In 2010, Maj. Patrick Dubois was a lieutenant, deployed as a Kiowa helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. One day, about halfway through the deployment, he was part of a mission to provide support to a ground force in “the Pech”—the valley of the Pech River surrounded by rugged mountains, where some of the most intense fighting of the war in Afghanistan took place. Their mission changed quickly, though, after they were diverted to provide support to another ground force that was in contact with the enemy. Soon, they were asked to do something Kiowa pilots almost never do: land and evacuate a casualty.
Maj. Dubois talks about the events that day and their decision to land. He also explains what happened after they landed: Kiowas only have two seats, so once the soldier being evacuated was strapped into the helicopter, Maj. Dubois had to stay behind with the ground force.
Note: The episode mentions Charlie Troop, 2-17 Cav as the unit Maj. Dubois was a part of during this story, which was actually the troop he later commanded. During the events he describes in this episode, he was part of Charlie Troop, 3-17 Cav.
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Image credit: Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon, US Army
Sgt. Nathan Kennedy was my boyfriend who you selflessly tried to rescue that day. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for risking both of your lives, to try to save his. Unfortunately, April 27, 2010 was the worse day of our lives, but his memory will live forever. I’m beyond amazed and grateful that I came across this story and after 9 years, his memory is still alive. Thank you again, Maj. Patrick Dubois for your heroic act in trying to save another soldier. Thank you again for your service and God Bless.