The Dustoff Association

Vietnam DUSTOFF Crews Congressional Gold Medal Act Passes U.S. House of Representatives! Washington, D.C. – September 17, 2024?– The Dustoff Association proudly announces the historic passage of the Vietnam DUSTOFF Crews Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 2825) in the U.S. House of Representatives, recognizing the heroic Army helicopter ambulance crews who risked their lives during the Vietnam War under the callsign "DUSTOFF" or "MEDEVAC." The bill, which passed the Senate in May 2024, will now proceed to the President’s desk for signature. Following the President's approval, details about the Congressional Gold Medal presentation ceremony will be announced. ? This legislation honors the bravery and dedication of the Vietnam DUSTOFF Crews, who conducted lifesaving missions under extreme combat conditions, rescuing over 900,000 individuals during the war. These crews pioneered combat medical evacuation techniques that set the standard for aeromedical procedures still in use today. Passing the Senate with bipartisan support in May, today’s House vote cements the long-overdue recognition of the Vietnam DUSTOFF Crews' service and sacrifice. The Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors awarded by Congress, will be the first of its kind to acknowledge Vietnam War service, serving as a tribute to these crews' unparalleled heroism and potentially opening doors for other deserving stories from the war to be honored. This accomplishment was made possible by the dedication and support of several key contributors: ? Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA6), who sponsored and championed the bill in their respective chambers, along with the members of Congress who supported it ? MG (R) Pat Brady, Medal of Honor recipient, whose relentless advocacy since introducing this effort in the 114th Congress was pivotal in advancing the legislation ? The Hunton Group, LLP, for providing invaluable pro-bono assistance, including countless hours of legislative guidance and support ? The Vietnam DUSTOFF Association, whose years of tireless work, including personal funds, emails, phone calls, and meetings on Capitol Hill, helped ensure this success ? DUSTOFF Association members, families, and supporters, who joined the effort in January 2024 to raise awareness and rally support for this important cause The DUSTOFF Association expresses its deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making this recognition a reality, from lawmakers and their staff to the members of the DUSTOFF community and supporters nationwide. ***** For more information, please contact: Chris Wingate, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), President, DUSTOFF Association Email:?[email protected] Website:?www.dustoff.org #DUSTOFF #Veterans

“Wounded”, was written by SSG (RET) Tom Kerns as part of his journey when dealing with the aftermath of war. The LINK to the video is in the comments. The video was compiled by Tawny Campbell who drew on photos her amazing husband gathered during his three MEDEVAC deployments. Warning: The video does contain graphic images from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. The video captures many of the emotions our DUSTOFF heroes would encounter while fulfilling their mission. Remember, Honor and Thanks to those who gave so much! #DUSTOFF #MedicalEvacuation #WhenIHaveYourWounded

Congratulations to The DUSTOFF Association’s newest Life Member! 1LT Margaret Hammel, 67J, was presented with her DUSTOFF Association Life Member Certificate this June by COL Sam Fricks, Director, MECCD for having the highest GPA in her flight class. Collins Aerospace is the sponsor of the Lifetime Membership Award for each top-of-the-class MSC graduate from flight school and the Critical Care Flight Paramedic Course. We welcome Margaret to the #DUSTOFF Family and wish her well as she assumes her duties as a DUSTOFF aviator! Again, thank you to Collins Aerospace for their continued support! #aviation #excellence #WhenIHaveYourWounded Posted by: Scott Forbes, BA

?????????? ?????? ???? ???????? ???????? ?????????????? ??????????????????????! This holiday take a moment to appreciate that, "Freedom isn't Free". Freedom was, and will likely always be, bought at a price. Great people before us have bled and died for this principle. Just a few days ago we remembered the 60th anniversary of the death of Major Charles Livingston Kelly. MAJ Kelly gave us the legacy we all maintained honorably. From MG(R) Patrick Henry Brady, "I was there that day and it is hard to believe it was so long ago, but it is a happy occasion. DUSTOFF, the greatest battlefield life-saver in history, which Kelly founded and protected, was finally recognized just days before the anniversary of his death. After 8 years, thanks to Senator Cornyn and his office, and the efforts of many; DUSTOFF will be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. The DUSTOFF crews are the only Vietnam Veterans to be so recognized, and that is a shame. Hopefully, it will open the door to other deserving Veterans from that war to also be honored for their honorable service." U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) released the following statements after their 2024 legislation, which is co-sponsored by 69 of their Senate colleagues and would collectively award a group of Vietnam War veterans known as “Dustoff Crews” with the Congressional Gold Medal, passed the Senate: “The U.S. Army Dustoff Crews who served during the Vietnam War risked their lives to rescue countless soldiers, sailors, and airmen who may have otherwise died on the battlefield,” said Sen. Cornyn. “It’s not often that 71 Senators agree, and I can think of few reasons more deserving of broad bipartisan support than recognizing these American heroes for their tremendous courage.” “During the Vietnam War, members of Dustoff Crews risked their own lives to rescue and provide critical care to wounded American soldiers,” said Sen. Warren. “This bill will recognize the heroic and life-saving actions of these service members by awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal.” "During the Vietnam War, aeromedical evacuation units — commonly called by their radio call sign, 'Dustoff' — and medevac units evacuated more than 900,000 casualties." - Blair (Sabo) Drake All DUSTOFFers should be proud of the sacrifices we have made to preserve our FREEDOM. Knowing many of you, I know the risks you have taken to protect freedom, save lives, and honor our legacy. I deeply thank every one of you! Thank you and celebrate your contribution this 4th of July. Posted by: Scott Forbes, BA #DUSTOFF #motivation #WhenIHaveYourWounded

