Snack Time
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
Socks upgrade
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
Back in the U.S.A.
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
The Village Booksmith
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
Final Kiowa Warrior Flight
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
Swimming Pool, Shindand Style
On this date in 2013, I saw an opportunity to have a brief respite from the Afghanistan summer heat when the fixed-wing guys’ solo dunk tank was freshly rinsed out and filled by the air base’s fire department.
I hustled back to my tent to put on my Army PT shorts for a quick dip in the pool and chill for a few moments with a 0% alcohol near-beer.
I also swam nearly 100 laps and wasn’t even out of breath.
Honestly, I pretty much only stayed in there long enough to take the picture.
July 16, 2013
#Pamir62
#SwimmingPool
#NearBeer
