April 25 10
Please indulge me as I take a minute to write about (or more appropriately, brag) about another type of hero. As many of you know from my past Journal Updates, my nephew, Bob, is a Captain in the US Army deployed in Afghanistan. Bob is a Blackhawk helicopter pilot whose job is medevac - to fly in to combat areas and transport wounded American and coalition forces. Bob flies with a large red cross on his helicopter which means that his aircraft is not armed to any significant degree and, IN THEORY, the enemy can’t shoot at him. Bob’s Blackhawk is accompanied by a helicopter that provides cover from the air.
As many of you may recall, a group of German soldiers was ambushed by the Taliban on April 2nd (Good Friday). To make a long story short, Bob led his team of 3 helicopters and 14 men into the war zone and rescued the German soldiers. Unfortunately, three Germans were mortally wounded and several others injured. The German doctors said that three additional Germans would have died had it not been for the heroics of the American team. The team of 14 Americans was led by the youngest member of the group, CPT Bob McDonough. Bob and the other helicopters took heavy fire from the Taliban forces.
Last week, the German Defense Minister presented 14 German Gold Crosses to Gen. Stanley McCrystal for the Americans. This Thursday, there will be a large ceremony in Ansbach, Germany honoring the brave Americans. The Gold Cross has never been awarded to foreign soldiers. Unfortunately, Bob and the rest of the team will be unable to attend their ceremony because they are still in Afghanistan. To my nephew, Bob, and the other 13 American HEROES, congratulations and thank you!
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As most of you know, B+ Hero Savannah Pauley went to Heaven last September at the age of 10. As we’ve said, Savannah will never be forgotten. Well, now she will have a store named after her. On May 21st, Savannah’s Mom, Carey, and her business partner, Christine, will celebrate the Grand Opening of The Pink Turtle store in Greenville, DE. The Pink Turtle will, of course, sell “SavannahStrong” apparel, but will also offer hip gifts and accessories. The store will be located at 3801 Kennett Pike - Suite E118 (for those of you locals, it’s in the Janssen shopping ctr.) Please come out and support Savannah’s Mom in this new venture.
Live Like Andrew - think of others before yourself.
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
www.BePositive.org