CAT A Compassionate
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CAT A Compassionate
Folks, below is an edited version of an e-mail just reproduced with the authors permission. He is a TG12 FS serving in Afghanistan.
Late yesterday afternoon I was sitting in Lash when I received a call that my FIL was seriously ill and not expected to last much longer.
A quick call to the UK casualty centre with the hospital details and I was quickly classed as a CAT A.
Less than an hour later a Sea King arrived (with mini gun Chinook top cover) in the pitch black with the sole purpose of collecting me.
I was very soon at Kandahar after just one hours flying where I was met by guys who quickly got me onto a C-17 which was waiting for me. The Crew bunk was reserved and I was treated like a King, nothing was too much trouble. A quick crew change and refuel in Turkey and then it was direct to Aberdeen (aircraft diverted from Brize just for me).
I was put in the jump seat for the last 30 minutes to see what was going on. Poor weather was the order of the day but we made it in for an engines running drop off and I was immediately picked up and whisked away to the hospital.
Sadly, I just missed my FIL passing but I was there for my family and I will never forget the lengths my Service colleagues and friends went to to get me home as soon as they could.
In this day of tight budgets and resources it is good to see that the individual can still come first. My FIL, who served in India with the RAF in WW2 and, according to his diary, was being strafed by Jap Zeros exactly 64 years ago, would have been proud.
What a great story and a change from the usual gripes and moans (mostly justified). I have always thought that it is the ability of the UK Armed Forces to rise to a challenge, and improvise, that has made us amongst the best in the world.
Late yesterday afternoon I was sitting in Lash when I received a call that my FIL was seriously ill and not expected to last much longer.
A quick call to the UK casualty centre with the hospital details and I was quickly classed as a CAT A.
Less than an hour later a Sea King arrived (with mini gun Chinook top cover) in the pitch black with the sole purpose of collecting me.
I was very soon at Kandahar after just one hours flying where I was met by guys who quickly got me onto a C-17 which was waiting for me. The Crew bunk was reserved and I was treated like a King, nothing was too much trouble. A quick crew change and refuel in Turkey and then it was direct to Aberdeen (aircraft diverted from Brize just for me).
I was put in the jump seat for the last 30 minutes to see what was going on. Poor weather was the order of the day but we made it in for an engines running drop off and I was immediately picked up and whisked away to the hospital.
Sadly, I just missed my FIL passing but I was there for my family and I will never forget the lengths my Service colleagues and friends went to to get me home as soon as they could.
In this day of tight budgets and resources it is good to see that the individual can still come first. My FIL, who served in India with the RAF in WW2 and, according to his diary, was being strafed by Jap Zeros exactly 64 years ago, would have been proud.
What a great story and a change from the usual gripes and moans (mostly justified). I have always thought that it is the ability of the UK Armed Forces to rise to a challenge, and improvise, that has made us amongst the best in the world.
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I can't believe I just shed a tear without warning! The Comp system has worked well on several occasions for my family and it's good to see that it works just as well in the middle of nowhere.
An unfortunate outcome but at least families don't have the added worry of loved ones still OOA during difficult times.
Long may this system continue.
An unfortunate outcome but at least families don't have the added worry of loved ones still OOA during difficult times.
Long may this system continue.
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Great to see that the services have came so far WRT Compasionate Leave.
I dont know if this dit is appropriate for this thread so moderators please feel free to delete....
My old man told me what happened to him when he was on the Ark back in
'61...
Got pulled in front of a very young and inexperienced D.O. (2 Ringer) and was asked if he had had any mail from his mother. Dad replied in the positive and was answered thus -
"That's OK then you'll know your brother is dead"
Suffice to say, Dad collapsed and Medics were summoned. After being brought round he was then told that he could not be granted compassionate leave as he did not count as Next of Kin
I dont know if this dit is appropriate for this thread so moderators please feel free to delete....
My old man told me what happened to him when he was on the Ark back in
'61...
