5. First Flight

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

Guest Blogger: Bullets Above – Airborne Battle Damage: by Greg Juurlink.

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.

3. Dust On My Boots.

(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.

1. Helicopters In The News – The Manley Report 2008.

         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.