked by a foundation that wanted to support him, and his passion for hunting and send him on a weeklong elk, and white tail deer hunt. Being that we have only flown privately through Veterans Airlift Command, I was tentative about hearing he would be flying commercially. He was injured last March 2011 after stepping over an IED in Afghanistan while serving a 12-month deployment with the 101st Airborne Division. He lost both his legs, above the knee, and most of his right hand and arm. I called the airline he would be flying on ahead of time and went through all my concerns with them, and they assured me, everything would be taken care of.

We arrived to the airport extra early, as I knew with having a 24” metal rod running down his right arm, and an 8” metal plate in his left elbow, along with loose shrapnel throughout his legs, getting through security would be a nightmare. He only had two bags, one, for his medications and other necessities in case the airline lost his luggage, the other, his carry on- easily small enough to fit in the overhead compartments. However, since he was flying alone, and since he had to push his own wheelchair, we were forced to pay and check his extra bag in just because he couldn’t carry it to his gate from security.

We got to the security checkpoint, and with no one assisting him, and myself not being allowed any farther, he had to push himself through while trying to take everything out of his pockets, and get everything out of his backpack attached to his wheelchair. Being that he doesn’t have any fingers on his right hand, he has to wear a splint that covers from his wrist to his elbow, and allows him to push himself in his wheelchair. After airport security tested his splint, and it came back as an “explosive” they were not going to allow him to take it with him. This splint, being the ONLY way he can move himself and being a necessity, they finally allowed him to bring it on the plane. This may have been the part of the days complications that got to me the most because, here sits a veteran, completely helpless in his wheelchair, who has given America the ultimate sacrifice in DEFENDING our country against terrorists and these people are actually going to question his motives going aboard a plane?

My husband is not dangerous.

My husband is a big guy, being 6’3” when he was blown up, and I was worried about how they would actually get him onto the plane. To my understanding, he could take his own wheelchair up to his gate and then “transfer” into one of the airport wheelchairs, where an airport personal would push him aboard the plane. The wheelchairs the airport provided that fit up the aisles of the plane were so narrow, and small, that his shoulders hit the seats as they wheeled him down the aisle, and he couldn’t fit past the first row of economy seats. I would like to add in though, he COULD fit through first class, but there were obviously more important people aboard the plane. So, to get to his seat, he had to get out of the wheelchair and scoot on his bottom down a dirty plane isle that millions of people have walked across until he got to his seat on the plane. He had to do the same when exiting the plane.

Did I mention he had a layover for 3 hours in Denver, where he had to again, scoot on his bottom on and off the plane, and then push himself around an airport looking for his connecting gate, and then sit and wait for 3 hours, just to scoot onto the plane again.

Finally, after a grueling travel day, and upon arriving at his destination, he now received notice that his bags were left behind- his bag, which included the extra battery to his, now dead, wheelchair, and the battery charger.

In this, I didn’t even include the millions of stares from people around you, and the completely terrified person who has to sit next to someone who is missing their legs, and how un human it makes you feel.

I just wanted to write you about our only experience thus far in his injury flying commercially so that you can truly understand how difficult it is for a wounded veteran to fly.

Veterans Airlift command is truly the greatest organization we had ever heard of, and cannot be more thankful for all the pilots who fly for us. Eliminating the security, and layovers, and transportation onto the plane.

I hope that from this, you all know how much we really appreciate your service to us, and how you really are the heroes, and the ones to be thanked.

Respectfully,
Megan Zimmerman

2011-10-12T21:06:00.006-05:00

The challenge is on. I have challenged one of our VAC volunteers to see who can raise the most money for VAC Hero Flight 2011. The winner of the challenge will have the opportunity to start out our golf event in North Carolina by skydiving onto the golf course right before the shotgun start. After having two kids, I crossed skydiving off my bucket list for being a little too risky, although it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. However, this particular opportunity comes with the benefit of doing a tandem jump with (former Golden Knight) SFC Mike Elliott, who took President Bush for his 85th birthday. Right back in the bucket list. I’m asking you to help me check this off the bucket list the RIGHT way-by actually doing it! And, asking your support of a great cause.

The Ranger Group is donating the jump, so ALL proceeds go directly to VAC. You can also purchase your tickets to our event and even sponsor a table in support of my jump. And, if you can’t make it to our event, but want to support VAC, you can do that too! Feel free to pass this on!

Click HERE to donate:

Thanks for your continued support of our mission,

Jen Salvati
Operations Manager

What I Learned from Listening to Heroes by Mike Gaston-VAC Pilot

2011-04-04T13:25:00.003-05:00

Veterans Airlift Command pilots and aircraft transported wounded warriors and support staff from San Antonio to Las Cruces on Friday March 25 so they could participate in the annual Bataan Death March Memorial hike through the White Sands Missile base.
My passengers were two Army and one Air Force enlisted men from the 59th Warrior Transition Battalion and a physical therapist from their unit. We left San Antonio in a flight of two, our Cessna 340 and a Cessna 414. We stayed a flight of two until we reached Pecos, TX, where I decided to get more gas to cope with the un-forecast 55knot headwind and the guys decided we were short on Mexican food.
The FBO in Pecos gave us the keys to his old Suburban and directed us to La Fiesta Restaurant. There Gabriela steered the men to the ‘Mexican Chicken Fried Steak’, a La Fiesta specialty. This masterpiece of culinary art hung over the sides of the plate, but my men were up to the task at hand and laid waste to the paper thin beef patty coated with abundant fried batter and pepper sauce. Sounds terrible, but is actually pretty good.
Back to the airport and ready to go Las Cruces. Before we left, the FBO presented each of us with honorary sheriff’s badges representing the “Law West of the Pecos” enforced by the legendary Judge Roy Bean.
Over lunch I learned that Oscar, the squad leader, was from Hollywood, CA and has been to Afghanistan once and Iraq twice on a striker team. He is responsible to make sure his 16 man squad in San Antonio is getting all the support they have available from the various resources and that they are following their rehabilitation plans.
Mark, the physical therapist, is retired from the Navy after a career as a corpsman and physical therapist and is a civilian in the program in San Antonio. His wife is an Air Force surgical trauma nurse, who has completed three tours in Iraq. Mark just completed a program to teach how to use a Segway to candidates who need it for mobility. The Segway Company has donated 1,000 of the two wheeled units to the program.
Justin is from Greenville, TX and was in Iraq on a 101st striker team. He climbed up front in the right seat on the trip from Pecos to Las Cruces. I thought he wanted to fly the airplane, but he was asleep in ten minutes. The man can eat an entire Mexican chicken fried steak, but he can’t stay awake afterwards.
Marcus is an Air Force electronics guru from “some-little-town-in-Oklahoma-you-never-heard-of”. He is based in San Antonio now, but was based in Biloxi, MS. He is eager to get back on a motorcycle. He is back on active duty as he continues his rehab.
I listened to good natured Army versus Air Force versus Navy jabs all the way to Las Cruces. Neither the Marines nor the Coast Guard was mentioned at all. Thanks for little favors. Also, I have never had any passengers use the relief tube so many times. Must have had too much iced tea at La Fiesta?
I learned that a military wife give you no slack when you do not call home when you said you would even though you are out on a “black op” in Iraq. Communication from active areas are usually pretty good except when out on patrol.
I learned that the controversial “Surge” worked in Iraq. Oscar and Justin were there and saw the results as they worked in the neighborhoods with the Iraqi people. Many Iraqis have satellite dishes and watch shows like Jersey Shore and South Park… both certain to improve their opinions of the U.S.
I learned there are three good things about being an amputee:
The Army does not care about your weight anymore.
It is quicker to get a buzz from alcohol.
The VA will refit your motorcycle so you can ride it with a prosthesis.
On this hike through the desert it is a good idea to carry more than one leg. Oscar brought three.
All these men are on active duty and had to get permission to go on the Bataan Death March Memorial Hike in Las Cruces. They made this trip on their own time and took personal leave to do it. That’s right, they had to get permission to use their personal time to travel to the high desert in New Mexico, walk almost 30 miles in the heat and sand to honor their heroes from World War II.
They shared their concerns about being able to complete the hike on Sunday. It is not the physical challenge that worries them; it is their fear of failing to properly honor the men who were on the original Bataan Death March in 1942. Please read that sentence again.
They will do just fine.

