The Rescue Of New Orleans

[WDRacing]

I've sat here trying to figure out a way to properly express my feelings on the events of the past two weeks of my life. I'm not a religious person by any means. But if I had to pick one word to sum up the things I saw while in Mississippi and New Orleans, it would be "Biblical".

Rather then trying to explain the entire last two weeks, I decided to give a few of the more touching stories as well as a few lighter moments.

To start, I'd like to explain my job in the USAF. I'm currently a HH-60 Helo Crew Chief. Basically my job is similar to the Crew Chief of any racing team. I'm responsible for everything mechanically on the helo, but I also get to fly around a lot in case it breaks in the field. The HH-60 Pave Hawk is the chosen platform for the USAF Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). Our usual mission is the rescue of injured friendlies in any theatre around the world at any time. Up until this point in my career, I thought I had it all figured out.

Two weeks ago, we got the order to deploy to MS so we could run Rescue missions from a Guard Base down to New Orleans from there. So I packed up my gear and headed out that same night. Flying a Pave Hawk 10hrs across country sucks. Think air refueling and no bathrooms for 10 hrs while you’re sitting on the floor packed in with a few weeks worth of gear for the entire crew. Upon arrival, we commence setting up for the next few weeks. My sister squadron from GA is already there running missions. So we're pretty eager to get in the game.

The next 4 days of my life are simply an emotional roller coaster. It was during these days that we rescued the most people. Obviously since the disaster had just happened and there were still thousands of people left alive. I'm going to try and describe the process by comparing it to drag racing. That way everyone can relate. Take a Top Fuel Drag car, run it down the 1/4 and what do you have to do when it finishes the race? You rebuild the motor between sessions and get it ready to run in the next match. Sometimes you can't fix it. Well this is the same thing with Pave Hawks. We were running 12 hr missions with 4 of the 5 helo's we brought 2 times a day. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that's 24 hours a day of flying. Normally we have 8-10 hrs between sorties to fix the bird; here we had 3, to include any time you might have for something to eat. It was 38hrs from the time I set foot in MS till I hit the sack for a quick 5 hrs. Have you ever functioned on pure pissed off adrenaline for 2 days?

So needless to say, most of the mechanics stayed at the base and were working while the aircrew's and the PJ's went on the missions. My part in this was small. But as a team with the aircrew and the PJ's we worked like a symphony written by Mozart.

The Aircrew consists of 2 Pilots, 1 Flt engineer and 1 Gunner and there are always two PJ’s (medics) who go with. It's the aircrew and PJ's who deserve most of the praise. Think of being in the worst outhouse you've ever been in for 12 hrs at a time. Let alone jumping out of a helo into the sewer because maybe you can save a life. There is a saying that goes with CSAR, "Things We Do So Others May Live". For two weeks 24hrs a day this is what we as a team did. When things got bad were leaned on each other for support. It was during this time when you sit and reflect. You analyze yourself, your situation, where you’re going in life. This affected me personally in a big way, but I'll explain that later in my closing. I'll give you guys a few stories now, from various missions and various people. Some of which I was involved in, some come from others so when I say we, I simply mean our team of quiet professionals.

On day 1 we take our first flight south into New Orleans. The first thing you notice is the smoke rising from several large fires. Then you’re encompassed completely by destruction. Destruction so thorough and complete your heart skips a beat and you choke down a gasp. This is when the years of training take over. Like a machine you get back in the game. You start scanning the thousands of rooftops for any sign of life. You call out left and right what you see. The pilots navigate through buildings, watching ever closely for power lines the sit ever so close to all the houses. You see a family standing on the rooftop of their house, waving and screaming. The pilots maneuver into a hover over the house and the PJ's go down on the hoist cable to the rooftop below. You wait for the signal and then start bringing up the children first. While the first PJ is strapped in with the first child being reeled up, the second child is blow off of the roof into the murky water. Its dusk, the light is low, the water is so murky you can't see your hands 6 inches from your face. The child goes under is gone in the current. Does this stop the PJ from jumping off the roof? Does he wait to see if she comes back up? No, he immediately dives into the water...Gone. The crew finishes bringing up the first child. They are already searching for the second PJ who is in the water. Radio calls go, another Pave Hawk comes out of nowhere to assist in the rescue. Have you ever watched a ballet? Because this is the only way to explain how the crews work together. The original crew spots the PJ swimming through the current. Hawk 2 follows the PJ, Hawk 1 continues to bring up the family from the rooftop. Friendships put aside, emotion put aside, rescue the family first, then press on with target 2. Hawk 1 finishes hoisting up the rest of the family, Hawk 2 is keeps eyes on the PJ in the water. The PJ reaches a fence that is acting like a strainer. He goes under...Hawk 2 puts another PJ in the water. PJ 2 goes under and comes up with PJ 1 who is holding the little girl in his arms. Hawk 2 sends down the cable and brings up both PJ's and the last child. The family of 4 is now on the way to one of the numerous shelters...scared, shaken...but alive and safe. "Things We Do So Others May Live"

