I wanted to share some of what is involved to get injured service members back home. When someone is injured they are evaluated to see what type of care they may need. Those appropriate, are treated and stay with their units. Those who need more sophisticated care come to one of the theater hospitals and then are either sent back to their unit after recovering or are sent forward to a hospital in Germany and then eventually home. This whole process can take less than 36 hours to get a patient from the battle to the plane going to Germany.

The other night, I was clearing soldiers to travel to Germany. There were more patients than usual due to the recent offensive in Northern Iraq along the Syrian border. I would ask each man how they were injured. They were very willing to tell their story as long as they were not in too much pain. Most of the guys had their arms and/or legs injured. There was a tank crew that ran over a double stacked mine that blew up the inside of the tank. The three guys inside all had varied injuries. One the guys had both legs and his arm injured. His buddy realized that he was injured and started pulling him out of the tank. He then realized that his leg and arm were injured and was able to help pull his buddy out using one leg and one arm. There were many stories like this. These two men were stabilized at the theater hospital and were now on their way to Germany. They were on litters and receiving significant pain meds. There were also many who had wounds that needed more care but they were able to walk.

When the plane arrives we take the wounded warriors to the plane. We load the litter patients first. There are many soldiers who volunteer from various units and come to help the medics. They consider this an honor to help their fellow soldiers. The litters are stacked three high tonight. There will be close to 40 patients going on the plane, 22 on litters. There will also be two patients on ventilators. We load the most serious of the litter patients last. He has external fixators holding both his legs together. I touch his shoulder as I say. “Have a safe trip home.” It brings tears to my eyes. This warrior has given much for his country, it is truly an honor to care for him.

Next we load the walking patients. As the bus pulls up, all the people involved in loading the litter patient form a tunnel. Much like what cheerleaders may do at a sporting event. However, this is much more somber. The people forming the tunnel applaud as the walking wounded board the bus with well wishes of: “Have a safe trip.” “Thanks for all you did.” “They’ll take good care of you in Germany.” “God Bless you.”

The team of medics have been working non-stop since receiving these patients earlier in the evening to get the patients out tonight. The plane now closes its cargo doors. It’s 0430. This will undoubtedly repeat tomorrow until there is peace and freedom in Iraq.

More thoughts to come