Thanksgiving Mission

2010-11-29T17:13:00.002-06:00

I'd like to share a note that went out from one of our aircraft owners about a Thanksgiving mission that was flown on a few hours notice to get some injured soldiers home for Thanksgiving. These guys just returned stateside from a nine month long tour in Afghanistan and had not yet had a chance to see their families. A big thank you goes out not only to Nick, but to everyone who helped us get soldiers home for Thanksgiving this year.

As a group we have so very much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful that I have as friends, family and co-workers such a wonderful group of talented and caring people. I would hope that as we enjoy the holiday, the great food, our families and friends this Thanksgiving that we take a minute or more to be thankful for and think about those who protect our freedoms- who daily put it all on the line for us, this great country and our way of life. Today as on past occasions – we as a group all contributed to an expression of gratitude to some of those who have so selflessly put themselves in Harms Way. Thanks to Walt Fricke and Veterans Airlift Command- we were honored to have as our guest on the company plane three wounded warriors who were trying to get home for the holiday after an extended tour of duty and months in the hospital recovering from the injuries they received in the line of duty. A special thanks to Karen Keaton for making it happen by working with local airports in Vermont and Massachusetts to keep them open after their normal hours so our crew Dave and Rich could get them home for the holiday. As I have so often heard a photo speaks a thousand words. In the rear of the aircraft is Bill Fitzgerald, who was kind enough to share the photo, and who said “thanks for sharing this wonderful event” Bill rode home with them today, they shared their stories with him. Thank you all for being a part of the sage-popovich family.

Happy Thanksgiving. Nick and Pat

Letter to Signature Palm Beach FBO from VAC Volunteer

2010-10-27T15:59:00.004-05:00

Robert,

Thank you so much for all you and your crew did to make our Veterans Airlift flight to your FBO a success. Everyone went out of their way to help not only through multiple discounts and fee waivers but most importantly by the hospitality the Signature Palm Beach staff helped in making sure our Hero Soldier had the red carpet treatment that he and his family deserves. You went over and above and for that we greatly thank you.

I wanted to take a moment and give you a little background on what this mission was about. Marine Sergeant Carlos Evans has been deployed four times. Three times to Iraq, and once to Afghanistan. On May 16th while on foot patrol in Afghanistan, he stepped on an IED and lost both legs and his left hand. He has been in the hospital at Walter Reed for the last 5 months, and anticipates he will be in the hospital for at least another year.

Sergeant Evans and his wife both celebrate their birthdays on the same day, and he had clearance to get away for a few days to celebrate outside of a hospital environment (we all know that this is the better way to heal). They were in Fayetteville (it will be their new home once he is out of the hospital), and they wanted to get away to Florida before he goes back to Walter Reed to continue rehabilitation.

Again our hats off to you and your staff for helping make this mission such a success.

Please see the attached pictures taken at Signature Palm Beach FBO.

Respectfully,

Dan Rogers
President
Duotech Services Inc

Veterans Airlift Command Joins CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour

2010-08-26T20:55:00.003-05:00

MIDLAND, TEXAS (Aug. 23, 2010) –On Mon., Aug. 23, 2010, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) announced a new alliance that will help bring attention to the VAC cause, transporting wounded U.S. service members and their families. The recently announced CAF Red, White & Loud Tour starring Aaron Tippin and the CAF’s B-29 FIFI will be an opportunity for the VAC’s mission to be shared with audiences across the country.

“We will be using our veteran airplanes to raise awareness of the Veterans Airlift Command mission, joining the past with the present,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “We are honored to be part of VAC’s noble cause to support the wounded U.S. service men and women. The CAF’s Red, White and Loud Tour will lend its voice to tell the story of VAC, helping to recruit new pilots and support across the country.”

"While providing free air transportation to our wounded warriors is our primary mission, we are thrilled to associate with the CAF in order to expand awareness to the aviation and military communities,” said Founder/CEO and Air Boss of VAC, Walter L. Fricke. “Our mission succeeds because of the generous financial support of Patriotic Americans and the "in-kind" support of our volunteer pilots and aircraft owners. The CAF’s Red White and Loud Tour brings this all together to the right audience with a proud historical perspective. This alliance will connect patriots from the past to those of the present in a wholly unique, effective and compelling way."

The first stop of the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour will be in Denver, Colo. at the Colorado Sport International Air Show and Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In, Sat., Aug. 28, 2010. This stop will feature the CAF’s B-24A Liberator Ol’ 927 along with CAF National Spokesman Aaron Tippin. During the concert, Tippin will talk about the VAC’s mission and introduce U.S. service member families who received transportation through VAC.

At each future stop of the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour, Aaron Tippin will introduce audiences to the mission of VAC and encourage them to donate. Pilots and individuals with private aircraft will be encouraged to join the cause by volunteering their time and resources to transport Wounded Warriors and their families.

Sponsors of the Red, White & Loud Tour will be supporting not only the tour and the Commemorative Air Force, but also the Veterans Airlift Command. The VAC will receive a portion of sponsorship funds in an effort to increase the organizations reach and capabilities.

About the VAC:

The Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.

Imagine a U.S. service member returning home from combat, facing devastating injuries and long term hospitalization in a facility hundreds of miles away from his or her family. VAC is an organization that brings wounded warriors and their families together in times such as these.

VAC’s priority is on the veterans of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). For more information, visit www.veteransairlift.org or call (952) 582-2911.

About the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour starring Aaron Tippin & the CAF’s B-29 FIFI:
The Commemorative Air Force and country music star/patriot Aaron Tippin have launched the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour celebrating America’s freedom through song and the roaring radial engines of one of the world’s most famous warbirds. At each tour stop, one of the CAF’s famous warbirds will arrive with Aaron Tippin aboard. Once qualified, Aaron will begin co-piloting the aircraft to future stops. Audiences of the CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Aaron perform such songs as Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly and You’ve Got to Stand For Something in front of one of America's national treasures, a historic warbird! For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

About the CAF:
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

Veterans Airlift Command Takes to the Road

2010-05-13T10:02:00.003-05:00

I spent the better part of the last 30 days visiting military installations/hospitals all over the US East of the Rockies… In a Prevost motor home on loan to the VAC Foundation by VAC volunteers Bruce and Rosemary Rose (who, incidentally just flew a gang of wounded warriors to Boston from Walter Reed for the Boston Marathon for the second year running. Pun intended). It was a road trip of great value to the VAC. The wounded warrior units and family assistance centers as well as wounded warriors themselves heard directly about our work. Mission requests have spiked as a result.

A stop at Ft. Riley, KS with volunteer pilot Scott Hallock garnered us an “on the spot” mission (forever cementing our value in the minds of the Family Assistance folks at Ft. Riley) to deliver a combat stressed soldier home to the funeral of his best friend who had just been killed in Afghanistan. Having just dismounted from the first leg of my motor home tour from MN to Ft. Riley, I flew back to MN the following day with Scott to deliver our passenger home in time for the funeral. Two hours from mission request, we were airborne. Nice work, Scott! I hope we were able to manage expectations about future missions. We don’t always have a pilot with an available aircraft in the room when a travel need surfaces, but we are getting closer.

Then on to Ft. Carson, Ft. Hood, and Brook Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston. Great connections all around. At Ft. Sam I had the privilege of having dinner with a Special Ops Marine (MARSOC operator of the year) that we had just flown (he and his family) to Bethesda to be at the bedside for the passing of his best friend who was mortally wounded the week before. This Marine was a real inspiration. We were invited, as a result , to visit the SOCOM (Special Operations Command) HQ in Tampa (MacDill AFB) to brief them on our operation and receive a briefing on their Care Coalition. They take care of their wounded in a unique and honorable fashion. We have since been tasked with a number of missions for SOCOM unit members (all special ops types), and have executed with flying colors… expect that we might become their “air arm”…

From MacDill, we stopped at Ft. Stewart and then Ft. Bragg where we connected well on several fronts. Immediate mission requests followed the visits, and quick execution again bolstered our reputation. Then on to Walter Reed where we were treated as VIP’s and given an in depth tour of the MATC rehab center.

6000 miles of windshield time gives one time to reflect on what a great nation we live in. One worth preserving. If you have read this far, I am going to ask you to set aside 15 minutes to watch a very powerful video. While it features the VAC in part, the real story centers around one of our passengers. It will inspire you and give you hope for the future of America. Titled “A Tale of Two Americas," I urge you to watch it and help make it viral…even our children should see this.

God Bless America!

Walt

VAC Flies Wounded Heroes to Mammoth Mountain

2010-02-19T12:42:00.012-06:00

Veterans Airlift Command volunteers flew 15 wounded heroes and a service dog to Mammoth Mountain for a week of winter sports with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra. The following video is courtesy of Denise Winston.

