Hey friends,

So just thought I'd toss down a link or two relating to the loss of my companys helicopters and the men that flew them.

As I explained before these are men from different nationalities but most speak Russian or Ukrainian.

We lost one helecopter last month near Foward Operating base "Vegas". Believe it or not the tail number of this helicopter was #911. It took an RPG hit to a side fuel tank after trying to escape a landing zone under mortar fire. It exploded but the pilot managed to bring what was left of the bird down on a nearby road. The flight engineer tryied to keep the fire at bay during the crash landing and died trying to keep the fire from reaching the cockpit. The pilot and co-pilot upon crashing where able to escape but recieved very bad burns.

Two days ago we lost a helicopter in Sudan, the cause of which is still under investigation. All 4 crew died. 3 Russians and 1 Sudanesse. They where tasked with delivering food in the Darfur region.

Having been friends with these crews I feel that they where wonderful men trying to just earn a living for thier families as anyone of us are. Sure they know the risk but its part of what draws these men to this particular type of job.

http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSLT687549._CH_.2400 Sudan Crash

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/B227422.htm "Vegas" Crash

On the bright side, Going to work tommorow just got a bit better for you.

Hug your friends and family as often as possible.

Dave  a.k.a  {pDs} War