Day 5, as you fly over New Orleans, you become sick do to the smell. Trash and death are at every turn. Bodies lay floating in the water. Whether drowned or from disease, the disaster is taking its toll. Rooftops are covered with people’s pets. Whether left behind, or simply stranded and trying to survive. You spot a very large man and his dog waving from a nearby building. You make the call and begin the initial approach. The PJ is hoisted down on the cable only to find the man is in bad shape. He is weak and can hardly stand, but will not get on the hoist unless we take his dog. So up goes the PJ with a 72lb Pit-Bull, the first dog saved by my squadron, followed by hundreds of others. The man and his dog are taken to shelter...safe and alive. "Things We Do So Others May Live"

Day 8, it's been a long 12 hr day. Numerous people are saved and its time to head back to base. On the way back you spot a beautiful German Sheppard pacing back and forth on a 4 by 8 workshop rooftop. You can tell it hasn't eaten in days and will die soon. As you fly over, you blow the weakened animal into the water. The dog try’s to get back up on the roof but the ledge is too high. It scratches for a few seconds before finally giving up and going under. The crew looks at each other for a matter of seconds, but what seemed like hrs at the time. The PJ calls out to drop him off in the water. The helo flares and stops as the PJ jumps into the water. The PJ reaches the last spot the dog was seen and goes under. After a few long moments he comes up with the dog. Both dog and PJ are hoisted up onto the bird, at which time the PJ performs make shift CPR on the Sheppard. The dogs name is now Goldie, named after that hot chick on Sin City, and she is the new Mascot for the PJ's who decided to keep her and bring her back to GA with them. "Things We Do So Others May Live"

Another thing I’d like to relate is simply disgusting for me to even think about. While we were on several rescue missions, the local populace was actually shooting at us. The press marked us as prejudice because we had a *Lives Saved* count on the side of our helo’s. The typical 4 slash marks with line through the middle to symbolize 5 saves. This was something we were proud of. My helo had the most saves out of any in my unit. I take great pride in my job, the fact that my helo is had the most saves was something like bragging rights I guess. But since we had them written in black ink, the press labeled us as prejudice. I guess they didn’t notice the USAF insignia or any of the other markings on the aircraft that are also in black. But as usual, we just roll with the punches. I’ve learned that negativity sells a lot more then anything positive. To this day people are looking for someone to blame. Sick really, a populace that lives several feet under sea level everyday. In the same place that has already flooded several times throughout history. Granted, this is the worst flood yet, but there isn’t anyone who can be blamed.

It is simply impossible to do everything exactly right every time. Sadly…we as a nation have come to believe we are owed a living that if something bad happens it is someone else’s fault. We lack compassion, integrity and the ability to take responsibility for ones actions. We also have short memories…which make it very difficult to learn from the past.

This experience was, as I said earlier, life changing for me. Helping to pull a sick child out of his house through a hole you just cut in through the roof with a chain saw and a sledge hammer has that effect on a person. As the child sits down and is given fresh water to drink, his eyes go back to the hole in the roof. For in that hole is where his mother’s body still remains. How do you look into that child’s eyes and tell him, “I’m sorry son, we can’t bring your mom with us”…

Policing up the dead is not our mission, the Pave hawk is simply the wrong platform for hauling bodies. But how do you tell the ones you save that you can’t bring their mother or father. Or their son or daughter for that matter. You simply turn into a rock and press on, knowing that it’s better to save one more life that day. Hoping that the next person you save will grow up to make good changes in the world, or be a great poet, or a teacher, anything to keep your head in the game. When you’re done working for the night, you reflect back on everything. You realize the simple things in life that are always thought of when it’s to late. That picture of your child you wish you had. Did you tell your parents you love them the last time you spoke. I swore to myself to stop putting off the things I most wish to do. To hold those close to me without being embarrassed. To relax and simply enjoy life, rather then waiting for it to end. Live life to the fullest my friends, for you never know when the journey will end.

