by Andy Miller | Jan 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
Western Afghanistan was an interesting place to fly. Team instructor pilots would often go out for multi-ship cross-country flight training with our Afghan student pilots.
On this particular day, we departed Shindand Air Base (OASD) and went south through the mountain range and on to the US FOB near Farah for refuel, then returned to Shindand.
On the flight down, I asked my Afghan trainee to take a video clip of me flying.
Also on the way south, we orbited this old citadel. I haven’t been able to find any information on who made them, but there is a chain of them between Herat and Farah. In my opinion, they look 18th or 19th century-ish. Can you spot the MD530?
On the way back to Shindand Air Base from Farah, our team of 2 found a nice wide ridgeline at about 7000’MSL.
After a good flight, safely back at Shindand Air Base, our sightseeing, um, training flight complete, there was time for a selfie, then put our trusty steed away for the night and head over to chow.
#Pamir62
#Sightseeing
#Training
January 17, 2013
Here is a link to the citadel in Google Maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/YZvAz5m9CU2KRtsL6
by Andy Miller | Dec 3, 2019 | Uncategorized
I know the Thanksgiving-to-Christmas season is a time of giving, especially on Giving Tuesday. A lot of people give to various charities towards the end of the year.
If you’re in the charitable mood, may I suggest one or all of the following organizations:
American Red Cross @RedCross
Wounded Warrior Project @wwp
United Service Organizations (USO) @the_USO
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) @VFWHQ
Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) @MOPH_HQ
I have been touched by each of these organizations since I was wounded in September 2013. I am so very thankful for the support they gave my family & me, and continue to give all our military men and women in need.
by Andy Miller | Nov 29, 2019 | Uncategorized
The Afghan Air Force invited us to a small celebration over at their headquarters building on the Shindand Air Base FOB. I think they were having a reception to congratulate the small class of fixed-wing flight school graduates. There was the usual array of snacks, cookies, and of course there was tea. The cooler in the corner with factory-sealed beverages appealed more to me until I saw the cans. This still makes me chuckle.
27 November, 2012
#Pamir62
#SevenYearsAgo
#OASD
#Shat
by Andy Miller | Nov 20, 2019 | Uncategorized
After a long day of training Afghans, I’d get back to my corner of the room at Thunder Lab, take my pistol off and get comfy to have a snack.
One has a kick, one has a punch.
November 20, 2012
by Andy Miller | Oct 6, 2019 | Uncategorized
On this date in 2013, I was upgraded to tan no-slip socks. I didn’t have to wear the yellow ones anymore — I was no longer considered a “fall risk” when shuffling about with my walker.
I’m not sure what caused that scuff on my right shin during my incident about 4 weeks prior. What isn’t shown in the picture is the scuff just above my right knee that the projectile left behind after it passed through my left thigh.
October 6, 2013
#Pamir62
#HugeSteps
#FeetOnTheFloor
#ScarsTellaStory
