Michael's Dispatches

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Published: Monday, 14 September 2009 02:45

We picked up a British patient from 2 Rifles, one of my favorite infantry units.  The British are more sensitive about casualties than Americans (many Americans don’t care about photos if they are wounded, though some do).  Although I was not embedded with the Brits and so do not have to follow British rules, I respect the soldiers.

And so, without the patient’s consent (which was hard to get because he was in pain and the helicopter was loud and the PJs were working), these photos will not show his face.

The problem was apparently appendicitis.  The PJs went to work and at one point a PJ smacked the bottom of the patient’s right boot.  The PJs said that if his appendix is bad, smacking the bottom of his right foot should cause sharp pain in his abdomen.  And true enough, when the medic smacked his boot, the soldier winced in pain.

As we are flying back, vitals and other information are being transmitted back to Camp Bastion so that when we land, the right doctors and nurses will be ready.

The medical evacuation system is excellent.  Our folks work hand in glove with British and Danish back at the hospital.

During the flight, the PJs also put earplugs in the patient so that his head isn’t rattling from this very loud helicopter.  When patients are brought aboard, the PJs slide the doors shut.

This was an easy mission, but at other times there will be multiple amputations and KIAs and so the helicopters can get full.

British fire crews rush to grab patients.

The hospital is about 30 seconds away from the LZ and the PJs usually go inside so that they can do a handoff to the doctors.  Then we fly back to the runway about half a mile away, refuel, and get ready for the next call.

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  Bryan · 9 years ago

  I'm proud of these guys. Our thoughts are with you and these brave men and women every day. Stay strong.

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  Joey · 9 years ago

  PJs rarely get mentioned.

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  NOTR · 9 years ago

  Wonderful report!

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  Cal Rollins · 9 years ago

  Excellent photos Michael. Request to use the photos in a new video Ranger Studios is putting together, As you know, full copy right and ownership will be given to you. Also a completed copy of the Video.
  Let me know one way or the other.
  
  Cal

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  Aaron · 9 years ago

  Thank you for posting all of these articles Michael, it puts everything in perspective to see the sacrifice these brave men and women make.

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  Alex · 9 years ago

  Every ISAF country's newspapers or news sites should have a Yon dispatch section, you tell it like it is, great photos and respect for the troops.

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  Carl T · 9 years ago

  Michael:
  
  Another great post.....it really makes a difference when you see just how much these brave servicemen do each day. Thanks for the honest reporting.
  
  Semper FI

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  William Scott, M.D. · 9 years ago

  Michael,
  Thank you for this dispatch, it was beautifully photographed. Let the Pedros know that what they do is so essential for the physicians who are receiving the ill and the injured. Good field work gives the physicians and the patients the valuable time needed for a good outcome.

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  Grammy Garhovd · 9 years ago

  What is it about the decision making brains in the military? They paint a RED CROSS on the side of a rescue helicopter, then refuse to let it defend its self. Has no one told them that the sign of "the red cross on a white background" is also the symbol for the "Crusaders"? That symbol stirs up as much hate in the middle east as a swastika would in Israel. It makes me wonder if the "talking heads" safely cocooned in a bunker basement room are trying to lose this war! Every politician, Pentagon official and government representative who visits the troops should be REQUIRED TO FLY INTO THE COUNTRY IN A HELICOPTER WITH THE SAME MARKINGS AND LACK OF DEFENSIVE WEAPONS!!!
  
  War is like surgery for some people, it is only critical when it happens to me... otherwise, what ARE they complaining about!?!?!?!
  
  Michael, I'm still on my knees for you,
  Love,
  Grammy

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  Evan Cowart · 9 years ago

  When you stop and think about it, these guys are doing stuff that would get normal ground combat guys medals, all in a days work for them.
  
  Back when I was stationed at Homestead AFB, FL, we were watching some PJ's loading gear and such, they probably figured it was hero worship, hell, we just wanted to swipe the scuba gear, they had great toys, we were all sport divers.

