View allAll Photos Tagged avaition
Delta DC-9-51.. N671MC... on short final for 24R at KCLE....Jan 16,2011.....My first upload to Flickr
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
A CH-47 Chinook from the United States Army 82d Combat Avaition Brigade practices deck landing on the USS Whidbey Island (LSD 14) in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 10, 2016. The training allowed troopers from the 82d CAB to get their qualification in landing on naval ships, each crew member had to perform five day-time landings and five night-time landings using NVG capabilities. The 82d CAB rapidly deploys in support of the Global Response Force to conduct decisive aviation operations worldwide. Enabling the ground force commander with air assault, air movement, attack, recon and medevac capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia)
Exiting the runway as "Lava 91 Heavy" departs from it! Airshows couldn't make a better picture for these two workhorses.
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
LANDSTUHL, Germany – Dashing across the helicopter hangar, 2-year-old Gavin McKinstry scrambled into his father’s outstretched arms.
Sgt. Darrell McKinstry, an Army flight medic, was among dozens of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment who returned Sunday from Afghanistan, where unit helicopter crews – known as “Dustoff” – flew medical evacuation missions over the past year. McKinstry hoisted Gavin upon his shoulder, embraced wife Rachel and smiled down at his 4-month-old son, Emmett.
“It’s wonderful to be back, after a job well done by all the guys in our unit,” he said. “It’s great to be home with my family. I missed them tremendously, especially the little ones.”
During their first week back, Soldiers work half days. U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern supports returning Soldiers by offering reintegration classes at Daenner Kaserne, on everything from reuniting with family, finances and counseling to local recreational opportunities, said William Dial, a garrison reintegration management specialist.
The garrison also provides transportation for returning Soldiers upon their return and free daycare.
“The garrison strives to make the transition from deployment to home station as easy as possible for returning Soldiers and their families,” Dial said. “This effort is supported by all our resources.”
They get briefings from ACS, FMWR, and the chaplain’s office. Then comes medical and dental checks, plus other unit-run classes, Dial said. At the unit, weapons need cleaning, equipment needs repairing and a change of command needs planning. Once that’s done, Soldiers get a well-deserved break.
During the deployment, families also relied upon community support, said Alexa Zenk, wife of Maj. Patrick Zenk, the company commander. Programs offered through the garrison’s Army Community Service and Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation, really helped, Zenk said. A great plus was free childcare for spouses of deployed Soldiers, to attend FRG meetings, ACS events or to simply take a break.
“We have tapped into those resources like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. “And because of those resources, a lot of our families have grown, learned and now know what they’re made of.”
While deployed to southwest Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines fight Taliban insurgents, Dustoff crews flew nearly 4,000 hours and cared for roughly 3,000 patients, said Maj. Shane Miller, the rear detachment commander. Often, they faced small arms and rocket fire while evacuating wounded troops. Soldiers earned several awards, to include five bronze stars, 60 air medals, 30 combat action badges, 14 Army commendation medals, 10 Army achievement awards and one combat medic badge.
A documentary crew that filmed unit crews in Afghanistan will be on-hand Aug. 4, when the company holds its official welcome home event – planned to be a fun celebration for Soldiers and families, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons, the rear detachment first sergeant.
Roughly 110 Soldiers deployed in waves from July to November 2010. Most returned between June and July, however one flight platoon will remain for several more months, Simmons said. In Landstuhl, unit personnel supported Soldiers by helping families, Simmons said.
“Seeing them reunite with family, that’s the most rewarding part,” Simmons said.
On Sunday, Rachel McKinstry woke thinking, “He’s coming home today. I hope he doesn’t get delayed.”
Her husband deployed twice before, to Iraq, and now to Afghanistan. Waiting, especially the last few hours, is the hardest part – full of excitement and anticipation.
“It’s a ball of nerves,” she said. “You want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Inside the Landstuhl hangar, families gathered to wait. Children clutching small U.S. flags darted circles around groups of anxious mothers. Whispers passed – the bus from Ramstein was coming. Moments later, huge hangar doors parted to reveal rows of gray-clad Soldiers, tired but smiling as they marched inside. Then, the blissful command, “Dismissed!”
Kids and moms rushed forward. Soldiers knelt to pick up children. Tears were hidden tightly in hugs. Friends shook hands and produced gifts.
When Pfc. Charles Milazzo, 24, of Denver, Colo., deployed, his roommate Pfc. Jason McKinley, knew he’d miss his buddy.
