· 9 years ago
Fantastic. Truly inspiring.
Michael's Dispatches
Do Americans Care about British Soldiers?
158 Comments
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 19 August 2009 01:59
19 August 2009
Helmand Province, Afghanistan
A gunshot ripped through the darkness and a young British soldier fell dying on FOB Jackson. I was just nearby talking on the satellite phone and saw the commotion. The soldier was taken to the medical tent and a helicopter lifted him to the excellent trauma center at Camp Bastion. That he made it to Camp Bastion alive dramatically improved his chances. But his life teetered and was in danger of slipping away. Making matters worse, the British medical system back in the United Kingdom did not possess the specialized gear needed to save his life. Americans had the right gear in Germany, and so the British soldier was put into the American system.
British officers in his unit, 2 Rifles, wanted to track their man every step of the way, and to ensure that his family was informed and supported in this time of high stress. Yet having their soldier suddenly in the American system caused a temporary glitch in communications with folks in Germany. The British leadership in Sangin could have worked through the glitch within some hours, but that would have been hours wasted, and they wanted to know the status of their soldier now. So a British officer in Sangin – thinking creatively –asked if I knew any shortcuts to open communications. The right people were only an email away: Soldiers Angels. And so within about two minutes, these fingers typed an email with this subject heading: CALLING ALL ANGELS.
Soldiers’ Angels Shelle Michaels and MaryAnn Phillips moved into action. Day by day British officers mentioned how Soldiers Angels were proving to be incredibly helpful. The soldiers expressed deep and sincere appreciation. Yet again, the Angels arrived during a time of need.The severely wounded soldier, whose name I will not print without explicit permission, is recovering in the United Kingdom.
Two or three weeks after the injury, I was having dinner with a British Major and several Captains. The Major talked reverently about Soldiers Angels, and then about a herculean effort that the United States military extended to save a single British soldier. I had no idea about that effort. I just heard the gunshot, saw the soldier carried away into the night, and heard the helicopter roar into the darkness. I knew Soldiers’ Angels had intervened back in Germany, but the details that followed came as incredible surprise. The U.S. military had quietly moved Heaven and Earth to save a single British “Squaddie.”
Please read the following description, authored in part by Soldiers’ Angel MaryAnn Phillips:
The Needs of the One...
In late July, a British Soldier deployed in Afghanistan sustained life-threatening wounds to the abdomen and chest. I alluded to him in this post, but his identity has not yet been made public.
The article quoted below describes the extraordinary (and to my knowledge unprecedented) efforts made to save his life. It is a testimony to the advancements made in the technological, logistical, and medical fields. But most of all, it is a testimony to the commitment of the many to care for the needs of the one.
Here is a summary of the medical, logistic, and air assets involved in this incredibly complex mission. It is almost certainly incomplete.
Aircraft:
- One C-17 aircraft to get the medical team and equipment from Germany in place at the hospital in Afghanistan.
- One C-130 aircraft to fly a pulmonologist from a different hospital in Afghanistan to the Soldiers’ location.
- A second C-17 aircraft to fly the patient from Afghanistan to Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
- LifeBird German civilian medevac helicopter to fly the patient from Ramstein Air Base to Regensburg University hospital.
Aircrews:
- Three C-17 aircrews; four sorties
- LifeBird helicopter aircrew
Medical Teams:
- British, Danish, US surgical team at the hospital in Afghanistan.
- A pulmonologist from a different hospital in Afghanistan flown to the facility where this Soldier was located.
- The Landstuhl Acute Lung Rescue Team (Specialized Critical Care Air Transport)
- The LifeBird medevac team in Germany
- The thoracic surgical and ICU teams at Regensburg University hospital in Germany, for the highly specialized treatment developed and available there.
Logistics Teams:
- Combined Air and Space Operations Center (SW Asia)
- Joint Patient Movement Requirements Center (within the CAOC above, SW Asia)
- Global Patient Movements Requirement Center (Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, USA)
- 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center (Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, USA)
- Landstuhl DWMMC (Deployed Warrior Medical Management Center)
Air Force aeromedical evacuation teams give British soldier fighting chance
by Capt. Justin Brockhoff618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs
8/4/2009 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- Three Air Force aircraft along with multiple aircrew, aeromedical evacuation teams, and agencies from around the world gave a British soldier a fighting chance at life in late July after the soldier sustained multiple gunshot wounds and had his blood supply replaced more than 10 times at a military hospital in Afghanistan.According to officials, the soldier sustained multiple wounds to the abdomen and chest, and was transfused with 75 units of blood and another 75 units of platelets.