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  casstx · 9 years ago

  Not to violate opsec, but do the Pedros fly only in the southern areas, or do they fly in the north/northeast? Are these the 160th SOAR?

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  Matt · 9 years ago

  Thanks again for your amazing work. I really appreciate being privileged enough to following your courageous efforts.
  Thanks to all the men and ladies out there fighting for our freedom back home. I'm on my way out this fall boys and girls, I hope to stand by your side some day!

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  Spike · 9 years ago

  Hi Mike,
  your reports are always stunning and I really appreciate them!
  Don't talk about your photos... you caught the action and took us in it!
  
  Thank you!!!
  
  Spike

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  Chris the Kiwi · 9 years ago

  Michael,
  
  Awesome reporting - fantastic photos - have ben following you since Iraq - keep up the great job you are doing to tell the real stories.
  
  Thanks
  
  Chris the Kiwi

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  Blackwater · 9 years ago

  You can tell by looking at them that these are top notch guys. They're also American embassadors in their own right every time they go on a mission that aids allied forces and Afghan civilians since they hurt the bad guys and heal the good guys.

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  Letterwritingman · 9 years ago

  Excellent though the PJs are, don't forget that Brit MERTs are manned by at least one DR and one Paramedic every time they are deployed. More often than not; if they survive the initial 5 mins after the 'contact' they increase their chances of survival overall. That said, given the current preferred form of attack (multiple IED) chances grow slimmer. Great to see you supporting the guys Michael but keep it in context; MERT almost always lands; and takes the most badly injured.
  
  Thanks though to our USA friends.

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  Marianne · 9 years ago

  a-m-a-z-i-n

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  American Jarhead Cri · 9 years ago

  Fantastic post Mr. Yon! Thanks. I have posted a link at my blog juggernuts.com
  
  Cris Yarborough
  americanjarheadATgmailDOTcom
  www.americanjarhead.com

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  david · 9 years ago

  What is the long tube extending out from the front of the pedro's Hellicopter? It doesn't look like a weapon.

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    hh60guy · 6 years ago

    It's a tube to deflect the high volume of spent brass casings 'away' from the airframe. If not there, the brass will strike the airframe with enough force to damage the strength and integrity of it. Especially considering the high volume of brass coming from those mini guns.

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      hh60guy · 6 years ago

      Sorry, thought you meant the tube hanging from the mini-guns. Missed that "front of the helicopters" part

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    Kerry · 6 years ago

    you asked ""What is the long tube extending out from the front of the pedro's Hellicopter?""
    
    
    it's the refueling probe.. HH60's are capable of refueling while flying

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  Mike · 9 years ago

  Great post.
  
  You mention that the birds with red cross symbols are not allowed to carry miniguns but later you write that when the PJs come, they come with miniguns blazing... do the PJs fly in different or unmarked birdies? Confused...

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    Larry · 6 years ago

    The Pedros are Air Force and the Medevacs with the red cross are Army. Apparently the Army thinks it should follow Geneva Convention requirements and not arm them, since they're on a mission of mercy. The bad guys have no affiliation with any country, they should not be afforded those rights. Furthermore, back centuries ago, the red cross was a symbol of Crusaders which infuriates the Afghans. The Army should do everything in their power to protect the air crews and the casualties they transport. Political correctness has gone too far with this problem.

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  Dale Moore · 9 years ago

  I was an Air Force Security Policeman back in the day and our barracks was just across the street from the PJ's. We stood in awe of these great men! They ran everywhere they went, they had a pull up bar at the door to their barracks and had to do pull ups to go inside or outside. Most of the time you would see them running together holding a telephone pole over thier heads calling off a cadence song. PJ's are unsung heroes! Thank you Micheal for shining a well deserved light of recognition on them!

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  Judy Daggett · 9 years ago

  Greetings to a Courageous Journalist! I am grateful for your reporting. this one was special and the best way to say 'thank you' is by giving monetary support.... so I will do that. God be with you and those you are with in this war. Please let them know that I am praying faithfully for you all.

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  Sean · 9 years ago

  David, that is a boom for in-flight refueling.

