I am mindfull of a couple of comments made by army guys, when waiting for a C130 to arrive at their pick up point.
"God thats an ugly airplane" says one.
Son says his WO, that can be the most beautiful sight you can ever see.
When you are pinned down somewhere, and your only chance to get out is to be picked up, and the C130 comes in, in spite of the weapons firing, in spite of the fact that she is more vunerable than you.
When you are lying on the ground, with your life is slipping away, and your only chance to live and see your kids and wife again, lies in this airplane and its crew taking you away, then you will know what beauty really is.
The story is true, I cannot think how many of us today, are here because of this airplane and its crews are true. Thousands owe their lives to this airplane and the devotion of its crews.
If you think that thousands is too high, think again.
I am proud to have served with her, and am saddened that sometimes that sometimes people have been taken from us.
KAM I often think of you, and your bravery, and the fine man that Paul was. I also suspect that your Dad is very proud of his girl.
They may be gone, but not forgotten.
Every best wish
Col