NOTE: I had difficulty finding imagery so I selected from the internet those that best illustrated my story. Thanks. NIGHT FLIGHT ORIENTATION. “Freedom Ops, this is Shakedown 25 flight, at the FARP, estimating X-Ray in 15 minutes.” Chip advised over the radio. Hasty mission changes were not uncommon. Actually, I preferred the hasty over the … More 6. Night Flight Area Orient
MY FIRST FLIGHT. “BLOWTORCH 60 flight is clear to the north,” the radio cracked advising KAF tower that the section of two griffons and one chinook was proceeding outside of the control zone. As part of my introductory flight, a Chinook was deployed to move some passengers. So my first flight in theatre was actually a … More 5. First Flight
A wonderful woman I am acquainted to, fought for her life against stage 4 cancer and shared an inspirational Buddhist quote which I shall use here (I read this in your story Sherry): “Like a lotus flower that grows out of the mud and blossoms above the muddy water’s surface, we can rise above our … More 4. The Devil’s Infidels
This is an amazing story from Greg. I served with Greg in Afghanistan. He is an insightful professional airman and always had an upbeat perspective. He was key in maintaining the esprit de corps in our unit and I am proud to know him and share his memoire. You can read his story and see … More Guest Blogger: Bullets Above – Airborne Battle Damage: by Greg Juurlink.
(From my recollection this is fairly accurate. I may have blended some events over those initial days into the one day. I was tired, it was a long trip, a little nervous. Oh hell! A lot nervous. And these first moments were surreal. There are some colleagues you remember forever just for the little things.) 3. Dust … More 3. Dust On My Boots.
Forward: This story may have some incorrect timelines and I replaced some people and/or merged personalities into single characters. The incident itself is factual. It happened. Dialogue obviously created from intent. Some people may not want to be linked whatsoever to these events. I respect that and your privacy. So you may recognize a situation, … More 2. Summer in Salavat
Hi folks. I thank you very much for the support so far. My font and background colours originally conflicted and burnt a few old eyes out – I think I fixed that. I may have deleted some comments with some post and page management…sorry about that. I think I have the foundation laid now. I … More The Blogger and Technically challenged.
From 2002-2011 Canadian troops were deployed to Kandahar Province. 2002 was shortly after the Taliban Last Stand (TLS) at the airport where the American Forces finally forced out the Taliban government. That building is still know as the TLS building today and remains riddled with bullet impact marks. The Canadians were brought in … More 1. Helicopters In The News – The Manley Report 2008.
"Go For Shakedown" -- Canadian Griffon Helicopters in Afghanistan 