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  Ken Wesolowski · 9 years ago

  Michael,
  Thank you for the dispatch,
  I am grateful for your reporting. Also true is we will never see this coverage anywhere else, God bless our Troops.

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  A proud Marine Mom-L · 9 years ago

  I want to thank Michael for all the great reporting you have done over the years! Its nice to know that we get the truth out of your stories. Also my prayers and thanks go out to our whole military for there endless service. I know all of us in Langhorne Pa are proud. Be safe and God Bless!

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  PhilMB · 9 years ago

  Many thanks for the dispatch and stunning photos of some of the brave Men in our societies doing what some of us wish we could. God bless and protect you, the Pedro's and the MERTs, and all of the Staff that keep them safe and active.

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  David M · 9 years ago

  The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 09/14/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
  
  http://www.thunderrun.us/2009/09/from-front-09142009.html

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  tripleA · 9 years ago

  HOOYAH Pedros!

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  F M Huff · 9 years ago

  Michael, thank you so much for your dedication to letting the world know the reality of the war from the fighting mans perspective. Compared to the MSM and "Other" sources your voice is hearing the truth and seeing the light. I have kept track of what you're doing and whenever I mention your name to friends they all know who you are. Your stories about our troops dedication and bravery gives me hope for America. Good work.

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  Mary D · 9 years ago

  Thank you, Michael and all the people that we can see in the photos. It takes a different type of bravery that doesn't get enough thanks to help those far away from this country in hopes that conflict won't reach any further. There is a part of me that would love to be there to lend a hand if it is for nothing else but to hold someone's hand.

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  Colin · 9 years ago

  Your photo journalism captured it all. With a son in Farah, it eases my mind a bit to know that Perdo help isn't far away if needed. Most of all, I thank the all the casevac units of ISAF for the role they play in keeping our loved ones alive.

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  Maciek · 9 years ago

  For that magnificient work you're doing out there for your readers and the cause of truth. I'm still too young to work and don't have a credit card so I can't donate, but I assure You You are in my prayers. Your staff is really wonderful - I've read it for two months, both the current and archives, and so have several of my buddies. You really improved my understanding of modern warfare, not to mention how deep you moved me. I hope You will continue despitre all the obstacles - maybe You could embbed with Polish troops for a while? There's a small FOB called Giro in Ghazni province, when they have our Polish cuisine served daily.
  
  Greetings from Silesia, Poland

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  Patvann · 9 years ago

  I wonder if we could persuade the Red Cresent Society if we could paint their symbol on the birds, rather than the cross. Their answer to that would say volumes....

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  jr · 9 years ago

  Encourage all of these people to run for Congress when they finish their tours. We need men and women like this runnning our country rather than the weak willies we've got now.

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  Darrell S · 9 years ago

  Great post. I am an ER doc in NYC and I had the honor to spend a little time with Special Ops medics including PJ's doing a rotation in the ER. What a fantastic group of people. Smart, polite(at least in our setting)and a work ethic that for a civilian was hard to believe. Voracious desire for experience and knowledge. They knew they were going to need it. I guess that quite a few of them are out in both theaters. I can't imagine a better group of people to represent America, or for that matter the Earth. Thank you Michael for your posts.
  
  Darrell S

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  Dave Hollenbeck · 9 years ago

  MICHAEL YON:
  
  YOU DO WHAT JOURNALIST ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. YOU DO IT FOR DONATIONS ONLY! GOD BLESS YOU.
  RIGHT NOW, The State Controlled Media is reporting almost nothing--so as not to embarass our Incompetent leader

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  Trashhauler · 9 years ago

  It's important to point out why the Pedros are armed. They are part of the USAF Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) community, tasked with recovery of downed airmen from hostile territory. Hence the miniguns and air refueling probe.
  
  One of the recent decisions made by the SECDEF was to cancel the next CSAR helicopter program. Apparently, he thinks anyone with a helicopter can do their job. As this article points out, the SECDEF is wrong.

