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440th airlifters perform unqiue total force mission

  • Published
  • By Jerry Green
  • 440th Airlift Wing
POPE FIELD, N.C. --  A 440th Airlift Wing C-130 carrying 12 Airmen from the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Airmen from the 21st Special Tactics Squadron flew into Andrews Air Force Base Dec. 17, on a unique total force-training mission.

The Airmen in training had a job to do, and focused on their tasks. "While the Reserve 440th aircrew flew the plane, the active duty 43rd AES medical staff trained in multiple mission areas including treatment of critical care patients, trauma scenarios and reacting to simulated pressurization problems while in flight," said Maj. DeAnna Franks, a C-130 pilot and acting 440th Airlift Wing director of staff for the mission.

Between the Reserve aircrew up front and active duty medics in the back, sat members of the 21st STS. Normally they only ride in C-130s to jump out of them or as patients in the care of the medics in the back. On this training mission, though, they were passengers on their way to visit a squadron teammate and wounded warrior, Sgt. George (last name withheld) who is in convalescent care at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Sgt. George is recovering from injuries suffered in a mortar explosion and vehicle rollover accident while conducting combat operations in Southwestern Asia. Sgt. George's younger sister is his caretaker at Walter Reed  and has been by his side day and night since his arrival in the U.S. Her job is to assist in his recovery and ensure he receives the rehabilitation care he needs.

The visiting Airmen coordinated pizza delivery and sodas to the hospital for a lunchtime gathering with their fellow team member. Since Sgt. George could not be home for the holidays, members of the 21st STS took the holiday spirit to him and his sister. In addition to the lunch time meal, care packages were delivered containing more than 30 get well letters from a 2nd grade class from the Fayetteville, N.C. area.

Departing the hospital, a fellow 21st STS Airman, recently released from Walter Reed, was stopped by a camera crew who asked for an interview.

Standing next to the camera crew were high-ranking officers and the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James A. Roy who recognized the Airman. Although uncomfortable in front of a camera, the STS Airman took the opportunity to recognize the quality care he received during his recovery at Walter Reed.

The trip meant the world to Sgt. George and the reunited Airmen. Although they were able to visit  only a few hours, they felt it was the least they could do, trying to bring the holiday spirit to Sgt. George.

Considering the sacrifices Sgt. George made while deployed, the visit to Sgt. George, his sister and the other wounded warriors was the 21st Special Tactics Squadron's way of expressing their thanks and wishing all of the wounded warriors a speedy recovery.

Their day complete, the STS members rejoined the crews of the 440th Airlift Wing and 43rd AES members for the return flight back to Pope Field. "Our training was a total force success that was made even more meaningful since we could take the 21st STS along while performing joint training with the 43rd AES," said Franks.