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
by Andy Miller | Sep 15, 2019 | Uncategorized
I was back in the USA on September 13th. It had been nearly a week since my incident on that rocky pinnacle near Shindand, Afghanistan. My brother Matthew and former-commander Brendan Taylor met me at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Matthew was able to snap a picture of the C-17 that brought me back, and as the medical personnel wheeled me to my room. Ever heard of a dry-shampoo cap? Neither had I, but it seemed to do the trick.
The next morning, September 14th, I was transported to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. There, Lori and my brother Reed joined me in the emergency room as I was being admitted to the hospital. I would be there for another 33 days, and have nine visits to the operating room (in addition to the three I’d already had). There was still a lot of work for the medical teams to do before I could begin my work of getting mobile again.
September 14, 2013
#Pamir62
#SixYearsAgo
#AppleSauce
#Epidural
#Morphine
#DDEAMC
by Andy Miller | Sep 15, 2019 | Uncategorized
I’m pleased to announce that The Village Booksmith, south-central Wisconsin’s premier source for quality used books, including rare, out-of-print, and hard-to-find titles, is now carrying “Pamir 62: Heroes are Forever” on its shelves.
If you’re in Downtown Baraboo, I hope you’ll stop by and pick up a copy for yourself, and maybe one for a friend (it makes a great gift).
#Pamir62
#BarabooProud
#SupportLocalBusiness
#SupportLocalAuthors
#TellYourStory
by Andy Miller | Aug 28, 2019 | Uncategorized
On this date in 2014, I had the bittersweet honor of being able to fly the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior one more time before they flew away from Fort Rucker for the final time.
By this time in 2014, my 2015 retirement was on the horizon, and my friend Randy Morris (current DAC and retired CW5) was able to finagle me not only a final flight, but we got some .50 cal and rockets to shoot too.
It was a beautiful day to fly, and an absolute hoot to be able to go out with Randy and fire off some Freedom at the Molinelli Aerial Gunnery Range Complex one more time.
Pictured below is the obligatory in-cockpit selfie with me and Randy before we took off. Additionally, there is a picture of the previous time Randy and I had flown together in an armed Kiowa Warrior – August 2008 in and around Mosul, Iraq. Randy was the Squadron SP of the outgoing squadron and I was the Squadron SP of the incoming Squadron.
Also pictured is a silly family portrait in front of my trusty Kiowa Warrior; one last time.
August 28, 2014
#Pamir62
#FiveYearsAgo
#Flatiron62
#FinalKWFlight