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  Marine PaPa · 9 years ago

  MICHAEL: As usual, fantastic photos embedded with an attention grabbing story of another element of the troops doing their jobs outside the wire. Keep up the award-winning calibre work, and watch your backside.
  
  I would love to see you do an opinion piece on how the ISAF forces attract such amazingly capable human beings (and a few canines) to do this dangerous work. When you consider that they are risking their very lives, getting substantially less than civilian pay for comparable work, and have to put up with the increasingly stupid/dangerous ROEs as they go about their jobs . . . how does the military recruit and keep these people? As your photos and stories so clearly show, these folks are some the absolutely best and brightest that we have to offer. They will have my enduring admiration and respect forever.
  
  Off to the "Donate" widget to send in my monthly bribe to keep you willing to do what it is you do. Come on fellow readers . . . Michael's monetary support is crucial . . . so meet me over at the widget !

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  Mark Savage · 9 years ago

  I can be very busy, but when your posts come in, I stop and read them. Everything else in my life pales in importance and seems so ridiculous compared to what these unbelievable people are doing. It makes me so proud of my country. It also brings tears to my eyes. MS

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  Jerry Wilson · 9 years ago

  PJs were the Best in Nam. saved my tired old ass. Thanks. Jolley Green.

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  fitaloon · 9 years ago

  Thanks for highlighting the great work these guys do.

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  Monique · 9 years ago

  amazing how all work together to help on Soldier or more down. What a gift they have. Thank you for telling their story and more.

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  dennis · 9 years ago

  keep up the great work, posting news like this. rearly will you see and hear news like this story in the mainstream news. now for now, we will be inundated with news on how we should pull out. and they will fan the flames to win there point. WE TOLD YOU SO!. thanks.

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  Tommy Barrios · 9 years ago

  I noticed one of the PJ's was wearing a similar Jolly Green patch of the ParaRescue unit that is stationed @ Patrick AFB, FL. That base was my first assignment in the Air Force with the 2nd Combat Communications Grp. We used to stare in amazement as these guys would run up and down the the beach in summer with full combat packs and combat boots. We thought we where bad ass;-). When I was assigned to the Phillipines, once again there were the PJ's running with full packs on in the brutal heat, this time around the parade field about eight times, which measures out at about two miles.
  Anyone thinks they are a bad-ass, join the Air Force and sign up for PJ school. If one manages to get in, one will be surprised at how fast the troops DOR out of training. More so than the SEALS or the RANGERS!!

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  Steven Staley · 9 years ago

  Michael,
  Thank you for being there to cover and report the stories of these heros back to concerned americans. The way that you weave words and photographs together into a story is second to none. Most of us would not have a clue as to what really goes on over there without the work of excellent journalists such as yourself.
  Thanks again!

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  Rotro · 9 years ago

  Just to remind everyone, one of the numerous Air force programs killed in April by SecDef Gates was the CSAR-X, which would have provided replacement helicopters for the worn out HH-60Gs (the ones you see above in Michael's dispatch). The all-knowing, all-wise SecDef is confident that anyone can do that job and feels there is no need for a dedicated organization or specialized aircraft to do these (all weather) lifesaving missions.

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  Christin Helander · 9 years ago

  I say that when the Pedros are done with this assignment they hurry home and take over our government. We need their work ethic, commitment to excellence and physical stamina to do what it takes.
  
  Mom to Graham

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  JUAN SANTIAGO, USAF · 9 years ago

  Great job from all of armed forces men and women! Hooah!

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  Punkindrublic · 9 years ago

  Hell, I used to think my R1 launches during the cold war on P-3's from Kef (or other places) was something; looks like these guys have it down pat. Keep up the excellent work. Sorry I couldn't have been part of this fine group of aviators but.... timing is everything.

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  Barb · 9 years ago

  Thank you so much for sharing. It's so profound that I don't know what to say. Thank you seems trite.
  I teach high school students and share some with them. I'm sure most of them don't realize the intensity. (Nor do I)
  You have our support, love, appreciation, and empathy.
  Take good care.

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