Final Combat Mission
We just completed our final combat mission, flying our aircraft out of theatre.
We conducted a multi-ship mission, where all of the aircraft go together. The aircraft departed in three waves (military calls them a serial, or flight) towards Kuwait.
I piloted the last aircraft, of the third wave.
I purposely positioned myself in the last aircraft for two key reasons:
- I FIRMLY believe in the leadership principle of “First-in, Last-out” 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 can be seen in Hollywood movies such as We Were Soldiers (with Mel Gibson portraying Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore).
- I wanted to VISUALLY ensure that all my soldiers, and all of our aircraft, made it out of combat.
I thought about a million things on our flight out of Iraq; getting home to Tiffany and the children, getting my soldiers one step closer to the US, our MEDEVAC mission here and how it truly is the BEST MISSION ON THE BATTLEFIELD, how successful we have been here, the patients lives that we have affected positively and permanently, the support we have received, the prayers that have shielded us from harm, and finally, how fortunate we are to be bringing ALL of our soldiers home to their families.
It has been a tough tour, with continuous work days, bleeding into weeks, blurring into months and mainfesting into a year. However, it has been; incredibly moving, a worthwhile mission, and has left me with a completely positive experience and positive thoughts to be etched in my memory - for the rest of my days.
Tim
Praise be to God!!! We are filled with gratitude to God for keeping you safe.
“I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.” Psalm 86:12-13
See you very soon.
Tim & Alfega - April 14th, 2008 at 9:04 pmTim, Alfega, Sami and Timmy
Very moving, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to hang out with ALL in The Stoner Six family.
Travel safe!!!!
Love,
Helena - April 14th, 2008 at 9:44 pmNate, Helena and Elin
I can’t express my feelings accurately enough to impress on you how relieved I (we all) am. You are to be so proud of your service, dedication to duty and bringing home everyone in the same condition in which they left. You made that promise to all the families in your speech prior to leaving last May and you have kept it.
I so look forward to getting one of your strong hugs and hugging back. You have been missed and eveyone is overjoyed that you will be home very soon.
Love you,
Jean
Jean - April 14th, 2008 at 10:16 pmI am with Tim and Alfega, Praise the Lord!!! You have been such an awesome leader for your unit. Your positive attitude has made such a difference in so many lives. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You, for all you have done and for the impact you have made in this part of the world!!
Cathy Rood - April 14th, 2008 at 10:29 pmCan’t wait to see you with your family.
Love ya,
Cathy R
How wonderful! What a tremendous “high” and glorious feeling of accomplishment! Thank you again for serving our country. Your sacrifice (along with 1000’s of others) has made us so proud and grateful to be AMERICANS! May God continue to bless you and keep His hand on you as you complete your travel safely home. Look forward to seeing your family complete soon! Take care!
Schumacher Family - April 14th, 2008 at 10:51 pmThe Schumacher Family
All these years and finally something to be grateful for on tax day. Thank you for what you do and have done.
The TRowe Family
Tom Rowe - April 15th, 2008 at 12:36 pmHey straight-shot. Our country is lucky to have you in charge. Amen it is over and can’t wait to watch you watch your children grow up. See you soon. Stacy
Stacy Meyer - April 15th, 2008 at 10:11 pm