“So, I replaced him with a cactus and named it Charles,” said McKinley, 21, of Raeford, N.C., adding that the plant received sips of beer over the past six months.
When Milazzo returned McKinley presented him the cactus. McKinley said was glad to see his best friend return safely from Afghanistan. Handing over the cactus was a joyful moment.
“He can give it beer now,” McKinley said.
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern site
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)
Disembarking c/n 33554 built in 2003 registered EI-DAT (in 2010 N598MS) at London-Stansted Airport 6. July 2006 for a two week road trip in England.
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Friday, June 16, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
Am 06.Juli hat es mich besonders gefreut diesen Kalitta Air Jumbo mit der Registration N710CK beim Abflug in Amsterdam abzulichten. Vor allem hatte ich das Glück, dass genau bei diesem Take Off die Sonne kurz raus kam
G-RXTV A109E
Please click HERE for more images from the heliport. All Rights Reserved © Paul Beale... please Contact Me if you wish to use any of the photographs.
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
LANDSTUHL, Germany – Dashing across the helicopter hangar, 2-year-old Gavin McKinstry scrambled into his father’s outstretched arms.
Sgt. Darrell McKinstry, an Army flight medic, was among dozens of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment who returned Sunday from Afghanistan, where unit helicopter crews – known as “Dustoff” – flew medical evacuation missions over the past year. McKinstry hoisted Gavin upon his shoulder, embraced wife Rachel and smiled down at his 4-month-old son, Emmett.
“It’s wonderful to be back, after a job well done by all the guys in our unit,” he said. “It’s great to be home with my family. I missed them tremendously, especially the little ones.”
During their first week back, Soldiers work half days. U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern supports returning Soldiers by offering reintegration classes at Daenner Kaserne, on everything from reuniting with family, finances and counseling to local recreational opportunities, said William Dial, a garrison reintegration management specialist.
The garrison also provides transportation for returning Soldiers upon their return and free daycare.
“The garrison strives to make the transition from deployment to home station as easy as possible for returning Soldiers and their families,” Dial said. “This effort is supported by all our resources.”
They get briefings from ACS, FMWR, and the chaplain’s office. Then comes medical and dental checks, plus other unit-run classes, Dial said. At the unit, weapons need cleaning, equipment needs repairing and a change of command needs planning. Once that’s done, Soldiers get a well-deserved break.
During the deployment, families also relied upon community support, said Alexa Zenk, wife of Maj. Patrick Zenk, the company commander. Programs offered through the garrison’s Army Community Service and Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation, really helped, Zenk said. A great plus was free childcare for spouses of deployed Soldiers, to attend FRG meetings, ACS events or to simply take a break.
“We have tapped into those resources like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. “And because of those resources, a lot of our families have grown, learned and now know what they’re made of.”
While deployed to southwest Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines fight Taliban insurgents, Dustoff crews flew nearly 4,000 hours and cared for roughly 3,000 patients, said Maj. Shane Miller, the rear detachment commander. Often, they faced small arms and rocket fire while evacuating wounded troops. Soldiers earned several awards, to include five bronze stars, 60 air medals, 30 combat action badges, 14 Army commendation medals, 10 Army achievement awards and one combat medic badge.
A documentary crew that filmed unit crews in Afghanistan will be on-hand Aug. 4, when the company holds its official welcome home event – planned to be a fun celebration for Soldiers and families, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons, the rear detachment first sergeant.
Roughly 110 Soldiers deployed in waves from July to November 2010. Most returned between June and July, however one flight platoon will remain for several more months, Simmons said. In Landstuhl, unit personnel supported Soldiers by helping families, Simmons said.
“Seeing them reunite with family, that’s the most rewarding part,” Simmons said.
On Sunday, Rachel McKinstry woke thinking, “He’s coming home today. I hope he doesn’t get delayed.”
Her husband deployed twice before, to Iraq, and now to Afghanistan. Waiting, especially the last few hours, is the hardest part – full of excitement and anticipation.
“It’s a ball of nerves,” she said. “You want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Inside the Landstuhl hangar, families gathered to wait. Children clutching small U.S. flags darted circles around groups of anxious mothers. Whispers passed – the bus from Ramstein was coming. Moments later, huge hangar doors parted to reveal rows of gray-clad Soldiers, tired but smiling as they marched inside. Then, the blissful command, “Dismissed!”
Kids and moms rushed forward. Soldiers knelt to pick up children. Tears were hidden tightly in hugs. Friends shook hands and produced gifts.
