WingsConnect - Making Aviation Connections

Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military. Show all posts

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Military Appreciation Month Spotlight: "This story is for heroes." Buckle up and read this inspiring story of Dedication, Teamwork and Courage!

It gives me immense pleasure to highlight those I meet along the way who have done exceptional things in their Life that truly inspire me. It makes me happy to shine the light on Erik Sabiston, whom I know, that just released a book about an incredible mission.

I just finished reading Dustoff 7-3. If you enjoy, like I do, a story of courage under extreme situations, dedication, and teamwork to pull off what could seem like the impossible for most, then snag a copy of this book now! I recommend it. 

It gave me a glimpse into a world many will never know, but would pray for a crew this dedicated to be there to rescue and retrieve loved ones serving in far off places who become injured. The story of Dustoff 7-3 kept me intrigued by laying out a story that became a journey into learning more this extraordinary Life experience, as told by Erik. He paints a picture of events leading up to and in the midst of an unforgettable mission he and his crew would experience and come out of successfully together. 

These are Real American Heroes. Unsung heroes who put themselves in harms way with such an intense sense of duty in looking out for others. Growing up on military bases, I admired that quality very much in many positive examples I saw. There was an above average sense of serving, not for fame and glory, but a sense of pride and community. I felt that same appreciation reading the actions of the troops in this book. Very inspiring and I'm glad I learned more about each of these individuals!  

Pick up a copy, read it and may you also be as inspired as I was that a crew as dedicated and giving their all exists. If I had someone I loved serving and they found themselves injured, I'd pray a crew like this would sweep them up out of harms way. 

Dustoff 7-3 received the Army Aviation Association of America's top honor for their mission, featured in this book, that occurred in Kunar Providence Afghanistan in June 2011. This mission was named Air/Sea Rescue that year. All 4 crew members received a Metal of Valor. Sabiston, Bringloe, and Brodhead received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest award in aviation. Capps received the Air Medal of Valor.

From the story, I took away a strong sense that each crew member brought important qualities and support, at different times and sometimes at the same time, resulting in a winning team dynamic that netted an exceptional mission accomplished.

Pick up a copy on Amazon, search for Dustoff 7-3 

In addition to reading the book, check out this cool video of them as part of Newsweek's Heroes Summit:


Sunday, December 14, 2014

Great cause & flying on 12/13/14 in Virginia

Wow! Love when a day with no particular plan ends up being one of your most enjoyable ones!:-)

I received a text from a Flying friend, Jack Pettigrew, about a toy airlift & donations event to support Military troops this holiday season. I'm a proud Army brat who grew up in military communities. Even though I'm not in the military, that community will always be an extended family and hold a special spot in my heart! I jumped at the opportunity to rush to pick up some goodies for the kids and supplies for Veterans in the hospital. 

Jack met me there and had a crew of his flying friends. I love chatting aviation with others who share the same enthusiasm. I ask all kinds of questions and want to hear about experiences to soak it in like a sponge. I always learn something new and now find opportunities with the flying I've done, to date, to inspire others to visit new FBOs. A few of us had a great chat about Tangier Island being a MUST visit. I flew there last month with my instructor. Click here to view that post: 

The aviation community is a unique and special one. I love the new connections and sharing in the excitement of flying.

When I came to this event, I actually didn't have intentions to fly. That being said. I happened to snag my headset just before leaving. BOY, that was an excellent decision!! I was offered a brief flight in my first experimental and it was exhilarating! Andy is the owner of a Maj. Preddy, ace WWII pilot, RV-7 replica plane. It's exterior is painted with symbols that share the history of this ace pilot. The interior was SWEET! I loved the glass canopy top & seatbelt! It felt like being a Star Wars X-Wing pilot, yes I said it! This plane is so much faster than my trainer 152. To think I almost passed on a ride. Boy, thank goodness I came to my senses!!:-D After I climbed in the cockpit, I had to go up!

