It seems like it was only a few days ago that they pinned my wings on my uniform. I expected to be sent to another training squadron - weapons, tactics, things like that. But the Motherland needs attack helo pilots, and the needs of the Motherland outweigh the needs of a single pilot like me. So off I went, deployed to a frontline unit stationed at a FARP in the mountains.

My first "mission" was a fam flight, just around the block so to speak to acquaint me with the flight ops area I'll be stationed. It was little more than a joyride...a sightseeing trip if you will through the mountains of my new home.

This morning, however, a new challenge presented itself when we were tasked with convoy escort duty. We took off just after sunrise, when the morning shadows were still long in the valley.


My wingman and I formed up in the morning sun and made our way to our rendezvous with the convoy.



Following the road we meet up with our objective. The road is deep in the valley, making maneuvering space a little tight. Time get really well acquainted with the "rudder"!!



We pass the convoy, reconnoiter ahead a few kilometers, and turn to make our way back. We will repeat this process until we are out of the escort zone and the convoy is safe. Coming up on the convoy from behind as we begin another recon run.


Timing is everything, I guess. As we make our turn to begin backtracking to the convoy, small arms fire begins to fill the air. I'm hit a couple of times, as is my wingman.



Fortunately, the only damage seems to be scratched paint, however the insurgents focus their fire on the lead vehicle of the convoy.


I immediately order my wingman to open fire on any ground targets and swing myself around for an attack run. The insurgents are well covered in the trees, but our rockets, as well as the convoy fire, make short work of them.






Though we lost the lead truck, the convoy punched through safely and our mission was considered a success.



As I came off the target, the morning sun shone through my windshield. It seemed oddly appropriate, as I felt its warmth through the combat sweat of the last few minutes. I felt reborn, renewed. I felt...worthy!


It seemed like only a few days ago the wings were pinned to my uniform.
It seems like only a few hours ago they were earned!