When Pfc. Charles Milazzo, 24, of Denver, Colo., deployed, his roommate Pfc. Jason McKinley, knew he’d miss his buddy.
“So, I replaced him with a cactus and named it Charles,” said McKinley, 21, of Raeford, N.C., adding that the plant received sips of beer over the past six months.
When Milazzo returned McKinley presented him the cactus. McKinley said was glad to see his best friend return safely from Afghanistan. Handing over the cactus was a joyful moment.
“He can give it beer now,” McKinley said.
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern site
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Monday, June 12, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
LANDSTUHL, Germany – Dashing across the helicopter hangar, 2-year-old Gavin McKinstry scrambled into his father’s outstretched arms.
Sgt. Darrell McKinstry, an Army flight medic, was among dozens of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment who returned Sunday from Afghanistan, where unit helicopter crews – known as “Dustoff” – flew medical evacuation missions over the past year. McKinstry hoisted Gavin upon his shoulder, embraced wife Rachel and smiled down at his 4-month-old son, Emmett.
“It’s wonderful to be back, after a job well done by all the guys in our unit,” he said. “It’s great to be home with my family. I missed them tremendously, especially the little ones.”
During their first week back, Soldiers work half days. U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern supports returning Soldiers by offering reintegration classes at Daenner Kaserne, on everything from reuniting with family, finances and counseling to local recreational opportunities, said William Dial, a garrison reintegration management specialist.
The garrison also provides transportation for returning Soldiers upon their return and free daycare.
“The garrison strives to make the transition from deployment to home station as easy as possible for returning Soldiers and their families,” Dial said. “This effort is supported by all our resources.”
They get briefings from ACS, FMWR, and the chaplain’s office. Then comes medical and dental checks, plus other unit-run classes, Dial said. At the unit, weapons need cleaning, equipment needs repairing and a change of command needs planning. Once that’s done, Soldiers get a well-deserved break.
During the deployment, families also relied upon community support, said Alexa Zenk, wife of Maj. Patrick Zenk, the company commander. Programs offered through the garrison’s Army Community Service and Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation, really helped, Zenk said. A great plus was free childcare for spouses of deployed Soldiers, to attend FRG meetings, ACS events or to simply take a break.
“We have tapped into those resources like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. “And because of those resources, a lot of our families have grown, learned and now know what they’re made of.”
While deployed to southwest Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines fight Taliban insurgents, Dustoff crews flew nearly 4,000 hours and cared for roughly 3,000 patients, said Maj. Shane Miller, the rear detachment commander. Often, they faced small arms and rocket fire while evacuating wounded troops. Soldiers earned several awards, to include five bronze stars, 60 air medals, 30 combat action badges, 14 Army commendation medals, 10 Army achievement awards and one combat medic badge.
A documentary crew that filmed unit crews in Afghanistan will be on-hand Aug. 4, when the company holds its official welcome home event – planned to be a fun celebration for Soldiers and families, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons, the rear detachment first sergeant.
Roughly 110 Soldiers deployed in waves from July to November 2010. Most returned between June and July, however one flight platoon will remain for several more months, Simmons said. In Landstuhl, unit personnel supported Soldiers by helping families, Simmons said.
“Seeing them reunite with family, that’s the most rewarding part,” Simmons said.
On Sunday, Rachel McKinstry woke thinking, “He’s coming home today. I hope he doesn’t get delayed.”
Her husband deployed twice before, to Iraq, and now to Afghanistan. Waiting, especially the last few hours, is the hardest part – full of excitement and anticipation.
“It’s a ball of nerves,” she said. “You want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Inside the Landstuhl hangar, families gathered to wait. Children clutching small U.S. flags darted circles around groups of anxious mothers. Whispers passed – the bus from Ramstein was coming. Moments later, huge hangar doors parted to reveal rows of gray-clad Soldiers, tired but smiling as they marched inside. Then, the blissful command, “Dismissed!”
Kids and moms rushed forward. Soldiers knelt to pick up children. Tears were hidden tightly in hugs. Friends shook hands and produced gifts.
When Pfc. Charles Milazzo, 24, of Denver, Colo., deployed, his roommate Pfc. Jason McKinley, knew he’d miss his buddy.
“So, I replaced him with a cactus and named it Charles,” said McKinley, 21, of Raeford, N.C., adding that the plant received sips of beer over the past six months.
When Milazzo returned McKinley presented him the cactus. McKinley said was glad to see his best friend return safely from Afghanistan. Handing over the cactus was a joyful moment.