Emergency surgery was conducted to repair the Soldiers’ liver and lung. After being stabilized by the medical teams on the ground, the patient's respiratory condition worsened and doctors determined that the patient had to be moved to upgraded care in Germany.
Officials at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center and Joint Patient Movement Requirements Center at an air base in Southwest Asia, and the Global Patient Movements Requirement Center and 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., immediately started working to find the aircraft, aircrews and medical crews to airlift the soldier to further care.
"We received the call on our operations floor to airlift the British soldier from Afghanistan to Germany and immediately did what we could to make it happen," said Col. John Martins, the 618th TACC director of operations who led coordination efforts for the mission. "It was a complex move. Not only did we have to find a plane and crew to fly the patient out of theater, but also we had to find another plane and aircrew to get the right medical personnel and equipment into Afghanistan because we needed specialized medical teams to care for the patient in-flight."
In less than six hours, a C-17 Globemaster III previously scheduled to fly a cargo mission was airborne with the required medical personnel and equipment from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Afghanistan.
"We were able to quickly identify a mission that was planned to fly into Afghanistan, and after coordinating with other agencies in the 618th TACC we were able to re-task the mission as an aeromedical evacuation flight," said Maj. Kris Rowe, an aeromedical flight manager. "At the same time, we needed a pulmonologist to be part of the AE team due to the trauma to the Soldiers’ lungs. Working with our counterparts at the CAOC, we were able to get the pulmonologist from a different location in Afghanistan to the Soldiers’ location on a pre-scheduled C-130 (Hercules) mission."
The pulmonologist arrived to the Soldiers’ location and continued to care for him on the ground, while the C-17 carrying the medical teams and specialized lung equipment were still en-route on the eight-hour flight from Germany.
Because of crew duty day restrictions, safety regulations that dictate how long an aircrew can be on-duty before they're required to rest, the original C-17 aircrew couldn't stay the six hours it would take the lung team to prepare the soldier on the ground, and still fly the mission back to Germany. Instead, once they arrived, the C-17 and its crew were able to wait on the ground for just over an hour while nine other patients, in addition to two amputees previously picked up during a fuel stop, were on-loaded for a flight to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, near Ramstein AB.
Once they had dropped off the medical crews and equipment to stabilize the British soldier, and its 11 new patients were prepped for flight, the first C-17 took off back for Germany. Its mission was complete.
Enter the second C-17 and aircrew, assigned to the 385th Air Expeditionary Group, who were also previously scheduled to fly a cargo mission in Afghanistan. Officials at the 618th TACC delivered a similar notification that they'd been re-tasked to be involved in the lifesaving effort.
"The patient was loaded on the second C-17 and airborne within 22 hours of receiving the call for support at the 618th TACC," said Master Sgt. Keyser Voigt, an aeromedical evacuation mission controller at the 618th TACC. "When you look at the requirements we had, its awe inspiring to see how many people will come together to save one life. It took two airplanes to get the medical team and equipment in place, another to fly the patient to Germany, three aircrews, four sorties, AE personnel and many more coordinating on the ground to get this done. Including the fact that we had to fly in specialized teams and equipment from eight-plus hours away and it took a minimum of six hours on the ground to prepare the patient using that specialized equipment, everyone involved did absolutely everything we could to give this soldier the care he deserves."
At approximately 1 p.m. local time Aug. 2, the British soldier landed safely at Ramstein AB and was flown to further medical care at a university hospital by helicopter.
"It's a true testament to the aircrews, the medical crews, and the ground personnel around the world and at the airfield that we could get this soldier out of Afghanistan so fast," said Lt. Col. Duncan Smith, the 618th TACC's Aeromedical Evacuation Division chief. "It is truly amazing to see this coordination take place in such a short amount of time, because we're literally coordinating these moves from a world away. We are in the business of saving lives, and we will do everything we can to reach that goal."
