I made it through my first deployment! Despite the challenge of being so far from home, I learned more than I could have hoped about flying the C-130. Afghanistan well satisfied my long-standing itch for an operational role...after training for so long, I felt as if I had bought a new sports car only to let it sit in the garage. Well, I finally got to turn the keys and take my skills for a spin, and the mountains, spring weather and rugged airfields all made for an ample test track. And after four months of fun I made my way back home, glad at having the chance to exercise my training and serve my country, overjoyed to return. Here are a few pictures from my experience. Enjoy!
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| First class accommodations at Manas Transit Center. |
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| Plenty of mountains to go around. |
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| Plenty of thunderstorms, too! |
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| Beautiful, rugged Bamyan. Only got to visit once, but it was one of my favorite flights. |
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| Super Herk! |
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| One good-looking crew. Team Meals on Wheels, named for our knack at finding chow on the go. |
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| Homecoming! |