2009-12-31T09:32:00.003-06:00

As 2009 comes to an end, I thought it appropriate to reflect on the year and thank those who have made this effort/enterprise a success.

Looking back, I believe this was the year (our third full year in existence) that we became “established”. We reached a milestone of 1400 volunteer pilots and aircraft owners on our volunteer roles and increased our flights by 50% over the previous year (again). We have now transported over 1800 passengers well over one million miles since beginning in Nov 06. We have become known within the military medical community as a “quietly competent” resource which executes as promised. This is only possible because of our network of willing patriot volunteers who fly the missions, and the financial supporters who keep our flight coordination center funded and able to respond pretty much 24/7.

It is amazing to me that we can cover the mission requests, sometimes with as little as a couple of hours notice and provide such first rate service to our wounded warriors and their families. What a blessing to be associated with the caliber of volunteers that the mission attracts. Volunteers like Phil Tholen from Tulsa, who accepted two missions over the holidays to get two seriously wounded soldiers (one airman and his family and one single soldier… a double amputee) home from San Antonio to Chicago and Dayton respectively, in his Hawker Premier Jet. Phil took it upon himself to call an additional passenger (one he’d flown to Philadelphia previously) to see if he needed a lift as well. Turns out he did need a lift back to San Antonio, so Phil added that to his task for the return leg… thus completing his 31st mission for the VAC since he joined us just over two years ago.

If I had the time I would write a story about every mission we complete. It would be doable if my allergies didn’t kick in every time I hear about what our volunteers do and the difference that they make in the lives of our heroes. Or….even as common…the difference that these heroes make in the lives of our volunteers!

Without the financial support of great Americans like those named on our donor recognition page, this would not work.. THANKS to all those named on our wall for your participation. Patriots all!

We were shocked by a Congressman I met while in DC visiting Walter Reed a couple of Months ago. He heard a short pitch from me and seemed impressed when I described our mission. Six weeks later I got a call from Congressman Rooney’s office (district 6 in FL) advising me that he was planning a motorcycle ride around lake Okeechobee to raise awareness and funding for the VAC. He actually did it on Dec 13. Buck Williams and Paul Donahue, two of our volunteers flew one of our former passengers in for the event…Buck flew him down from Orlando and Paul flew him over the motorcycle route in his helicopter. A great day..captured on this newsmax video. Our story is being told in unique ways and we are gaining momentum. Thank you congressman Rooney and future Congressman Allan West for your leadership.

We are looking forward to expanding our efforts to serve our military family and especially our wounded warriors in 2010. Thanks for your part in the mission. This is important stuff!

2009-10-19T14:22:00.002-05:00

Pictured: Austin Spencer, SSG Bradley Gruetzner, and VAC Pilot Scott Zodin

It was a great honor flying a Purple Heart recipient from Palestine, TX to Camp Hope, Farmington, MO. Camp Hope is formally known as Chris Neal Farm, in memory of Chris Neal who died fighting for his country in Iraq several years ago (www.chrisnealfarm.com).

Our hero/passenger was severely wounded in Iraq. While on patrol, the Humvee he and his comrades were traveling in struck an improvised explosive device (IED). Three soldiers perished, two survived.

This soldier will tell you that he was just doing his job. That he is nothing special. I beg to differ. This young man has a fine disposition, and positive attitude. He answered all questions with a yes sir, and no sir. He did not complain about the pain he obviously felt cramped in the back seat of the plane or the turbulence we hit coming into Farmington. In general, he was a fine example of what is “good” about the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

It is a useful when things are not going our way to remember the great sacrifice these soldiers are making. At least in my case, problems seem petty and insignificant compared to those of a wounded hero.

Phil's San Luis Obispo Trip Report

2009-09-11T14:52:00.001-05:00

All went well - no, GREAT - on the trip out to SBP. Tim is the most gregarious, up-beat person you can imagine. Also very bright, and empathetic. Gabe is a little more timid (or seemed so in contrast to Tim) but also a really sweet young man. What was really interesting was the metamorphosis that occurred during our 10 hours together.....

I met Tim and Gabe at Landmark Aviation (FBO) at San Antonio. They were in the FBO terminal building when I landed, and it was obvious which of the passengers in the terminal were my pax; Tim stomping around in shorts and one metal leg, and Gabe in a wheelchair. We went thru introductions and some light banter as I was re-fueled. We then loaded and boarded my PC12. Both soldiers were impressed with the style in which they were going to travel. I told them it was the least we could do for them given what they had done for us. It was odd, but the looks they gave me made me think this was the first time they had heard that remark.

We stopped in SDL for fuel/pee/stretch/whatever on the way out (they had hinted about bladder endurance). When they disembarked at the FBO, there seemed to all of a sudden be a more jovial camaraderie going on. 2 hours later we arrived at SBP and were greeted by the host organization, AMPSURF.org. It was only then that I found out both Tim and Gabe were returning surfers, having also participated last year, and were greeted by "old friends" who swept them off to the hotel - with wide grins on both their faces. But what happened later was even better.....

At 6:00 p.m. we were all meeting at the hotel lobby to ride over to a restaurant where a "meet and greet" would take place (with food and beers). When it got to be about 6:15, Tim and I were in a discussion with Dana Cummings (founder/host with AMPSURF.org) when in comes Gabe - not in a wheelchair, not on crutches, not even his cane! Just walking in, grinning and basking in the glow of all his buddies (old and new). It was then that it finally hit me - what you've been "selling" all these years - the powerful recuperative effect of having your friends and extended family nearby seriously out-powers the best medical facilities around!!! Gabe did not experience any miracle; he was able to move around into and out of my plane on his own. But it was not until he was surrounded by that emotional support that he chose to cast off the crutches (figuratively and literally) and step-out on his own. And the pride and compassion the swelled in Tim as we watched was evident. What a moment......

They don't need us - but we sure can help, and it is most rewarding to do so.

Keep VAC in there for them - and for us!

Phil

VAC Volunteer Kelly Bruun's Mission Report

2009-06-10T10:09:00.007-05:00

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

2009-05-08T14:20:00.006-05:00

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

2009-03-09T08:47:00.009-05:00

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

2008-11-11T15:50:00.008-06:00

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

2008-07-14T15:36:00.003-05:00

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

2008-05-15T13:42:00.003-05:00

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

2008-05-07T14:05:00.005-05:00

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.

2008-02-05T12:54:00.000-06:00

CPT Ethan Allen, 1-87 Rear Detachment Commander
Sherry Allen, Walt Fricke, Kim Vanek, Mandy Anderson

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates warmly welcomed the Veterans Airlift Command and other members of the Dept of Defense “America Supports You” network to the Pentagon last week with an update on our progress on the War on Terror. While good news about the effects of the troop surge in Iraq was the general tone, caution about assuming a “quick fix” is in place was the underlying message. 3200 Additional Marines are being ordered up for the “fighting season” in Afghanistan which begins again when the snow recedes.

His primary purpose in addressing the group (over 200 in attendance) of non-profit organiztions was to express the gratitude of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who are the recipients of the support system represented at this gathering. (American Supports You 2008 Summit).

The day was filled with opportunities to network with other organizations who are engaged in serving our military families. The Veterans Airlift Command was among a small number chosen for a Public Service Announcement (PSA) Television commercial which was developed for the Armed Forces Television Network and, as I understand it, will be shown during the Super Bowl to all our overseas military. It will also be aired periodically on the Pentagon Channel Stateside.

My visit to DC included a round at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and dinner out at “Van’s Steakhouse” with 25 or 30 wounded warriors and families who were bussed to the restaurant as guests of the Aleethia Foundation and its supporters. What an awesome group of kids. Their attitudes are amazing, considering what some are having to endure.

On Saturday morning I was honored to have breakfast with a couple of 10th Mountain Division wives who were flown to DC for a funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery for one of their fallen. A VAC volunteer flew to Macon and Savannah GA to pick up the company commander and battalion commander’s wives in order that they could represent the deployed soldiers to the family….an extremely important gesture. I am absolutely amazed at the quality of the soldiers and families who serve this great nation. We are truly blessed. I would loved to have met the volunteer pilot who flew this mission (both ways) but had to catch my own commercial flight back to MN prior to their departure for home on Saturday.

Our volunteers are the BEST!