As of press time, the soldier was still at the university hospital in Germany, where he was listed in critical condition.
This movement marked the 8,563 patient movement by U.S. Air Force aeromedical evacuation teams in 2009, and the 135,233 since April 1, 2003.
(emphasis added)
As of today, almost 10 days after this story was written, the Soldier remains in Germany where his condition is stable. He may be able to fly home to the UK soon.
The doctors say it's a miracle.
I'd say it's probably close to a thousand miracles: A miracle for each of the many who came together to meet the needs of the one...
--
MaryAnn Phillips
Vice President, Warrior Medical Support Europe
Soldiers' Angels main web site: www.soldiersangels.org
Soldiers' Angels Germany blog: www.soldiersangelsgermany.org
*** New shipping address ***
MTD
Attn: Soldiers' Angels
CMR 402
APO AE 09180
*** New shipping address ***
Post Script from Michael Yon:
Soldiers’ Angel MaryAnn Phillips emailed to me:
“I thought you might be interested in this. Incredibly, [British Soldier] is actually beginning to do quite well. He has regained consciousness and may be able to be transported to the UK within the next week.
While at Regensburg hospital with his mom […] right after she arrived here, I told her about some of this. She broke down and couldn't believe "all of those people would do all that for my son". It was a very, very moving moment.Take care of yourself, Michael.
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· 9 years agoExtremely moving Michael. I'm glad to hear this soldier is recovering and making progress. God bless everyone who supports our troops in harms way, and in this case, our fine allies sons and daughters as well. Please give my best to the wonderful Brits you have been embedded with. Finer allies no country has ever had.
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· 9 years agoI can still hear the engine and rotors winding up and the sound of the blades beating the air as the Medivac crew sprung into action anytime and anywhere. They were there for one reason - to save our a life. It takes courage, training and commitment and a crew that can function as one.
Time is everything and someone's life hangs in the balance. The professionalism of all is beyond compare.
I have the greatest respect and appreciation for the effort that the United Kingdom has committed in support of the War On Terror (not a politically correct term these days). Their young men and women are fighting the good fight and falling just as are Americans and others. The United States Military has one of the most comprehensive and efficient Emergency Medical System in the world today. It is seamless. As a former DustOff Pilot I know that every man and woman involved in that system executes a level of personal commitment and professionalism to every patient that passes through their doosr. The use of the helicopter for evac began in Korea, was greatly enhanced during Vietnam and has continued to excel to where it is today.
May God Bless and Protect each and every man and woman on the battlefield today - British, Canadian and American and all others alike. We are all brothers and sisters in the fight against evil at home and in far away places. I thank each and everyone of you for your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your family. We shall never be able to repay the debt we all owe to your heroism.
Signed
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· 9 years agoA combination to save a life. Angels and those on the ground.
I served in the USAF in the UK. Michael, please let the Brits know that the answer to your question is: Yes, with the hearts of true Brothers. -
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· 9 years agoIts as simple as that. They, and the other members of the Commonwealth are our closest allies in this fight. All too often British, Canadian, Austrailian, and the Kiwis have been at the brunt of many of attacks in southeast Asia and abroad. They know just as we do the magnitude of the fight and the consequences it has. Working with them in Iraq and Afghanistan is a honor that I will never forget and will always cherish. Stay safe down there Mr. Yon, its only getting better.
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· 9 years agoThe Brave stand and move to help in any way; Whats Left just complains and stands in the way. Wonderful story of a fine example of our troops. God bless all that stand
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· 9 years agoThis is one of those examples of the "can do" spirit that our military still operates under, while the public has to be goaded along like wandering cats. I don't know one person involved, British or American, expect Mike, but reading this is inspiring. We still have it. So do the Brits. Simply awesome. Please convey my thoughts to the Brits. The Troubles are over, and we've joined in a common cause, as it should be. Good allies are hard to find.
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· 9 years agoYES. I certainly have nothing but respect. They are heroes to us and all free people around the world. I would risk life and limb for them just the same as my buddies when I was in the service. I love them with all my heart.
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· 9 years agoThanks for a good story Michael, and happy to hear that the soldier is doing well.