“He can give it beer now,” McKinley said.
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern site
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Monday, June 12, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
LANDSTUHL, Germany – Dashing across the helicopter hangar, 2-year-old Gavin McKinstry scrambled into his father’s outstretched arms.
Sgt. Darrell McKinstry, an Army flight medic, was among dozens of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment who returned Sunday from Afghanistan, where unit helicopter crews – known as “Dustoff” – flew medical evacuation missions over the past year. McKinstry hoisted Gavin upon his shoulder, embraced wife Rachel and smiled down at his 4-month-old son, Emmett.
“It’s wonderful to be back, after a job well done by all the guys in our unit,” he said. “It’s great to be home with my family. I missed them tremendously, especially the little ones.”
During their first week back, Soldiers work half days. U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern supports returning Soldiers by offering reintegration classes at Daenner Kaserne, on everything from reuniting with family, finances and counseling to local recreational opportunities, said William Dial, a garrison reintegration management specialist.
The garrison also provides transportation for returning Soldiers upon their return and free daycare.
“The garrison strives to make the transition from deployment to home station as easy as possible for returning Soldiers and their families,” Dial said. “This effort is supported by all our resources.”
They get briefings from ACS, FMWR, and the chaplain’s office. Then comes medical and dental checks, plus other unit-run classes, Dial said. At the unit, weapons need cleaning, equipment needs repairing and a change of command needs planning. Once that’s done, Soldiers get a well-deserved break.
During the deployment, families also relied upon community support, said Alexa Zenk, wife of Maj. Patrick Zenk, the company commander. Programs offered through the garrison’s Army Community Service and Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation, really helped, Zenk said. A great plus was free childcare for spouses of deployed Soldiers, to attend FRG meetings, ACS events or to simply take a break.
“We have tapped into those resources like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. “And because of those resources, a lot of our families have grown, learned and now know what they’re made of.”
While deployed to southwest Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines fight Taliban insurgents, Dustoff crews flew nearly 4,000 hours and cared for roughly 3,000 patients, said Maj. Shane Miller, the rear detachment commander. Often, they faced small arms and rocket fire while evacuating wounded troops. Soldiers earned several awards, to include five bronze stars, 60 air medals, 30 combat action badges, 14 Army commendation medals, 10 Army achievement awards and one combat medic badge.
A documentary crew that filmed unit crews in Afghanistan will be on-hand Aug. 4, when the company holds its official welcome home event – planned to be a fun celebration for Soldiers and families, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons, the rear detachment first sergeant.
Roughly 110 Soldiers deployed in waves from July to November 2010. Most returned between June and July, however one flight platoon will remain for several more months, Simmons said. In Landstuhl, unit personnel supported Soldiers by helping families, Simmons said.
“Seeing them reunite with family, that’s the most rewarding part,” Simmons said.
On Sunday, Rachel McKinstry woke thinking, “He’s coming home today. I hope he doesn’t get delayed.”
Her husband deployed twice before, to Iraq, and now to Afghanistan. Waiting, especially the last few hours, is the hardest part – full of excitement and anticipation.
“It’s a ball of nerves,” she said. “You want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Inside the Landstuhl hangar, families gathered to wait. Children clutching small U.S. flags darted circles around groups of anxious mothers. Whispers passed – the bus from Ramstein was coming. Moments later, huge hangar doors parted to reveal rows of gray-clad Soldiers, tired but smiling as they marched inside. Then, the blissful command, “Dismissed!”
Kids and moms rushed forward. Soldiers knelt to pick up children. Tears were hidden tightly in hugs. Friends shook hands and produced gifts.
When Pfc. Charles Milazzo, 24, of Denver, Colo., deployed, his roommate Pfc. Jason McKinley, knew he’d miss his buddy.
“So, I replaced him with a cactus and named it Charles,” said McKinley, 21, of Raeford, N.C., adding that the plant received sips of beer over the past six months.
When Milazzo returned McKinley presented him the cactus. McKinley said was glad to see his best friend return safely from Afghanistan. Handing over the cactus was a joyful moment.
“He can give it beer now,” McKinley said.
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern site
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Friday, June 16, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Friday, June 16, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
The Rutan Long-EZ is a homebuilt aircraft with a canard layout designed by Burt Rutan's Rutan Aircraft Factory. It is derived from the VariEze, which was first offered to homebuilders in 1976. The prototype of the Long-EZ first flew on June 12, 1979.
