Hambone
06-05-2002, 12:04 AM
I am a 14 year active duty Air Force SSgt. I've been "here", a classified location, supporting OEF since 27 February. I have 2 vivid memories that I think of often. One sad, one happy. I'll share with you, and would like anyone willing to, to share with us.
Soon after arriving here, Operation Anaconda kicked off. A helicopter was downed and 8 soldiers were killed. Part of my job is flight following, being aware of missions in and out and to make sure it goes smoothly. These 8 began their journey home through us. It was very sad, sobering. A hard reminder of what we're doing here and the dangers associated with it. They made the ultimate sacrifice, and it struck home hard dealing with bringing this mission in, transporting them, then getting them back out and home.
The happy memory: One night, I stepped outside for a smoke. A C-17 was getting ready to leave, headed out with guys going home. Their time done. A young soldier walked up to me looking kind of sad. We started talking, and he said that he was supposed to get on the flight, but he was told that he showed up late and couldnt (he showed up when he was told to). I got on the radio, called the aircraft and asked if he could take one more passenger. The pilot said if he could get out there in the next 10 minutes, he'd take him. The soldier had such a happy look on his face. I borrowed a truck, took him to get his stuff and drove him to the airplane. I helped carry his belongings on board. Inside the belly of the C-17, hanging from the ceiling, was a huge American flag. Soldiers, Airmen and Marines going home were sitting there, watching us. We got his bags situated. He looked at me with the biggest happiest smile on his face and shook my hand for the millionth time. He said "thank you" and turned to go to his seat. I looked at the flag once more, then back at all the people going home as I got off the plane. I almost had a tear in my eyes. Even though I wasnt going home, he was and so was everyone else. I was proud to see the flag and so happy to send him on his way back to his family. With all the lousy stuff that goes on, it sure was nice to make a difference. He doesnt know my name, and I dont know his, but that doesnt matter. He's home, with his wife and kids.
War is hell. We all know that. But, there is always that little ray of sunshine that reminds us that we do matter, we do make a difference. When things seem pretty lousy, there is always a bright sunny road ahead.
Well...thats it. I dont know how to close this. I'm proud of what we're doing here, and when I leave and look back on it, I'll have mixed emotions of joy and sorrow. But, thats what makes it worth it. It's not easy, but the payoff is high. I'll stand tall and remember those that didnt make it home, always remember them. I'll also remember the faces of those leaving on that C-17 and especially the young soldier that got home and the flag hanging from the ceiling. I'll never forget.
Soon after arriving here, Operation Anaconda kicked off. A helicopter was downed and 8 soldiers were killed. Part of my job is flight following, being aware of missions in and out and to make sure it goes smoothly. These 8 began their journey home through us. It was very sad, sobering. A hard reminder of what we're doing here and the dangers associated with it. They made the ultimate sacrifice, and it struck home hard dealing with bringing this mission in, transporting them, then getting them back out and home.
The happy memory: One night, I stepped outside for a smoke. A C-17 was getting ready to leave, headed out with guys going home. Their time done. A young soldier walked up to me looking kind of sad. We started talking, and he said that he was supposed to get on the flight, but he was told that he showed up late and couldnt (he showed up when he was told to). I got on the radio, called the aircraft and asked if he could take one more passenger. The pilot said if he could get out there in the next 10 minutes, he'd take him. The soldier had such a happy look on his face. I borrowed a truck, took him to get his stuff and drove him to the airplane. I helped carry his belongings on board. Inside the belly of the C-17, hanging from the ceiling, was a huge American flag. Soldiers, Airmen and Marines going home were sitting there, watching us. We got his bags situated. He looked at me with the biggest happiest smile on his face and shook my hand for the millionth time. He said "thank you" and turned to go to his seat. I looked at the flag once more, then back at all the people going home as I got off the plane. I almost had a tear in my eyes. Even though I wasnt going home, he was and so was everyone else. I was proud to see the flag and so happy to send him on his way back to his family. With all the lousy stuff that goes on, it sure was nice to make a difference. He doesnt know my name, and I dont know his, but that doesnt matter. He's home, with his wife and kids.
War is hell. We all know that. But, there is always that little ray of sunshine that reminds us that we do matter, we do make a difference. When things seem pretty lousy, there is always a bright sunny road ahead.
Well...thats it. I dont know how to close this. I'm proud of what we're doing here, and when I leave and look back on it, I'll have mixed emotions of joy and sorrow. But, thats what makes it worth it. It's not easy, but the payoff is high. I'll stand tall and remember those that didnt make it home, always remember them. I'll also remember the faces of those leaving on that C-17 and especially the young soldier that got home and the flag hanging from the ceiling. I'll never forget.