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· 9 years agoMichael: Ever vigilant, ever watchful, we are always praying for your safety. Reading tonight, and found something that seemed very relevent given the miraculous journey of this British soldier...."Every holy soul is itself a heaven, in a sense --a heaven with understanding for its sun, faith for its moon, and virtues for its stars, a heaven where God dwells, according to His faithful promise." ......Bernard de Clairvaux ......He is indeed in every one of us, and in you, and we are grateful for your witness to events, and times, and places, and holy souls....all. Peace......Lovin' you, Barb xo
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· 9 years agogreat set of news clips, etc. Hope the Brits get word of this as well. Also, the comments from many fine people regarding this article are another source of pride for me as a yank. Please share it with your embedding buddies.
Just wanted to mention that the C-17 is one of the finest planes that Douglas ever made, almost on par with the DC-3. Allowing that company to fold into Boeing was a mistake and actually a detriment to what was an important part of the US economy. Anyway, every article I see about the C-17 just confirms my notion that we made a big mistake in stopping production of that beast!
Stay safe Michael and keep those guys apprised of our support. -
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· 9 years agoTo Michael, all the US armed forces and the people of America. What was done here to save one of our soldiers cannot be summed up in mere words. We owd a debt that cannot be paid, thank you so much from a grateful Englishman.
Michael, it is a privilege to support your mission. Thank you for all you do, in the meantime keep your head down. -
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· 9 years agoI really appreciate your reports. You show the humanity that is often lacking from the news reports on tv and in other media. Your work is a link to the great photo journalists of days gone by and sets the standard for those to come. Take care.
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· 9 years agoDear Mike,
A couple of years back we contacted Soldiers Angles in America because our own son was serving in the British Army in Iraq and then Afghanistan and said how generous the US Soldiers were. We thought about how American mums and dads must have been going through the same things we were and so we wanted to make a friendly touch. SA sent us the name and address of a US Marine who turned out to be a source of fun and joy. At the end of his tour he sent us a video of his time in Iraq which we treasure.
When we first tried to send our US Marine in Iraq a parcel we had a helluva struggle with the German post office who wouldn't deliver it to Ramstein then the British Post Office who couldn't connect with APO numbers. Then we had a cunning plan - we pretended that our US Marine was a British soldier attached to an American unit. Ahah! Suddenly the post office found how to get a parcel through and though it cost us an arm and a leg we got a cheerful E mail one day to say it had arrived. Perhaps we'll have to go to jail for lying to the post office and the fact that we kept on lying? All this just reflects the poor communications we same to have even though we are fighting the same war. Do we ever learn? -
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· 9 years agoI can't add anything that hasn't been added previous. I grieve the losses the Brits are taking, as though they were Americans. God Bless the 2nd Rifles!
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· 9 years agoMichael: God bless you for reporting this inpsiring story. The naysayers love to point out the shortcomings of British and American troops. I wish just once they would report a story like this one. Stay safe Michael. We need you as much as we need our great British Allies. General Petraeus calls you "the real deal". I agree.
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· 9 years agoAs a British soldier, can I say how humbled I am to see the effort expended to save the life of one of our soldiers. Thank you will never be enough.
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· 9 years agoOne of them is you, Michael. May you always have the best of everything available to you and your fellow 'brothers' at the front.
Thank you!
With love from America. -
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· 9 years agoWe are so very proud and honored to stand with you, Britain! And with all of the other countries who have joined the fight against oppression in Afghanistan and around the world. We appreciate your commitment and your sacrifices, and we value your friendship more than words can say. God bless you all.
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· 9 years agoI'm a proud Brit, ex Army, and have to admit I have sometimes wondered how much the US really valued our friendship & cared about our troops. Reading this today, I got the answer, and it is truly the best one possible. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! Inadequate words but the best I have. Whatever our respective politicians might do or say, you can be sure of one thing. The friendship of the UK with the USA is a strong as that with our cousins in Canada, New Zealand & Australia, and will endure as long as life itself. Thank you& God bless both our Countries
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· 9 years agoAs a serving British Officer in HM Forces, I am so very grateful for all that you do for the serving forces for both of our nations on active duty. Long may our special partnership remain. Thank you and God Bless.