Got pulled in front of a very young and inexperienced D.O. (2 Ringer) and was asked if he had had any mail from his mother. Dad replied in the positive and was answered thus -
"That's OK then you'll know your brother is dead"
Suffice to say, Dad collapsed and Medics were summoned. After being brought round he was then told that he could not be granted compassionate leave as he did not count as Next of Kin
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firstly, in this world of 'Lean', I'm so glad really important things still matter. A few years ago, I lost my Mum, whilst on exchange in the USA. The Embassy and other staff were brilliant, truely briliant.
Great to see that at least one area of our life hasn't been destroyed.
Advo
PS: To anyone who works in 'That' field... WELL DONE, BE PROUD! the work you do is REALLY appretiated.
Great to see that at least one area of our life hasn't been destroyed.
Advo
PS: To anyone who works in 'That' field... WELL DONE, BE PROUD! the work you do is REALLY appretiated.
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I know this will have not positive effect on the individual concerned
Its nice to see such a positive, rapid reponce what has involved more than one force. Well done to all who took part. (good to see the mighty Sea King get a mention)
i am sure this person arrived home the quickest method possible, shame he didnt make it home in time to say his goodbyes.
Well dont again to all who tried
Its nice to see such a positive, rapid reponce what has involved more than one force. Well done to all who took part. (good to see the mighty Sea King get a mention
)i am sure this person arrived home the quickest method possible, shame he didnt make it home in time to say his goodbyes.
Well dont again to all who tried
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Great to hear some feedback from a customer, albeit tainted with the sadness of being too late. I agree with other posters - it's one thing we continue to do very well and I know all of us at ASCOT try our hardest to make it work as fast as possible.
(not quite retired)
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How nice to see something actually works in the forces these days. Let’s hope the bean counters don’t look into how much it all costs, because you can’t put a price on good work like this – well done to all those involved and may your FIL Rest In Peace.
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Well I too have had a very similar story 6 years ago, i was in PSAB my dad took not very well ,the Saudias at the time would not let me leave on a civvy flight , so the Americans took me on a herc dropped me off in Oman, for the brits to pick me up and get me sent home direct to London with the crew ushering me to the front of the aircraft with a guy waiting who took me to my transfer flight (no checks customs bag change etc ) then direct flight up north. I too never made it back in time but again appreciated all the effort to get me home,I thanked all a few weeks later and to this day feel very humble that a system that works extremely well and for people to go out there way to help when in need is second to none.
Brilliant - glad to see it still works. When my ex's father was given 24 hours to live while we were posted to cyprus, I dithered around ringing the admin office trying to get a flight. My mother-in-law rang the correct number and the wheels were in motion staight away. MT rushed her to Larnaca for direct flight to LHR. Met by airport staff and rushed to other terminal for flight to Edinburgh. Met by staff and taken straight to a taxi for a 45 minute drive home. She just managed to hold his hand and tell him she was there just before he passed away. Good to see we still pull out all the stops.
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T
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We in civvy ATC try and do all we can, when we know a certain flight is one of these.
On that note, can someone in ASCOT ops email or PM me please? I'd like to see if we can improve what we can do to help you guys in these cases.
Adam Spink
Heathrow ATC
[email protected]
On that note, can someone in ASCOT ops email or PM me please? I'd like to see if we can improve what we can do to help you guys in these cases.
Adam Spink
Heathrow ATC
[email protected]
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Does'nt matter what the colour of the uniform, I think this is the one area all three services move heaven and earth and work together, and do it so bloody well. I take my hat off to all those involved in Comp A/B's.
Let's hope this area is never tarnished by the never ending cut backs we are all feeling
.
Respect to all.
Let's hope this area is never tarnished by the never ending cut backs we are all feeling
.Respect to all.
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There was a similar thread a while back with equally touching tales. I was very moved reading it.
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...=compassionate
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...=compassionate
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I hope someone from ASCOT Ops acknowledges Gonzo's post (no 17 on this thread) and acts on it. What an offer to make.
Gonzo, if you do get a result, will you let us know?
Thanks, it's appreciated.
Gonzo, if you do get a result, will you let us know?
Thanks, it's appreciated.