Across the berm…
I delayed writing about our arrival until all soldiers were safely in-position.
I flew out a few nights ahead of the “main body” (majority of the unit) with a small team aboard an Army cargo plane. Our group of five was known as one of the ADVON (advanced party) groups.
All day, I reviewed in my mind - “what can I do to increase my survivability?” So, before we left to board the cargo plane - I dressed in my flight suit and put my flight gloves in my right pocket. I figured, if the plane should catch fire - at least I’ll have nomex on my body, hands and feet. I also wore my flight vest, so if we went down - I would have survival gear attached to me = not in some survival bag that I would forget to grab in the heat of the moment.
When we linked up with our plane, we placed our bags and flight gear in the aircraft, received a quick briefing and headed towards the combat zone. To further mitigate the risk, we left in the evening and flew into theatre under the cover of darkness. I am being specific when I say “cover of darkness,” not just because we flew at night - but because we also flew completely “blacked out.” Meaning, once we approached the border, we turned off our anti-collision and position lights = so that no one would be able to see the aircraft. In peacetime, we always have those lights on - so other aircraft can spot you more easily and “see and avoid.” Obviously, other aircraft were less of a risk than the enemy.
As we approached the FOB (forward operating base), everyone began dawning their body armor, and Kevlar. I also put my flight gloves on, double-checked my weapon position and ensured I had a magazine loaded. However, I chose not to “chamber a round” to prevent any possibility of an accidental discharge.
After a relatively short flight, we began the decent and landed quickly at the FOB. Although the flight was uneventful, a lot of things went through my mind on the flight.
We have all had times of reflection and periods of gratitude. Thankful for our families and loved ones, our faith, our friends and our way of life. But this night was unique, because along with the gratitude was a fair amount of uncertainty and concern.
I’m sure there will be several hundred more nights of uncertainty and concern - in the road ahead.
Thank you all for supporting our family!
Keep the prayers coming - it’s working!
Tim
My dear Tim. Thank you for sharing this very difficult information and a big thank you for being extra careful with your safety. You seem to anticipate the worst case scenarios and that’s what makes you special. Your men have only to watch you to understand that you mean business!
Jean - August 19th, 2007 at 4:48 pmYour description of what you are experiencing brings us right along with you. Please know that in the darkest of moments, we truly are there embracing you and yours. I doubt that there is ever one moment that one of us is not thinking of you and your men. We are so grateful and proud of you!
Love you,
Jean
Tim–
It’s great to read your post (although a bit unnerving!) We think of you so often and pray for your safety. Keep that survival sense honed and be smart and safe.
Ann
Ann Smith - August 19th, 2007 at 10:20 pmDear Tim,
Deb - August 19th, 2007 at 11:24 pmI’m glad to hear you arrived safely. We are all so thankful you are keeping us informed. Like Jean said, you have enabled us to join you through your beautifully written letters. Stay strong and focused. Keep that survival mode engaged! We are all so proud of you! I love you Tim.
Love,
Deb
I am not sure what to say, it is so emotional to read all the posts. I just want you to know that we think about you a lot. I got back from Sweden last night, so I am looking forward to see and hang out with Tiffany and the kids in a day or two. Keep safe.
Helena - August 20th, 2007 at 11:38 amHelena
Thank you for sharing the events of your war experience as they unfold and, more importantly, your feelings. Together with the 3 boys, we think, talk and pray about you every day. Your posts help us explain to the boys - and help mom and dad clearly understand - what it means to be a soldier/father/husband fighting for our Country. Every night, we start our prayers the same way: “Dear God, please protect Mr. Tim, his helicopter and his soldiers and bring them all home safe.” We are all very proud of you and are counting the days until you return home.
Matt, Tracy and Boys - August 22nd, 2007 at 9:30 pmTim,
You and your group are in God’s hands. All of your worry is in vain. He is good and faithful through all generations. Believe in his plans and his mission for you. You are one of his strong soldiers and that is why you are the leader. I am going to send you a book to share with your troops. “90 minutes in Heaven” by Don Piper. It is based on a true story. Peace be with you today and in the darkness of night.
With love,
Loretta
Loretta - August 23rd, 2007 at 2:49 pmI am grateful to people like Tim and his family that give so much to allow us to go about our daily lives living in freedom as our forfathers designed. My Husband John and I would like to send a package of goodies to Tim to use and share. Is it possible to get his address for this purpose? I will wait to hear from you. Tiffany you know my husband John, he is Debbie Hackleman’s Dad and I believe that we met at Debbie’s wedding. We of course keep you all in our prayers.
Gerry Palamar - August 26th, 2007 at 2:23 pm[...] for the Combat Commander. As you may recall last summer, I delivered a post entitled Across the berm - which described me moving out in-advance of the main body (unit). This time-tested principle [...]
Letters From Tim » Blog Archive » Final Combat Mission - April 14th, 2008 at 8:14 am