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· 9 years agoA common language binds the US and the Commonwealth together, your report though shows that what really binds us together is much deeper than just a language and words, and in fact breaks the language barrier to include Estonians, Danes and others. Thank you as a Brit for your efforts in supporting this one life, and I hope our boy recovers and rejoins his family. Though often press reports speak of disputes about operational approaches among allies, I know from feedback from those on the ground that we have never worked so closely and so effectively together and our boys on the ground appreciate and respect the support of their US allies.
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· 9 years agoThank you Michael. Mary Ann is a very special Angel. Though sometimes it seems so little, we at Soldiers Angels are always on watch!!
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· 9 years agoThis just shows the difference between the US & Britain and the enemy we are fighting. We value life and will move heaven and earth (as long as it can be done in a C-17) to save one life. May God continue to bless and protect all our men and women in uniform who are willing to sacrifice their lives for just one life.
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· 9 years agoAfter reading the Brit soldier's story my wife said, "Why does Mike keep going back there?"
My answer....."same reason the mission priests kept returning to indian country."
GREAT JOB!
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· 9 years ago"A true friend is the one who stands by you when it may be easier, or smarter, not to..." Seems that describes the Brits pretty well.
An aside to readers currently involved in the Air Force - a few years ago there was some discussion about developing a supersonic business-class (Gulfstream V?) jet. One would think that a transcontinental air ambulance would be an excellent application for such. -
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· 9 years agoMike,
I had the privledge and honor of working with the Brittish in Norther Iraq after the first Gulf War. There is not a finer bunch of men. They took care fo us, got us food and had a great sence of humor. After the attacks of September 11th they were the first ones to stand beside us. They have always been there for us and we will always be there for them. To all the Brittish serving with us Semper Fi! you are our true brothers in arms. -
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· 9 years agoThis "miracle" took the combined efforts of Human training and Technology to happen. It also noted that the British logistics would of been incapable to actually handle the injury due to its lack of the medical tools in its own country to pull it off. I need to point this out because what's happening in the battlefield now is happening here in the states too.
Every terrible accident that horrifically hurts and may of utterly ended many lives don't happen because of the medical technology that for the most -if not all- in part came from entrepreneurial Americans developing the skills, equipments, and technology to combat against it. Places like Britain with its socialistic government doesn't have the resources or capability to achieve this.
Will America trade this type of "miracle" for what is now being promised by our government in the coming future? All this praising aside, our tax dollars made this "miracle" happen and don't ever forget that this is why that event ever happened in the first place. -
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· 9 years agoBoundless gratitude to all you wonderful Americans.
I will tell this story to everyone I can. -
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· 9 years agoThanks Michael - I needed that boost this morning. It's always helpful to remember we share a heritage with the Greatest Nations on God's Green Earth.
Praying for all of you in harm's way today. Keep your head down. -
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· 9 years agoThank you all for your help in saving a British soldiers life and to the angels who do great work every day God Bless All Our Troops xx
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· 9 years agoIt appears that many folks were involved in getting the British soldier medical care. There were so many i couldn't follow it all. No matter what it cost, that soldiers life was worth it all!! My nephew was in Iraq and a British lady corresponded with him and sent him packages and fabulous chocolates, all of which meant alot to him. I believe she conitinued to correspond with him during the 7 mo he spent in a U.S. hospital recuperating from injuries he had received from an IED.
In my opinion, America has fallen a long ways from where we once were in certain values and standards, but the things I have seen that most Americans still retain and that is that we are still a caring, giving and a helping people. For those traits I am proud of America. -
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· 9 years agoThe Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 08/19/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
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· 9 years agoThis young man and all who took part are in our prayers, as well as all who serve this cause. Each and every dispatch I e-mail to people I know. Your work needs to get out to others. God Bless you. Keep it up, and be safe.
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· 9 years agoTotally awesome story showing that the love for fellow man knows no national limits. I am sure that if the situation were reversed the UK would have done the same for a US soldier.
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· 9 years agoDoes anyone else need an explanation of "Partners"? We are proud to have the Brits as "Partners" and we know this feeling is mutual in this fight.
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· 9 years agoWonderful story. Is there any way to get this on National TV both here and in England. The world needs to know how far we will go to save i man.