2008-01-31T11:08:00.000-06:00

KimVanek, Benton Gatch (pilot), Mandy Anderson

Written by Mandy Anderson

On December 21, 2007, the ladies in the Family Readiness Group (FRG) of 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division received the news they dread hearing every time the phone rings. A soldier in their husbands’ battalion had paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Private First Class George Howell died when his vehicle was struck by an IED upon returning to the forward operating base from a mission. 1-87 is currently serving a 15-month tour in northern Iraq, and the unit has produced great success since their deployment in September. But, as is often the case, that success has come at a huge price. PFC Howell leaves behind a wife, two children and a baby on the way. It is for his family that the men of 1-87 and the FRG strongly desired to have representatives attend the funeral for their fallen hero at Arlington National Cemetery.

1-87’s Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Vanek, could think of no better person to represent him and show his immense respect for one of his best soldiers than his wife and ultimate source of support, Kim. PFC Howell’s Delta Company Commander, Captain Jon Anderson, felt the same about his wife, Mandy. Since continuing the mission in Iraq called these men to duty, Veterans Airlift Command and its volunteers made it possible for their wives to represent them at PFC Howell’s funeral.

Benton Gatch, a Vietnam vet and corporate pilot employed by S&S Management out of Baltimore, graciously volunteered his time for two whole days to fly Kim and Mandy from their homes in South Georgia to Arlington, and safely home again. His generosity and that of the company he represents cannot be overestimated in the minds and hearts of the 1-87 family. It was so important that representatives were present at PFC Howell’s service and that his survivors had as much support on that day as possible.

The 1-87 family will be forever grateful to Mr. Gatch and everyone at Veterans Airlift Command. These Americans are true patriots and are indeed serving their country with honor and integrity. Being a military family is, at times, not an easy job. But these honorable people have provided peace of mind by ensuring that no family needs to worry about transportation when their soldier needs them. The Veterans Airlift Command network will answer that call every time.

2007-12-17T08:48:00.000-06:00

This SEAL suffered two gunshot wounds to his arm and mouth. This is just one more reason we love to serve these wounded warriors.

Charity Flies Soldier to Friends

2007-12-10T15:58:00.000-06:00

Photo by Raul R. Rubiera

By Kevin Maurer Staff writer - The Sandspur

When Pfc. Jason Bates left his buddies in Baghdad, he was fighting for his life. A roadside bomb had taken his left leg.
Six months later, Bates returned in style.
Bates arrived Thursday in a small silver turbo prop plane with leather seats. He was in town for the award ceremony for the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Bates received a Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal.
He was going to fly Southwest to Raleigh from his home in Lubbock, Texas, but the trip would have taken 11 hours — with two layovers — and hundreds of dollars.
Veterans Airlift Command came to the rescue.
Bates’ three-hour flight from Lubbock to Fayetteville on a private plane was free.
Walt Fricke, founder of Veterans Airlift Command, was wounded in Vietnam. He was a helicopter pilot who spent six months in the hospital after being medevaced out of Vietnam in 1968.
“I was 700 miles away from home. I was disconnected from my world,” Fricke said. “My healing didn’t start until I made those connections.”
Fricke started the charity in November 2006 as a one-man operation. His plan was to run it himself and fly just a few veterans around. In a year, it has exploded into a national charity with 550 pilots and airplane owners who donate their time and planes.
Terry Tyler and co-pilot Mark Wells were honored to fly Bates and his family.
Neither Wells nor Tyler served in the armed forces. Both see flying for Veterans Airlift Command as their service.
“The veterans have served us,” Tyler said. “We just give back a little.”
Bates’ plane taxied to the front of the terminal Thursday at Landmark Aviation at the Fayetteville Airport.
As the props stopped spinning, Bates — silver cane in hand — threw open the door and gingerly walked down the steps to the applause of his friends and Army buddies.
“I didn’t think everybody was going to be there,” Bates said.
He was injured in May 2007 when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb.
Sgt. Ezequiel Mora kept pressure on Bates’ wounds as they raced to the hospital.
“We’re going to make it,” Mora told Bates then.
“I know,” Bates said.
Thursday at the airport, Mora was on hand to greet Bates. He said that Bates was the strongest person he knows.
“He wasn’t panicking too much,” Mora said. “He was just saying his leg hurt.”
The friends kept up with each other as Bates healed and Mora finished his deployment in Iraq.
Bates worried about his friends every day.
“As it got closer to them coming back, I was worried more and more that someone was going to get hurt,” Bates said.
With the battalion home, Bates could finally relax. But to Mora, the homecoming wasn’t complete.
“I’ve been looking forward to seeing him since I came back,” Mora said.
On Thursday, as Bates got off the plane, his cane and a slight limp were the only clues to his injury.
As he got closer, Mora and more than 30 paratroopers lined up to greet him. Each soldier shook his hand and hugged him. There were few dry eyes in the bunch, which made most of the paratroopers uncomfortable.
“The sun is bright out here,” joked one paratrooper.
“Where did all this dust come from,” said another, wiping his eyes.
The paratroopers stood near the plane and shared stories and a smoke. At one point, Bates lifted his pants leg and rapped his metal cane against his new metal ankle.
At Friday’s award ceremony, Bates — in uniform but carrying his cane — was almost indistinguishable from the hundreds of other paratroopers.
But, the ceremony was only an excuse to make the trip. Bates really came back to Fort Bragg for his friends.
“Its like a big family,” Bates said.
He has come a long way from that day in Baghdad, but the journey was over.
He was home. And so were his buddies.
Staff writer Kevin Maurer can be reached at maurerk@fayobserver.com or 486-3587.

Walt Receives the Microsoft & USO Above and Beyond Award

2007-11-21T11:56:00.000-06:00

General Cody Congratulates Walt

America Supports You: Ceremony Recognizes Extraordinary Troop Support

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2007 – Americans who offer extraordinary support to the nation’s servicemembers got the red-carpet treatment yesterday during a luncheon held in their honor at the famous Rainbow Room restaurant here.

Microsoft Corp., in partnership with the United Service Organizations, honored the winners of the first Microsoft Above and Beyond Awards. Microsoft recently became a corporate supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. USO also is a supporter of the program.

More than 400 nominations were received for the awards. The public was invited to choose the winners from finalists in five categories. The votes totaled more than 30,000.

The winners are:

-- Outstanding Effort Award: Soldiers’ Angels. Patti Patton-Bader started the organization when she discovered her son, who was serving in Iraq, was giving the care packages she was sending to troops who weren’t getting any mail. Since its beginning, the group has grown to include more than 100,000 volunteers who regularly send care packages to servicemembers as well as other programs that benefit military families.

-- Medical Attention Award: Veterans Airlift Command. Walter Fricke, the organization’s founder, is a retired helicopter pilot and a Vietnam veteran who spent six months recovering from a combat injury. His organization’s network of volunteer pilots provides transportation to reconnect recovering veterans and their families. The 500 pilots in the network have flown more than 180,000 miles to reunite hundreds of families.

-- Youth Leadership Award: Brittany and Robbie Bergquist of Norwell, Mass. The teenage siblings started Cell Phones for Soldiers after hearing of a soldier who had run up an $8,000 phone bill calling home from overseas. Shocked that the military doesn’t cover calls home, they worked to make sure servicemembers can stay in touch with family by recycling old cell phones and using the cash to purchase prepaid calling cards that they send to troops serving overseas.

-- Everyday Difference Award: Army Maj. Todd Schmidt, founder of Operation Dreamseed. The organization has sent hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of textbooks, supplies and clothing to school children in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. Schmidt got the idea while on patrol in Afghanistan after noting that the more the troops supported community schools, the more forthcoming the citizens were with important information that facilitated the U.S. military mission.

-- USO Promotion and Success Award: Paulette Nelson, of Savannah, Ga. Nelson makes sure that every servicemember passing through Fort Stewart’s Hunter Army Airfield gets a welcome home or a farewell. The time of day is of no concern, and she often spends 12 or more hours welcoming troops or seeing them off. She also volunteers in the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport’s USO lounge.

Soldiers’ Angels, Veterans Airlift Command, Cell Phones for Soldiers and Operation Dreamseed are supporters of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program. “We’d like to thank the exceptional individuals who go above and beyond every day to brighten the lives of our troops in a spirit that is akin to that of the USO,” said Brian Whiting, president of USO New York, during the ceremony. “You put a name and a face to the genuine goodness, compassion and solidarity that are hard at work in this country every day.

