Today we’re hoping for a little rest and recovery. Some days you just need a lift up. I, for one, and still trying to wake up after a rather lengthy bit of work. This morning I seem to be vacillating between fits of energy and malaise. So these photos seem to be a good photographic allegory for what I need.
In reality this is training. Not for us (FaST members), but for the MedEvac pilots and crew. They need to maintain their skillset of hoist extractions.
So how do we fit in? Well, they need people to hoist of course! I would surmise that in most training events, there aren’t that many folks who necessarily go out of their way to volunteer to be participate as patients. But for this….. I bet there are people who darn near tackle each other to get in front of the line.
Heck! This is probably better than any ride at a theme park. All you need to do is accept a full-expense paid ticket to greater Afghanistan. Then, find your way to the MedEvac ticket booth. Then Bam! You have yourself strapped on a piece of metal attached to a cable, that is attached to a helicopter, that will fly you around for a few fun minutes. They hoist you up to the bay, then you get to lean out with the wind blowing in your face as they fly a circle back to the drop off. Finally, they lower you back to a gentle touch down on you buttocks, only to leave you wanting another ride. But, only one ride per customer. Like I said. There’s no lack of volunteers. :)