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· 9 years agoEach and every life of those in the fight is worth saving. I'm happy that the young British soldier is on the road to recovery. I am as proud of the fighting men and women of GB as I am our own troops. I'm also in awe of the effort it took to save one life. This speaks volumes of the dedication of all - not just the Brits and the Yanks, but the entire coalition. This war is necessary. Your readers have not forgotten that Michael. Keep your head down. We need all of Florida's sons!
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· 9 years agoI have linked to your story on our Soldiers' Angels Washington blog. An amazing story from beginning to end. The incredible will and orchestration of expertise, to make sure each soldier is looked after and family kept in the loop is jaw dropping. Thank God for all who care for our wounded and support those who serve including our very own MaryAnn and Soldiers' Angels in Germany. Awe inspiring on so many levels. Prayers, love and support to all who serve to make this world a better place!
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· 9 years agoJust wow.
That's incredible.
Well done all.
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· 9 years agoMany thanks for this uplifting description detailing the true attitudes of the majority of both America and all others that stand for Freedom encapsulated in "We the People ...". Stay safe, Michael - we need your honest reports of the tremendous job all of our Forces are doing.
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· 9 years agoOnly in places with very little restrictions of any kind that allow good will can such enterprises be allowed to exist. This is truly a result of freedom.
Thank you soldiers angels.
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· 9 years agoThanks, Mike.Great job. We need this stuff desperately over here. My 509'ers are in it and we get very little news right now. Too much going on. Keep your head down
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· 9 years agoMichael, Soldiers Angerls and all, this is the highest vibration of the human condition: people working together to save lives and support one another. Why? Because that is our nature, for the most part. As the Pashtun villagers who risked their lives to harbor and save Marcus Lutrell's life, the Americans , Germans, and Brits who worked together to save this soldier's life remains as the example for us all, striving to be our highest and best, together. Amidst all the brutality of war and all that challenges humanity, we would do well to remember this as we go about our business, making the world a better place. Michael, so many thanks to you for being there to report the facts, and for bringing this story to light, as you always do. When we hear these acts of kindness, using technology to save lives, it reminds us how truly great humans can be and gives us all hope for a better future.
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· 9 years agoWhat an amazing story! Thanks to everyone involved no matter what nation they're serving and a special thanks to you for sharing this with all of us. The answer to the question is a resounding YES! We Americans care very deeply about our British brothers and sisters in arms. God bless them, you and all those that pitched in to save this young lad. This is human conduct of the highest order.
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· 9 years agoOur "cousin's" across the pond have to know we love and care for them deeply. From a tiny island nation a heart of a Lion beats. We mourn for them as we do our own. Godbless the "Angels"...Godspeed to our UK "cousins" as they continue to "crack on" in our mutual fight against pure evil. Thanx M Yon, pls tell them we CARE. We are "Brothers in Arms"...a connection that can NEVER be broken. I will wear my Union Jack headpiece all this week. Iam damn proud to wear it too. God Bless Britain.
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· 9 years agoThis is a truly amazing story that is a testament to our troops, technology, and medical expertise. The dedication deisplayed by all involved doesn't surprise me, but reassures me that we are still a great and caring people.
Cheers to all the Brits helping us out in this fight against extremism and oppression. And cheers to the wounded Brit soldier.
God bless America, God bless the United Kingdom, and God bless all you guys in the field. Thanks, Michael, you be safe too! -
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· 9 years agoMichael,
Some of the nurses and doctors from my unit who are at LARMC in Germany are handling incoming casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan as they arrive by airlift and when they are "on call" for surgeries. Yes, we do care for our allies! Great work as always Michael. -
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· 9 years agoMichael, as a medic with the US Army I'd just as soon die for one of my Brit, Irish, Welsh, or Scot brothers in arms to try to save their lives as readily as I would one of our own. They fight the same fight and bleed the same blood. We were there for them in WWII and they're there for us now. God Bless America and God Save the Queen.
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· 9 years agoThanks to Michael for this story, and for his coverage of British units in Afghanistan which is far better than any of our own journos can manage. A thousand thanks to all involved in saving the soldier's life, God bless America.