“So often it is the unthinkable, the unimaginable, that make the headlines,” he added. “So it is particularly refreshing to focus on, and to celebrate, a few of the everyday heroes among us.”

Michael Allen, director of business strategy and operations for Microsoft’s federal division, said the corporation was excited to recognize these very deserving individuals.

“They are amazing people,” he said. “Every one of them said, ‘This isn’t about me. This is about the families. You’re giving me a way to, hopefully, inspire others (and) bring more people to what I’m doing. But really, it’s about the troops.’”

While all of the award winners were pleased about their awards, they were even more excited about the awareness that recognition from two well-respected organizations would bring to the troops and the need to support them.

“Just to know that Microsoft and the USO know who we are is a huge honor,” Brittany Bergquist said. “It’s a great feeling for us, and it brings … awareness to what troops have to go through daily.”

Patton-Bader also said the award would remind people of what the nation’s troops are enduring.

“It has been a long road since my oldest son returned from Iraq, and my youngest is in Camp Fallujah right now,” she said. “This award will hopefully remind people we still have our sons and daughters in harm’s way. Only by our collaborative efforts can we hope to give the great support our heroes deserve.”

Those collaborative efforts are paying off, according to two senior military leaders who attended the award ceremony.

Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the support these smaller organizations, as well as larger groups such as the USO, offer troops is vital.

“They’re just always there for us. These people just give,” he said. “They give well beyond what anyone asks them to give.”

Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard A. Cody said efforts like those that earned the recipients their awards stand as a lesson to the American public. “

(These groups) show America how they can get behind our soldiers,” he said. “They don’t have to put a uniform on to support our soldiers. Just a calling card, or (frequent flier) miles or the gifts at Christmas time, even just … sending messages to those who are downrange telling them that you care about them” remind servicemembers they have support back home, he added.

Actress Joely Fisher emceed the star-studded event, attended by celebrities from TV shows “Rescue Me” and “Friday Night Lights.” Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe also were on hand.

Wounded Soldier Returned to Valparaiso

2007-10-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

Sunday, October 7, 2007

BY KEN KOSKY kkosky@nwitimes.com 219.548.4354

VALPARAISO Wounded soldier Edward "E.J." Trautner, of Valparaiso, has endured so many surgeries that he's lost count.But every time he and his family have to fly from Valparaiso to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the one thing they don't have to worry about is transportation.A new nonprofit organization, Veterans Airlift Command, provides free flights to wounded warriors, veterans and their family members. The organization has an ever-growing list of hundreds of pilots and airplane owners who donate their time and resources to serve those who have served the country.Trautner, who was shot in the head by a sniper while manning an Iraqi checkpoint on Aug. 24, 2006, has taken several flights arranged by Veterans Airlift Command, including one on Saturday. On Saturday, he and his mother, Stacy Fellers, flew into Porter County Municipal Airport on a private jet."Even though the person who sponsored the plane wants to remain anonymous, I'd like to thank them," the 21-year-old Trautner said."It just makes me feel really good to know there are people willing to donate their time and help."His mother added that "it's downright patriotic" and greatly appreciated.Pilots Tom Rea, of Valparaiso, and Jim Sheely, of LaCrosse, were captains of Saturday's flight, which marked their first chance to help a soldier and Veterans Airlift Command."I spent 20 years in the military, so I like to help when I can ... I'm glad to help," Rea said."I'm a Vietnam veteran and my son was in Iraq," Sheely added."I'm just glad to help any soldier who has been injured."Trautner, his family and the pilots talked to the media in hopes of spreading the word about Veterans Airlift Command so that more pilots and aircraft owners will volunteer, so more people will donate and so other soldiers will know free flights are available to them.Walt Fricke said he founded the Veterans Airlift Command because of a personal experience."I spent six months in a hospital 700 miles from my hometown recovering from combat injuries sustained while flying a helicopter in Vietnam," Fricke said."My healing began in earnest when my family was able to gather the resources to make a trip to visit me."Fricke said his organization has arranged 150 "missions" in its first year of operation.Trautner, who still has a few more surgeries on the horizon, plans to retire from the Army in the near future and hopes to attend law school at Valparaiso University with the goal of becoming a district attorney. He gave up his original plan to be a police officer because he lost his right eye in the sniper attack in Iraq.Trautner's mother is employed by VU and his stepfather, Scott Fellers, works at Beta Steel -- and both said their employers have been accommodating, making the past year easier for the family.Visit www.veteransairlift.org for more information. For more info: www.veteransairlift.org

Veterans Airlift Command Receives Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarion Leadership

2007-09-14T08:58:00.000-05:00

Veterans Airlift Command to Receive NBAA Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership

Award to Be Presented at NBAA's 60th Annual Meeting & Convention

Contact: Dan Hubbard at (202) 783-9360 or dhubbard@nbaa.org

WASHINGTON, DC, September 14, 2007 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced that the Veterans Airlift Command will be presented with the NBAA Al Ueltschi Humanitarian Award in recognition of the organization’s work to provide flights for wounded soldiers, veterans and their families.“The generosity of the aircraft owners, pilots and others affiliated with Veterans Airlift Command epitomizes the sense of community and service that NBAA recognizes with the Ueltschi Humanitarian Award,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.The airlift provides air transportation for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. NBAA’s Al Ueltschi Humanitarian Award will be presented to Walter Fricke, the founder of Veterans Airlift Command, at NBAA’s 60th Annual Meeting & Convention, being held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, from September 25 to 27.Al Ueltschi, the award's namesake, has been widely recognized for his lifetime of dedication to philanthropic causes. He was instrumental in the development of ORBIS, an international non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness and saving sight. Ueltschi, who has served as ORBIS's chairman for more than 20 years, has made a number of significant financial contributions to the organization and has been instrumental in developing many of its most important initiatives.Reporters and Editors: For more information about the Veterans Airlift Command, visit http://www.veteransairlift.org/. Register to attend NBAA’s 60th Annual Meeting & Convention by visiting www.nbaa.org/2007.

Mission: LT Seth Reimers

2007-09-10T15:18:00.000-05:00

The healing that takes place when soldiers are reunited with their buddies after being separated by injuries sustained in combat (and the treatment which follows) makes for very rewarding missions, as some have experienced. The impact of the mission described below can only be imagined by those who have suffered the sudden and permanent loss of a comrade or family member in our nation’s defense. Try to put yourself in the place of a family wanting to know about the last 10 months in the life of their son thru the eyes of his Platoon Leader. That’s what the mission described below was all about. As it was a “round robin” trip returning to MN, I was fortunate to be able to accompany the young LT., meet the families, as well as three of our volunteer pilots. I KNOW what we do makes a difference. I only wish all Americans could have shared my experience that day.
Read on to find out what Seth had to say about the mission….

