571st Medical Company leaves Iraq after saving thousands of lives

Courtesy Photo | Colonel David Mollahan, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 26, gives an award to Army Maj. Erik J. Rude, the commander of the 571st Medical Company, Dec. 7, at Al Asad, Iraq. While in Iraq, serving underneath MAG-26, the Soldiers of the 571st Medical Company successfully evacuated 2,938 casualties and logged 5,349 combat flight hours. Photo by: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

12.12.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story by Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan

AL ASAD, Iraq (Dec. 9, 2005) -- After more than 11 months of flying in combat to rescue wounded warriors from the battlefields of Iraq, the Soldiers of 571st Medical Company are ready to head home.

The UH-60 Black Hawk air ambulance squadron, based out of Fort Carson, Colo., transferred authority for medical evacuations in western Iraq to the 82nd Medical Company during a ceremony, Dec. 7, at Al Asad, Iraq, which is primarily a Marine Corps installation. The Soldiers of the 571st leave knowing they successfully evacuated 2,938 casualties and logged 5,349 combat flight hours.

The Mission

"There is no greater profession than risking your life to save the lives of others," said Army Maj. Erik J. Rude, the commander of the 571st and a Dallas native. "Our mission here focuses solely on medical evacuations, and the Soldiers did a great job accomplishing their mission. The operational tempo kept us motivated and focused. The mission we do is something you feel good about when you go to sleep at night. You know you're making a difference."

Rude said the company's time at Al Asad went by fast as the mission became routine for his Soldiers, many of whom have now finished their second deployment.

"It feels great knowing we contributed our efforts and saved lives," said Army Sgt. Jeromiah Platt, a light wheel vehicle mechanic and Fountain, Colo., native. "Things got stressful at times, but we stayed focused on the mission. People back home talk about pulling out and leaving, but why would we want to do that when we are doing so much good for the people of Iraq."

Army Staff Sgt. Maxie Kimbriel, a flight medic with the 571st and New Boston, Texas, native, spent most of his deployment in Al Qaim, Iraq. He participated in Operation Steel Curtain and was the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the 571st medics.

"I enjoy doing the best I can saving the lives of fellow Soldiers and Marines," said Kimbriel. "They're the ones doing the fighting, my job was focused on keeping them alive when they got hurt."

One story that stood out in Kimbriel's mind was when they rescued two Iraqi children who had been shot by insurgents.

"It's good knowing we are here to help save innocent lives," said Kimbriel. "I was part of the team that helped treat them. They were a serious case, and we had to fly them to the hospital in Balad. When they came back, we had a reunion. We were happy they had made it and their father was extremely appreciative of all we had done."

In Marine country

While working closely with Marines and saving their lives, Rude said the Marines truly made him feel like they were part of the team and were well protected.

"We were given a dedicated Cobra (Attack Helicopter) to guard us during missions," said Rude. "Gunship support is something you don't get in the Army."

Rude stressed that the Marine Corps knows aviation well, and working with Marines was the best experience in his 22 years of military service.

"Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 did a great job supporting us," said Spc. Robert Holt, an aircraft electrician with the 571st and Maple Valley, Wash., native. "Anything we needed to repair or replace they were there for us, with a quickness. When we were with the (Army) regiment, we had a different system, and it took up to two weeks to get a part."

Holt stressed he appreciated all the support he and the other Soldiers received. He said although there might be a rivalry between the services, he was happy to be here and to help accomplish the mission.

General's words

"When you first got here, I asked you to explain who you are and what you do," said Brig. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr., 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) commanding general to the audience at the transfer of authority ceremony. "You told me. I remember you said you normally fly 4,000 hours a year back home, while, in combat, you flew almost 5,400, and you didn't lose a helicopter. But, what strikes me, in my heart, is what you do and who you rescued."

Milstead said the majority of wounded Marines were carried by the 571st and he stressed how grateful he and Col. Stephen Davis, the commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 2, are for all they have done.

"Because of you, there are many Marines who are not dead," said Milstead. "It's been an honor serving with you. God bless each one of you. We're better Marines for having you beside us."

The Soldiers of the 571st have officially turned their mission over to the Soldiers of the 82nd, who, as Milstead said, have big shoes to fill.

"When I'm seventy years old, I will still be talking about what we accomplished," said Rude. "The pride my Soldiers have instilled in me will never go away."

• Date Taken: 12.12.2005
• Date Posted: 12.12.2005 14:44
• Story ID: 4045
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