Congratulations to The DUSTOFF Association's newest Life Members! SPC Blake Olson was presented with his DUSTOFF Association Life Member Certificate on April 12th, 2024 for having the highest GPA in his graduating Critical Care Flight Paramedic F2 class. The certificate was presented by MSG Jason Sigmon, Senior Evacuation Operations NCO, representing MECCD, along with George J., Military Business Development Manager, Collins Aerospace. Welcome to the DUSTOFF family and congratulations! 1LT Tucker Martin, 67J, was presented with his DUSTOFF Association Life Member Certificate this April, by COL Sam Fricks, Director, MECCD for not only being the top 67J graduate of five other 67Js in his class, but for being the Distinguished Honor Graduate for his entire flight class. Collins Aerospace is the sponsor of the Lifetime Membership Award for each top-of-the-class MSC graduate from flight school and the Critical Care Flight Paramedic Course. We welcome Tucker to the DUSTOFF Family and wish him well as he assumes his duties as a #DUSTOFF aviator! Again, thank you to Collins Aerospace for sponsoring the Top-of-the-Class life membership! #aviation #excellence #WhenIHaveYourWounded Posted by: Scott Forbes, BA

With the 2024 DUSTOFF Reunion complete, we are pleased to announce the 2025 DUSTOFF Summit from 30 APR - 03 May 2025 in Washington, DC. It will begin on the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and will occur in conjunction with the Medical Evacuation Conference (MEC) at the Alexandrian Hotel, in Old Town Alexandria. Mark your calendars for this epic event! Industry Partners, if you have a solution for the US Army and Joint MEDEVAC Community, come to the MEC and the industry floor. The Awards Banquet will occur at the Army National Museum at Fort Belvoir, VA on 02 May 2025. Commanders and first sergeants start thinking about your nominations when the window opens. Early bird registration will open on 30 April 2024 for a discounted registration rate at which point we will provide the group booking code and discount rate. Book early, this event will sell out. Stay tuned for agenda updates and more on the DUSTOFF Summit and Medical Evacuation Conference in 2025 and spread the word! #dustoff #MEDEVAC #medicalevacuation

DUSTOFF Warriors, whether you are joining us this month at the reunion or not, you may want to check out the great new Gear at our store. There is a bit of something for everyone’s taste. I will post the link to the store in the comments. I you already purchased yours take a picture and share that new look. Let us know which is your favorite item so we can get more in stock. Posted by: Scott Forbes, BA #dustoff #medevac #dustoffassociation #aeromedicalevacuation

A letter from our Director: It’s that time of the year again! The 44th Annual DUSTOFF Association Reunion is right around the corner! This year’s reunion weekend will be held in San Antonio, Texas at the Holiday Inn - River Walk from 21-24 March, 2024. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday night and the Annual Awards Banquet will be on Saturday night. The Hospitality Suite will be open both nights. Why come to the reunion? 1) to be present to help Honor three Hall of Fame Recipients 2) to be present to Honor our Rescue of the Year recipient, Aviator of the Year, Flight Paramedic of the Year and our Crew Chief of the Year 3) to attend the Closing the Flight Plan Memorial, which will take place after the awards banquet on Saturday night. 4) to play golf at the Annual Chuck Mather Memorial Golf Tournament 5) to attend our annual Professional / Business Meeting (provide us your ideas and concerns 6) fellowship with friends and colleagues 7) networking and building relationships ?? mentorship 9) to enjoy San Antonio and the River Walk. 10) to meet our sponsors from Sikorsky, United Rotorcraft/Air Methods, Collin’s Aerospace, Breeze Eastern, RVbyMilitary.com and Germania Coffee! Also, we will have a breakout Reunion session with OIF 05-07 DUSTOFF units. Specifically, if you were deployed with then-MAJ Ricky Ortiz; *C/2-4 Deployed to Taji* Former Crew Chief Jeff Dean will be on site taking photos and conducting interviews for an upcoming project. You can register for the reunion at dustoff.org. As part of the registration you will be able to get reduced room rates until this Monday, 26 February at 11:59pm for $149 a night. Please support the DUSTOFF Association with your attendance and support. This is our way of protecting the legacy of our DUSTOFF crew members, past and present and memorializing our fallen. Thank you to our all volunteer staff and friends who have help put this year’s reunion together. It will be a great weekend! Hope to see you there! John McMahan Executive Director The DUSTOFF Association Posted by: Scott Forbes, BA

?? 2024 DUSTOFF Reunion Details ?? The 2024 Reunion returns to the Holiday Inn on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. When: March 21-24, 2024 Where: San Antonio, Texas Reunion 2024 – Registration, Hotel Reservations, and Schedule dates are locked. Both Reunion registration and hotel reservations are open NOW! Go to the DUSTOFF website to register for this once a year event. Link to our website will be in the comments. ROOM BLOCK RATES ARE ONLY GOOD THROUGH THURSDAY, 22 February 2024. Register Now! We can’t wait to see you there! Posted by: Scott Forbes, BA #DUSTOFF #medevac #armyaviation #armyveteran