Lieutenant Seth Reimers & Tim Fyda

On behalf on myself, my unit, and the families involved in my mission I am writing to tell my story of an amazing adventure that was made possible by the generous people from Veterans Airlift Command.
My name is 1LT Seth Reimers and I am an Army Wounded Warrior. I was injured in Mahmudiyah, Iraq on April 19, 2007 during a rocket attack while serving as a Platoon Leader for TF 2-15, 2 BCT, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, New York. I have spent the last four months undergoing an extensive amount of healing tending to both my physical and emotional wounds.
I spent eight and a half months in Iraq serving with my motorized infantry platoon before being wounded. I, with the help of five professional NCOs, lead a 22 man platoon on over 130 combat missions. The platoon I lead had been formed in February of 2006 back at Fort Drum. Almost immediately the bonds began to form among all members. After six months of hard training we deployed in August of 2006 to begin our fight alongside the many faces of the Iraqi Security Forces. Little did we know but the road ahead of us would change us forever and be anything but easy.
After being wounded in Iraq I spent a month at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. My healing progressed rather quickly and I soon found myself being transferred to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is where I met Mr. Walt Fricke, CEO and Founder of Veterans Airlift Command. Mr. Fricke came to visit with me one day during one of my therapy rest sessions. We spoke only briefly but I quickly learned that Mr. Fricke's intentions were unique and real.
As time passed I healed and made daily improvements. While I concentrated on my recovery my soldiers continued to take the fight to the enemy in Iraq.
Unfortunately that did not come without a very high cost. I lost two young soldiers during the month of May. This undoubtedly put a damper on my recovery efforts. Sergeant Justin D. Wisniewski and Private First Class Matthew A. Bean both were killed during combat operations.
I continued to work on my recovery and finally was able to move to my home in Ogden,Iowa where I could continue my healing. It was here that decided that I wanted to go and see the families of my two fallen soldiers in their hometowns. I contacted Mr. Fricke to run my idea past him. I received almost an instantaneous response letting me know that he would do all he could do to make this happen. He went to work and developed an itinerary for me to leave from St. Paul, Minnesota and fly to Saginaw, Michigan to see the Wisniewski Family, then overnight at Fort Drum, NY, to be followed by a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts to see Matthew Bean's Family. Not only was my trip going to be provided by three volunteer pilots, but Mr. Fricke was going to accompany me on the trip offering his support and guidance as he has traveled down similar roads a few years back.
Our trip began on August 31, 2007 as we departed from the downtown St. Paul Airport via a beautiful jet flown by Mr. Ian Scott. The smooth flight commenced as we landed at the Saginaw-Silver City International airport where I was able to meet with the Wisniewski Family. I spent three wonderful hours with the family at their home reminiscing about Justin and tending to questions and concerns that they had. It was a very rewarding stop for me and I believe that the family truly appreciated my visit.
After my visit to the Wisniewski's, we were off to Fort Drum where we spent the night recharging for our next visit the following day. While we were at Fort Drum, Mr. Fricke and I were both able to meet up with some fabulous friends and acquaintances to include Major General Michael Oates, The Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Mrs. Marlene Morschauser, my Battalion Commander's wife.
The night was over before we knew it and we were boarding a beautiful plane the next morning owned and operated by Mr. Dale Thuillez. He took us on a gorgeous flight from upstate New York to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Upon reaching the ground I was greeted by Matthew Bean's family. Again I was treated to several hours of therapeutic visiting with Matt's family. This opportunity provided the family and I to indulge in priceless conversations.
Time flew in Plymouth. We were soon on our return flight to St. Paul courtesy of Mr. Tim Fyda and his gorgeous jet. This flight back to Minnesota afforded me the opportunity to reflect on our mission to visit the two families. Between talking to Mr. Fricke and Mr. Fyda I was able to isolate the importance of this trip. Not only was the trip meant to assist the families, but it definitely offered me the chance to find closure in the deaths of my two soldiers. I have fought an uphill battle in my own physical recovery but by making a trip like this I quickly learned just how lucky I really am. A lot of people might think that it's my job as a leader to make this trip. The bottom line is that I didn't make this trip to fulfill my obligations as a leader in today's Army, but I did it as a friend who lost two brothers. When you endure something like war with a group of your closest buddies, it's hard to imagine that you actually might not finish with everyone you started with. The emotional bonding that takes place is second to none and the loss of a comrade continually reverberates through the unit. Soldiers sometimes die, but the memories that they leave behind are priceless and live on forever. Families are often one of our only resources to tap into that legacy left behind, and I can imagine that the families have similar feeling about the soldiers that their loved one served with. This is exactly why these visits are so important.
I cannot thank Veterans Airlift Command enough for what they have done for me. Life goes on for those of us left behind after the chaos of war has taken its toll. It is a blessing to have people in my life like Mr. Walt Fricke and the three amazing pilots that made my mission happen. You are all impeccable men and have done this country and it's service men and women well. Thank you again and I wish you the best in all your endeavors.
v/r,
Seth Reimers

Mission: John Kriesel goes back to Walter Reed from Oshkosh

2007-08-09T13:12:00.000-05:00

What at awesome week we had at EAA's Airventure in Oshkosh, WI. Sgt. John Kriesel, his wife Katie and two sons 4 and 6 year old Broden and Elijah were there as guests of EAA, AVWEB and the VAC. John was severely wounded in Iraq last fall, having given both legs in defense of freedom. He's an inspiration to everyone he meets. While he was home to greet his unit returning from IRAQ, he took the time to drive our Hummer from DC to OSHKOSH for the purpose of exposure to the aviation community and the general public. (I believe we have recruited some twenty new aircraft as a result.)

John was a magnificent spokesman and was interviewed by the airshow announcer during the performance of the Veterans Airlift Command Flight Demonstration Team which performed its "Salute to the Armed Forces" airshow twice during the week long event.

John says he wants to learn to fly...and his boys were adequately exposed to aviation as well :-)

We met a number of our volunteer pilots at the show (thank you for stopping by to see us) and recruited some new ones as well.

The highlight of the show (for VAC) was the departure from airshow center on Wed. of one of our volunteers (Phil Tholen with co-pilot Kris Kelly) in a Premier Jet with Sgt. Kriesel and his family aboard for their trip back to Minneapolis to drop the kids with grandparents, then on to Walter Reed in DC where John continues his physical therapy. It was a fitting end to the airshow to have one of our heroes aboard the first flight out of Oshkosh when the airfield opened.

Follow this link to the article written online by EAA.

Walter L. Fricke
AirBoss
Veterans Airlift Command
www.veteransairlift.org
952 582-2911

Mission: PFC Bryan Lamartiniere

2007-07-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

We have some fantastic volunteers. A couple of days before the Fourth of July I found out that we needed to get a mom in Louisiana up to Kansas to be with her son after he had surgery. I thought we might have difficulty filling the mission since it needed to happen over the 4th with very little notice. (Although I can't think of a better way to spend Independence Day than serving our wounded warriors).

I got a quick response from Scott Hallock, one of our pilots based in Manhattan, KS the evening of the 2nd. He was able to do the mission, and the weather looked best to leave the next day. He called the passenger, Connie, to get everything arranged, and they were on their way to Fort Riley on the evening on the 3rd. He went above and beyond driving Connie to the post and making sure she had lodging. They arrived shortly after midnight on the 4th, and to quote Scott (Former US Army Special Forces Officer), " I couldn't have envisioned a better way to spend the 4th than what I did."

Since the mission was on such short notice, we still had to try to find a pilot to get Connie home the following week. Walt got on the phone and was successful in finding a jet owner (Dennis Mullin-S.P.S Holdings) in Manhattan to donate his pilot (Edmund Hill) and aircraft to get Connie back home to Louisiana. This was the first time they had heard about Veterans Airlift Command, and they were happy to help.

Below is a letter we received from Connie after the mission was complete:

I am writing this email to thank Veterans' Airlift for all they have done for me and my son. I am very grateful for the opportunity to visit with my son after he was wounded in Iraq. Though my son's injury was not life threatening, it may end his career in the Army. He loves serving and now has to wait to see if he will be able to continue to do that.
It meant a lot to me to see him, and I know it meant a lot to my son to have someone from his family there, when he was so quickly taken away from his fellow soldiers in Iraq. Not serving in war time or in the military, I cannot understand fully the bonds that are formed, but I do know that those bonds are strong and they last a lifetime. This is made quite evident by your organization. You continue to serve your country and have shown that you will support those service men and women, who are now in the service of their country.
Both pilots were great and made me feel at ease, even though I am a big chicken about flying. Mr. Hallock was so very helpful. He made sure that I got on base, had lodging, and carried me to the hospital to see my son. He also made sure that I had a ride to my lodging. I simply do not have the adequate words to express my gratitude to your organization, the Wounded Soldiers organization, and to these two wonderful pilots that brought me to see my son and to take me home again.
Again thank you from the depths of my heart for your help and may God continue to bless this organization.

Sincerely,
Connie Stilgoe and PFC Bryan Lamartiniere

Meet Scott Smiley

2007-07-24T15:58:00.000-05:00

Captain Scott Smiley

We are fortunate to have the advisory board that we do. We have some highly esteemed folks. We knew Scott Smiley was a great representative of our soldiers when we asked him and his wife, Tiffany (the other half of a great team!) to serve with us in support of the mission of the VAC. Little did we know that the Army Times was vetting the “cream of the crop” of US Army to name a Soldier of the Year. Last week, in Washington, the honor for this award fell to Captain Scott Smiley. Please note the article below and check out his bio on our website. We are PROUD of our advisory board and this is another reason why. HOOAH Scotty!

Walter L. Fricke
AirBoss
Veterans Airlift Command
www.veteransairlift.org

2007 Army Times Soldier of the Year

CAPTAIN Scott M. Smiley Headquarters , US Army Accessions Command,Fort Monroe, Virginia

Assignment: Individual Training Assessment Team, Army Accessions Command, Fort Monroe, Va.Personal: His wife, Tiffany, gave birth to their first baby, a son named Grady, on May 12.