Things We Do So Others May Live

Here are some pictures I took as well as some from my buddies.

[Nismo_Freak]

Brian, I'm really proud of you guys. Seriously, if it weren't for you guys out there putting it on the line, we wouldn't have been able to have stories like that, it'd be nothing but sorrow and loss.

[PoorManQ45]

Excellent post. I have an incredible amount of respect for you and everyone else that is helping out in this disaster. This recaption actually brought a tear to my eye. The story of goldie got a little laugh.

Now, there is a saying that goes something like, "A victim does not have a choice, a fool does". I'm not talking about you guys, i'm talking about the people you're rescuing. It may sound a little harsh, but they did have a choice.

[PantherRacer]

Much respect to you guys for helping those poor souls who didn't heed the warnings to evacuate. It's really sad, but then again it's good that you guys saved that dog Keep up the good work

[90Q45blue]

The important thing to remember is that a lot of these poor souls had no vehicle to get into, no money to pay for a hotel, no family to turn to; literally no place to go. If it weren't for heroes like Brian most of them would be dead right now. So, instead of taking jabs at the people who "didn't heed the warnings", let's instead focus our attention to what a brave NICO moderator did to help and focus also on how each one of us can help. It is during times of tragedy that the beauty of our nation shines through in the donations, actions and words of all the citizens helping our brothers along the coast.

Thank you Brian for that post. I think a lot of us really needed to hear it from someone close to really be able to internalize it.

Nick

[Mr1der]

thank you.

[NISTECH]

Brian, my god bro!!

In case anyone else hasent come to this conclusion yet ,we have a ful fledge hero in the NICO house.

I dont know what else to say except I am honored to know you.

[Fenvy]

can you tell us more about shooting from the populance?

did they shoot the aircraft with a firearm? did anyone or the aircraft get hurt? how did you guys respond to the shooting?

[95_240sx]

Absolutely incredible Brian.

Keep up the good work!

Rick

[Rex]

Brian, my god bro!!

In case anyone else hasent come to this conclusion yet ,we have a ful fledge hero in the NICO house.

I dont know what else to say except I am honored to know you.

My thoughts exactly.

Well written, I will share this with my friends and co-workers.

[GhostDrifter]

As someone who is actually from New Orleans I just want to say thank you to you and your whole team

[574-240sx]

Great work. Those pics are pretty crazy.

[WDRacing]

Like I said guys, my part was small. Hero status should be given to the PJ's who revived the victims after dragging them from the water. We all did our part, that is the best thing about small units like mine. The close knit family you become.

The shooting from the populace wasn't real bad. For us anyway, they actually severly damaged a guard helo. At one point we dropped off local sheriff's and SWAT. A group of gang bangers were shooting at some engineer's evaluating some bridge structure. The bangers were shot and killed...much to our liking.

I'll pass on all the kind words to everyone in my unit. It's nice to know people actually care. Aside form the people you saved anyways.

Now if only I can get the wife into thinking I'm a hero, so I can buy that rod and piston combo...heh.

Brian

[BadMojo]

Now if only I can get the wife into thinking I'm a hero, so I can buy that rod and piston combo...heh.

Brian

I'll vouch for you.

Dear Brian's Wife,

As he is a hero, please let your husband buy anything he wants for his car this month.

Sincerely,

Brad

Anyway, seriously good job, man.

[sanioll]

I am a little emotional when it comes to such things.

I don't know what to say Brian, I just don't know what to say. Wish you the best things and success for years to come.

[PantherRacer]

OK, so I'll not badmouth nyone else scince I didn't really take into account those who couldn't go anywhere. But couldn't they have caught a bus to a shelter b4 the hurricane? Or were there none provided? I don't know...

[skatanic28]

great work

[szh]

Totally, totally awesome!

Our nation thanks you!

Z

[M3Racer]

You sir, are the mother-****ing man. Thank you.

[USsil80]

i leave for AF boot on oct 3.. if i we ever meet the first round for you and your team is on me... as well as the second .... i will make sure and show this around .. wonderfull post thank you and god speed

[NISTECH]

Like I said guys, my part was small. Hero status should be given to the PJ's who revived the victims after dragging them from the water. We all did our part, that is the best thing about small units like mine. The close knit family you become.

The shooting from the populace wasn't real bad. For us anyway, they actually severly damaged a guard helo. At one point we dropped off local sheriff's and SWAT. A group of gang bangers were shooting at some engineer's evaluating some bridge structure. The bangers were shot and killed...much to our liking.