I was impressed with Andy. He was very focused, together, explained every detail of the preflight checklist/runup and shared his way of diagraming/noting aviations specs. I really enjoyed seeing his style of operation and was stoked he showed me how incredible the RV-7 flies! I've heard from other pilots to fly in various models, where opportunity presents. This experience opened up my mind to a whole different flying experience... One that's much faster than the 152!!;-)

I left the airport with a HUGE Cheshire Cat smile.. Still wearing it!

I encourage you to spread some holiday cheer by giving, where you can at events like this Toy airlift, or whatever resonates with you. 

For my fellow Flying friends, what are your favorite holiday aviation related events?

Check out some action pictures from this Fun Filled Saturday at Chesterfield Executive Airport! Big shout to my friend Jack for spreading the word & sharing his enthusiasm for aviation. He's not 1 of the top 2 Virginia Aviation Ambassador passport holders for nothing!
 
ME FLYING & my FULL FORCE RV-7 Grin!!!!!! LOVING this flying experience! EEEEEE:-D
Here is my on the ground "RV Grin"! Virginia Aviator Stewart Purvis enlightened me with that phrase!:-) I climbed in the cockpit & was like HELLO, Let's DO THIS!!:-D
Pictures of KXSA Tappahnock FBOs great contributions to the toy Airlift! Love the picture with the Troops!
Me arriving to drop off gifts to the troops! Santa flew into the airport to see the kids. Awesome!!
Fun chatting flying with others who love it and share the enthusiasm to tell their aviation stories, tips, and passion!
After the buffet lunch, we went to check out people's planes. Here's Jack's taildragger!
Here's Andy's RV-7. NEAT!
Planes need to eat, too. Filler up!
Very cool of Andy to take me Up! 
Dude, this interior was Rocking! 
Santa, I want one now!
Ready!!
There goes the gifts! Happy I could contribute. It warmed my heart to do so. :-)

Learn more about Major Preddy, Ace WWII American Aviator: http://www.aviation-history.com/airmen/preddy.htm  

Check out my previous Pilot Spotlight Interview post on Jack: http://aviatorslounge.blogspot.com/2014/03/meet-jack-pettigrew-adventurer-flying.html?m=1

Interested in sharing your Love at First Flight story? I want to share it! 
Visit http://www.wingsconnect.com/ & click on TALK for details on being considered for the Spotlight interview!

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

F5: Flipping Fantastic Fun Flying Friday

This past Friday I flew to 2 new FBOs with my instructor, Jim. We've been having roller coaster Wx here in Virginia lately. Friday was forecasted as beautiful day, good winds & you better believe I took the day off to take full advantage of it! Window of opportunity & I took it! I was thus rewarded with a great day of flight! 

Here are a few pictures of this day's Em aviation adventures. :-)

Agenda
Lil guy ready to Giddy UP. Cessna 152
Did some VOR nav, see that little white circle... That's the VOR!
Landed at Dinwiddie KPTB. There is lil guy 152 parked & waiting for me.
Views out of the Dinwiddie FBO.
Yep, me cheesing in front of the airport. Check out 152s shadow. Slick!;-)
Me climbing up top to check the fuel levels before deserting KPTB. Better believe I do before every flight & if we are flying together I will double check. :-)
Flying to Wakefield KAKQ, next stop!
Quick in flight cheese!:-)
Love!!!
Part of my fun is to check out what's up with each FBO I visit. KAKQ, I liked your keurig coffee machine & choice in cups.
:-) Also, this was the first airport that I had to back taxi down the runway to take off. Fun!
While making coffee for myself & chatting with Jim, I spotted this military helicopter practicing landings..awesome!!!!
Awesome!!!!:-D
AWESOME!!! 8-D <-- (gagagoogoo eyes)
Yes, my Wakefield FBO cheese pic!:-)
Sweet sight of big daddy planes landing in Richmond. Never gets old.:-)

Two more Virginia Aviation Ambassador stamps collected! Check!:-)
 
So, as I said --> Flipping Fantastic Fun Flying Friday here in Virginia. Carpe Diem & I did.

What are some of your favorite FBOs you've flown into? Fess up! Sharing is caring.