By Gina Cavallaromailto:Cavallarogcavallaro@militarytimes.com

FORT MONROE, Va. - Capt. Scott Smiley says store clerks don't always realize he's blind until he has handed them a credit card and doesn't extend his hand when they try to give it back.His blindness hasn't kept him from surfing in Hawaii, skiing in Colorado, skydiving in Texas, running on post or working out at the gym.

Nor has it stopped him from pushing ahead with his Army career, one that started with his 2003 graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and could well have ended April 6, 2005, in Mosul, Iraq, when he faced down a car bomber from the hatch of his Stryker combat vehicle.
He had been hit by improvised explosive devices and seen the devastation of car bombs, "but I'd never been faced with yelling at a guy who blows himself up," said Smiley, 27.
When the car bomber detonated his payload just 30 yards in front of the Stryker, Smiley's eyes were destroyed, his left frontal lobe lacerated and the right side of his body paralyzed. The total loss of his eyesight appears to be the only lasting physical effect.
That moment - and his decision not to shoot the driver - would change his life forever.
"That's the hard thing about the war we're fighting over there," said Smiley, who was a platoon leader with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
"We're fighting civilians - all they have to do is drop their weapons and they're a civilian again."
The driver's behavior - and the visibly weighed-down vehicle he was driving - raise Smiley's suspicions. He yelled and fired two warning shots at the ground, but the driver behaved passively and even put his hands up as if surrendering.
"You can't just shoot someone because you think he's a bomber," said smiley. "He could have had a bunch of metal in the back of his car; he might have been from out of town and lost."
But he wasn't lost - and now Smiley knows that by taking the brunt of the car bomb's explosion, he saved the lives of other soldiers who might have been targeted down the road.
"I would have had a .50-cal blow his head off if I had known," Smiley said, crediting his shattered Oakley M Frame ballistic glasses with saving his life.
As for his continued good fortune, Smiley credits a higher source.
"I definitely believe God has been with me and blessed me beyond words. It's not a normal thing for a totally blind soldier to serve and to keep giving back to the Army," Smiley said.
Lt. Gen. Robert VanAntwerp, who nominated Smiley for Army Times Soldier of the Year, said of the captain, "There's no 'say no' in him. He wants to do it all. He's not daunted by the challenge. He loves soldiering," he said.
VanAntwerp paved the way for Smiley to spend a year with the Individual Training Assessment Team at U.S. Army Accessions Command, Fort Monroe, Va. There, he used a special computer and audio equipment he acquired through the Tricare system to do his work.
During his time at Accessions Command, he traveled around the Army to talk to both healthy and wounded soldiers about honor, duty service to country, and the value of staying in the Army to contribute hard-earned expertise. He, his wife Tiffany and their new baby, Grady, have since moved to North Carolina, where Smiley will pursue a master's degree in business administration from Duke University.
"He's an example for all soldiers. He has stepped up to make sure others don't fall behind," said Col. Mary Carstensen, director of the Army Wounded Warrior Program. Carstensen said Smiley is one of only 39 severely wounded soldiers who continue to serve on active duty.
"He challenges soldiers to stretch themselves and establish goals," she said.
His friends and family say Smiley's faith in God and lifelong determination have kept him steady.
Some call him a "stud" whose blindness "hasn't changed him in any way but to make him better."
"He's always been a strong kid, a man of character. He's my younger brother, but a brother I look up to in many ways," said Capt. Neal Smiley, a Special Forces soldier serving overseas.
After Duke University, the family will move to West Point, where Smiley will teach management and the philosophy of military leadership.

CITATION

2007 Army Times Soldier of the Year CAPTAIN Scott M. Smiley HEADQUARTERS , US Army Accessions Command, Fort Monroe , Virginia
While deployed in Mosul , Iraq leading his platoon of Stryker soldiers, Captain Scott Smiley attempted to slow down a suspicious vehicle as an effort to protect his platoon. Unfortunately, it did not stop. Captain Smiley was hit by shrapnel in the face when the suicide bomber detonated, causing a brain injury and permanent blindness. Although Captain Smiley almost lost his life, it did not affect his spirit as he has continues to live his life by his faith and not by his sight.
Everyone believed his career was over since a blind person cannot serve in the military. Yet, Captain Smiley felt he still owed back – for his education at West Point and his service obligation, and that he could still make a contribution. He spent a long time recovering, yet Captain Smiley inspired everyone else he came into contact with. His senior leaders state that “his faith, drive, and bravery are inspirational”, and that “he knows what it takes to overcome adversity. And, no one does it more effectively.”
Captain Smiley refused to give up on his strong desire to return to full active duty, and was assigned to the US Army Accessions Command under the Wounded Warriors Program. He is 1 of 39 severely-wounded soldiers serving on active duty and he serves as an advocate for this program, advising them on Army resources that assist those who are wounded with their lives and still want to serve.
Captain Smiley travels across the country to various military training centers and schools, providing his expertise on enemy tactics and advising military personnel on current training needs for soldiers deploying to current war zones. He has led an effort to rewrite training and doctrine regulations that have been completely vetted by brigade commanders and their sergeants major, and it has been touted as the best revision anyone has seen in the past.
This past summer Coach Mike Krzyzewski invited him to talk to the US National Basketball team as they prepared for the World Championships, motivating them with the same message of courage and faith he shares with hundreds of service members he has encountered since his injury. Captain Smiley's efforts play a major role in the Army's Strategic Outreach Program, reaching into the public arena as he shares the Army story, one of concern and compassion, in national, regional and local media.
Captain Smiley finds no obstacles to living life and musters the courage to do it every day – walking to work by memorizing the number of steps and the directions to turn, enjoying any physical activity (running, cycling, surfing, sky diving, and snow skiing) and just earlier this week, he climbed Mt. Rainier in Washington, proving that he is truly “ARMY STRONG”. His senior officer said, “Scotty embodies the Army Values and demonstrates them in principle and practice every day.” “He inspires you to be more than you though you could be, just by him being himself,” says another.
A native of Pasco , Washington , Captain Smiley and his wife Tiffany, have a newborn son, Grady Douglas. They have recently moved to Durham , North Carolina , for Captain Smiley to attend graduate school at Duke University , with a follow-on assignment as a faculty member at the United States Military Academy at West Point in the Leadership Department. Please join all of our readers as we salute Captain Scott M. Smiley as this year's Army Times Soldier of the Year.

Mission: Healing for Families of Our Fallen Soldiers

2007-07-20T08:55:00.000-05:00

Captain Kevin Landeck

PFC Matthew Bean

This entry was written by Marlene Morschauser, wife of LTC Robert Morschauser:

It is hard for me to find words to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to Veterans Airlift Command. The reason for my struggle is that I honestly believe the words do not exist. I will do my best, however, to share my experience w/ this phenomenal organization.

In August, my husband LTC Robert Morschauser, deployed his Battalion to Mahmaydiyah, Iraq for a 12 month, now 15 month tour. Sadly, on February 2, 2007, our unit suffered our first KIA. Capt Kevin Landeck was killed in action when his vehicle struck an IED. Kevin was 26 years old, married for a year, loved by all who knew him. As the unit remained forward, those of us here scrambled for ways to afford airfare for the funeral in Chicago. It is certainly no cliché to say that when you join the Army, you become part of a unique family within itself. It was not an option for those in a leadership role not to attend Kevin’s services. I contacted Mr. Fricke and he immediately sprung into action. Within hours I was told that not only had he secured air transportation, but ground transportation as well. This remarkable generosity enabled myself (Battalion Commanders Spouse), the Battery Commander’s spouse, the Battery lst SG (home on r & r) and his wife, to attend the funeral. Our presence at Kevin’s funeral affected those involved in different forms. It helped us to provide comfort and support to Kevin’s wife Bethany, as well as his parents. It also gave our husbands solace in the fact that although they could not attend, there was proper representation on behalf of the unit. We were able to provide the link between his unit family in Iraq to his family mourning him in Illinois.

Sadly, tragedy struck our unit once again on May 31, 2007, when 22 year old PFC Matthew Bean was killed while searching for 3 missing soldiers from our sister unit. Matthew loved landscaping, playing his guitar, and being outdoors. He proposed to his girlfriend Sarah right before deploying. They had just started to plan their future together. Once again, I placed the call to Mr. Fricke. This time my husband, home on R & R, felt very strongly about attending a service for his own soldier, whom he loves as his own. Once again-Mr. Fricke went into action and Mr. Quinn agreed to fly this mission as well. The town of Pembroke, Massachusetts came out to support Matthew and his family. American flags lined the streets as we drove to the grave site. My husband was so moved by what he saw, the emotions came pouring out. Being out of country for almost a year, hearing the media reports about the war, it gave my husband a sense of what this country is really about. It showed him the support of so many Americans. He kept saying over and over again, I wish I had a camera so I could show all the guys. It was also beneficial for Matthew’s family to feel the love of his commander and unit. Again, it gave unit closeness to the family.