I'll pass on all the kind words to everyone in my unit. It's nice to know people actually care. Aside form the people you saved anyways.

Now if only I can get the wife into thinking I'm a hero, so I can buy that rod and piston combo...heh.

Brian

As a team you were each individually heros. If it werent for you being there the Pj's wouldnt have been there hence no heroic act would have takin place. Flying in under sparatic firing with in your own country, creating a whole knew emotional state of confusion which you must tolorate and press on makes you a hero. Correct me if I am wrong, you at any time could have told them to pull out of the area. You didnt. That alone takes it to a whole new level of heroism. Your whole damn crew rocks but we know you personally which makes you "special". I aint talkin about your padded helmet you have to wear when you go out either!

The fact all you want is parts instead of a whole damn new car says even more about your modesty. Tell your wife you been eyein that R34 motorex has and you think your gonna buy it. We all approve

[USsil80]

As a team you were each individually heros. If it werent for you being there the Pj's wouldnt have been there hence no heroic act would have takin place. Flying in under sparatic firing with in your own country, creating a whole knew emotional state of confusion which you must tolorate and press on makes you a hero. Correct me if I am wrong, you at any time could have told them to pull out of the area. You didnt. That alone takes it to a whole new level of heroism. Your whole damn crew rocks but we know you personally which makes you "special". I aint talkin about your padded helmet you have to wear when you go out either!

The fact all you want is parts instead of a whole damn new car says even more about your modesty. Tell your wife you been eyein that R34 motorex has and you think your gonna buy it. We all approve

i agree... second name on the petition for the r34 gtr

[LEMHEAD16]

Brian,

My hat goes off to all the military and civilians working in those conditions. Best wishes to you and your "quiet group of professionals"

[WDRacing]

LMAO, you guys rock.

Brad, I'll print out your post and give it to Kate.

Ya know what sucks, last night after I posted this up and went to bed, some prick suckers drove by and smashed out the window of Kates new Endeavor. Then they got my neighbor's Tahoo, he was also down in New Orleans with me. It makes you wonder WTF sometimes. Thankgod for free glass repair insurance.

Peace

[turbo98_240sx]

Weather or not you think you are a hero does not matter to me, you are a full blown hero for even attempting to save a life, weather or not you actually jumped into the water or not, you were still there making the difference and that is what counts. I have the utt-most respect for you and can not sum up how much it means to me that there are people like you who will risk it all to save a live, I mean hell there were dumb@sses shooting at you, After my buddy came back from Iraq I've looked at the armed forces and the people who serve in them in a whole new light you just made that light a lot brighter. I think it is a shame that selling the dark side of things sells better then showing the heroes and those who cared to save/help the lives of those who were stuck there for whatever reason even if they were just to dumb to get the F*ck out of there. It sickens me to hear stories of those who aren’t grateful for the help that is being provided for them and hearing stories like yours makes it a little easier to stomach the whole thing. Everyone seems to think that things should be handed to them well the ones like you who actually deserve it sit quietly by not even expecting praise. Brian if only there were more people like you this world would be such a better place. I feel that individuals like yourself are what make this country great, f*ck the media and there twist they throw onto everything to sell more copies or get Joe Shmoe to tune into there news cast. Words can not describe the pride I take in just knowing that there are people out there in this great country that will put it all on the line when the time comes. I'm not sure that we can thank you enough for the job you have done. I only wish you well and that you get the Piston/Rod combo you so greatly deserve and the fact that that was all that you asked for was to me an understatement of the things that you truly deserve. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having the balls to step up and make that difference that saved the lives. Words can’t come close to how high and how much respect I have for you and your crew, May God be with you and keep you safe in all your endeavors (your crew too). Peace,Pat

[frsh13]

Brian,

My hat goes off to all the military and civilians working in those conditions. Best wishes to you and your "quiet group of professionals"

[teddy]

Save the world one life at a time. I have the utmost respect for you and your crew. It is people like you and all others helping that are what makes this country so great.

[gabossie]

Brian,

My hat goes off to all the military and civilians working in those conditions. Best wishes to you and your "quiet group of professionals"

Could not possibly say it better myself. Brian, you rock and we all have a great deal of respect for you and your crew.

[ceniack]

WOW! is all i can really say. some of those pictures are very aw inspiring, and same with the stories, i couldn't even imagine.

[Nismo_Freak]

Kate,

Give the man his pistons and rods please