When the Fischer House initially provided me w/ the veteran airlift command contact info, I found it hard to believe that such generosity would be extended. However, after speaking w/ Mr. Fricke and our pilot, Mr. Quinn, I realized their genuine care, dedication and support for soldiers and their families. The level of professionalism and kind manner in which they conducted themselves is remarkable. While “thank you” seems like such an inadequate response to your actions, I will say it anyway “THANK YOU” on behalf of the soldiers and families of 2-15 FA BN. I look forward to the day that Veterans Airlift no longer needs to exist, but when that day comes, I will know that I have been touched by amazing people who were a part of it.

Warmly,

Marlene Morschauser2-15 FA BN FRG Advisor

Mission: Chad Watson

2007-07-15T21:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Fellow Volunteers,
I just recently completed my first mission. For those of you who have
already had the privilege of flying a mission, you know what it's
like. For those of you who are yet to fly or have not quite decided
if this is for you, let me tell you it was one of the most gratifying
days of my life!
I picked Chad up at the Matoon, IL airport and returned to the D.C.
area to continue his rehab at Walter Reed. It is impossible to
adequately describe in words the upbeat and positive mental attitude
Chad has, as well as the driver who met us at the airport in
Gaithersburg, MD.
Chad was full of excitement and described what he had been through
since his injuries. You can tell just by being around him that
because he lost a leg that it is in no way a disability! He never
once hinted or even mentioned anything that he couldn't do now, but
only excitedly spoke of the things he could do and was going to do!
His rehab is three months ahead of schedule. He was explaining to me
how lucky he was. To quote Chad, he said; "When I got to Walter Reed,
I saw how lucky I was. They didn't have to do anything to me, just
cut part of my leg off, and it only took eight (8) surgeries to get me
fitted for the prosthetic." You had to be there to hear how
enthusiastic he was when he said this to me.
Having heard all of the horror stories about Walter Reed, I asked Chad
for his opinion. He said he loved it there and Walter Reed was great.
He said he gets better each day he is there.
When I dropped Chad off, he and his driver thanked me so much it was
almost embarrassing. I felt so humbled because these young folks have
made such a great sacrifice and are so grateful for what the VAC is
doing, and what we do pales in comparison to what they are doing for our country.
It is something you'll have to experience because I can't describe it,
and you'll come away from your mission with one of life's greatest
feelings.
God Bless Our Veterans

Chuck Myers

Mission: Wes Schubert

2007-06-24T19:23:00.000-05:00

The following entry was written Katie Pribyl, one of our volunteer pilots from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association:

Recently, my colleague, Greg Bowles, and I had the distinct privilege of flying our first VAC mission. We work for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association in downtown Washington, DC and we operate a new Cessna 182. I am not sure who was more excited about this mission: the two of us or our passengers. We just can not think of a better way to use general aviation than for a soldier whose sacrifice is too great to measure.
Wes Schubert was injured on his second tour to Iraq when enemy fire sent a bullet through his neck and face. He gives credit to members of his unit for pulling him to safety. In his months and months of recovery, he had not yet had a chance to say thank you to those he credits for saving his life. The Veterans Airlift Command and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association were honored to give him and his wife, Erica, this important opportunity.
In addition, both Wes and Erica were very gracious in allowing Washington's NBC Channel 4 to come out to Montgomery County Airport and cover the flight. His inspiring story is one that all Americans should hear, but having the news coverage also gave us an opportunity to raise awareness for Veterans Airlift Command. VAC has a special need here in the DC metro area given their great working relationship with Walter Reed Medical Center in nearby Bethesda. Our hope is that potential volunteers in this area will answer the call after seeing the segment.
It was a pleasure to accomplish our mission with fantastic passengers. It was the first long trip in a small plane for the both of them. The highlight of the flight occurred while crossing the mountains of West Virginia. A sunny day was turning overcast as we flew beneath a layer of cumulus clouds just over the mountain valleys below. Light chop seemed to keep good pace with the music that pumped from our XM radio. Our passengers enjoyed the view and the comfortable ride to the small GA strip that was within minutes of their weekend destination.
During the interview, the reporter had asked me what we get out of donating our time and airplane. My answer is hope. Hope that this trip will give Wes some closure with those he feels he owes his life to, and hope that he gains new motivation for recovery as he heads back to Walter Reed for two more years of surgeries.

Katie Pribyl

General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Mission: Peter Johns

2007-06-20T17:15:00.000-05:00

Here's a note I received last week from one of our pilots, Bill Kendrick:

Peter Johns was severely burned about a year ago in an electrical fire while serving on a US Navy carrier. He's had surgery to reconstruct his face, and his hands are so disfigured that he has to wear gloves. Despite these and other complications, his goal is to get back to active duty.
On April 8th, I had the honor of transporting Peter and his mother from Denton, TX to San Antonio, TX, where he's receiving treatments for his injuries. I was inspired by his patriotism and his positive attitude. I hope he reaches his goal.

Feel free to comment on stories you read here, or send me your own stories to post.

-Jen

Mission: Andrew Love

2007-06-11T22:57:00.000-05:00

Tuesday June 5th was a significant milestone for USMC Corporal Andrew Love. He walked 100 yards without a walker. The last time I saw him (about three weeks ago) was at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center where he was struggling to walk WITH a walker. The 100 yards he walked on Tuesday was through a gauntlet of American flags held high by Patriot Guard Riders and a crowd of hundreds of well wishers who had gathered to welcome home this young Marine. His arrival to a hero’s welcome in a corporate aircraft was the direct result of the generosity Tri-State Drilling and their chief pilot, Mike Wiskus.

There’s more to the story of Drew’s recovery than meets the eye. When his Humvee was blown up by an IED last October, it didn’t look as though Drew would survive. His pulse was not discernable and he appeared to have stopped breathing several times before being medivaced to a surgical unit. After nearly a month in a coma, Drew began to show signs of life. He was shipped to the VA Poly Trauma Center in Minneapolis where they specialize in brain injuries. At the same time, he began to recover from having broken nearly every bone in the right side of his body.

After a long and arduous recovery from the multitude of injuries, it appeared that Drew had reached a plateau about a month ago. The VA began making preparations to send him to an extended care facility in his home state when we got a call from his father asking if it would be possible for members of his unit to be flown to Minneapolis for a visit. Knowing the value of reconnecting wounded warriors with their buddies, we did everything possible to accommodate this trip.

We found several volunteers to bring two lifts of friends from Saginaw, MI to Minneapolis to encourage Drew in his recovery. We had no idea of the full impact that this would have on his recuperation. All involved were delighted to meet and fly Drew’s platoon mates. Not only did he get to see his platoon Sgt. and best buddies, he also got to see and spend time with the medic who was credited with saving his life (the blast killed three other Marines).

These guys were intent on breaking Drew out of the hospital for an evening’s R&R to cheer him up and encourage him to keep on. They succeeded.

Three weeks later, when we flew Drew and his family home for the final time, he WALKED to the airplane under his own power and from the plane to the terminal upon arrival to the amazement of those who had seen his recovery slow to a crawl only weeks before.

This is why we do what we do!

Saginaw Channel 12 News did a great story on Drew's homecoming, and you will find the link under News Stories (Wounded Marine Returns Home).

-Walt

Introduction

2007-06-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

Having spent the better part of the last year developing the framework of the Veterans Airlift Command, and now having passed the 100 mission mark, I thought it might be good to begin to write more often about what we do . I have always thought it a good idea to communicate with our volunteers and other interested parties on a more regular basis, but have been far too busy designing web applications, recruiting pilots and aircraft owners, spreading the word at military hospitals and scheduling missions to get much else done.

My original intent was to make my airplane available to families around MN traveling to and from our VA hospital. You can see how far out of hand this has gotten. But the response has been so positive, there seems to be no alternative but to forge ahead and continue to build the kind of organization that will honor our wounded warriors by its service, and be one with which you will be proud to associate.

Following this entry, I intend to update our readers about missions flown and related stories about our highly esteemed passengers and their families.

I invite our volunteer pilots, passengers, aircraft owners or other interested parties to submit entries or comments as well.

Walter L. Fricke
AirBoss
Veterans Airlift Command