On the first Saturday of every month, Coolidge Aviation LLC sponsors a fly-in. Breakfast is served by the Coolidge Lion’s Club in front of the main hangar at the airport. This month we decided to make it a group outing for the Arizona Aviation Photographers.
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Friday, June 16, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Friday, June 16, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
LANDSTUHL, Germany – Dashing across the helicopter hangar, 2-year-old Gavin McKinstry scrambled into his father’s outstretched arms.
Sgt. Darrell McKinstry, an Army flight medic, was among dozens of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment who returned Sunday from Afghanistan, where unit helicopter crews – known as “Dustoff” – flew medical evacuation missions over the past year. McKinstry hoisted Gavin upon his shoulder, embraced wife Rachel and smiled down at his 4-month-old son, Emmett.
“It’s wonderful to be back, after a job well done by all the guys in our unit,” he said. “It’s great to be home with my family. I missed them tremendously, especially the little ones.”
During their first week back, Soldiers work half days. U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern supports returning Soldiers by offering reintegration classes at Daenner Kaserne, on everything from reuniting with family, finances and counseling to local recreational opportunities, said William Dial, a garrison reintegration management specialist.
The garrison also provides transportation for returning Soldiers upon their return and free daycare.
“The garrison strives to make the transition from deployment to home station as easy as possible for returning Soldiers and their families,” Dial said. “This effort is supported by all our resources.”
They get briefings from ACS, FMWR, and the chaplain’s office. Then comes medical and dental checks, plus other unit-run classes, Dial said. At the unit, weapons need cleaning, equipment needs repairing and a change of command needs planning. Once that’s done, Soldiers get a well-deserved break.
During the deployment, families also relied upon community support, said Alexa Zenk, wife of Maj. Patrick Zenk, the company commander. Programs offered through the garrison’s Army Community Service and Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation, really helped, Zenk said. A great plus was free childcare for spouses of deployed Soldiers, to attend FRG meetings, ACS events or to simply take a break.
“We have tapped into those resources like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. “And because of those resources, a lot of our families have grown, learned and now know what they’re made of.”
While deployed to southwest Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines fight Taliban insurgents, Dustoff crews flew nearly 4,000 hours and cared for roughly 3,000 patients, said Maj. Shane Miller, the rear detachment commander. Often, they faced small arms and rocket fire while evacuating wounded troops. Soldiers earned several awards, to include five bronze stars, 60 air medals, 30 combat action badges, 14 Army commendation medals, 10 Army achievement awards and one combat medic badge.
A documentary crew that filmed unit crews in Afghanistan will be on-hand Aug. 4, when the company holds its official welcome home event – planned to be a fun celebration for Soldiers and families, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons, the rear detachment first sergeant.
Roughly 110 Soldiers deployed in waves from July to November 2010. Most returned between June and July, however one flight platoon will remain for several more months, Simmons said. In Landstuhl, unit personnel supported Soldiers by helping families, Simmons said.
“Seeing them reunite with family, that’s the most rewarding part,” Simmons said.
On Sunday, Rachel McKinstry woke thinking, “He’s coming home today. I hope he doesn’t get delayed.”
Her husband deployed twice before, to Iraq, and now to Afghanistan. Waiting, especially the last few hours, is the hardest part – full of excitement and anticipation.
“It’s a ball of nerves,” she said. “You want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Inside the Landstuhl hangar, families gathered to wait. Children clutching small U.S. flags darted circles around groups of anxious mothers. Whispers passed – the bus from Ramstein was coming. Moments later, huge hangar doors parted to reveal rows of gray-clad Soldiers, tired but smiling as they marched inside. Then, the blissful command, “Dismissed!”
Kids and moms rushed forward. Soldiers knelt to pick up children. Tears were hidden tightly in hugs. Friends shook hands and produced gifts.
When Pfc. Charles Milazzo, 24, of Denver, Colo., deployed, his roommate Pfc. Jason McKinley, knew he’d miss his buddy.
“So, I replaced him with a cactus and named it Charles,” said McKinley, 21, of Raeford, N.C., adding that the plant received sips of beer over the past six months.
When Milazzo returned McKinley presented him the cactus. McKinley said was glad to see his best friend return safely from Afghanistan. Handing over the cactus was a joyful moment.
“He can give it beer now,” McKinley said.
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern site
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Friday, June 16, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
Aviation & Ascend 2025 at Ceasars Forum on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Photo by David Becker)
Aviation & Ascend 2025 at Ceasars Forum on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Photo by David Becker)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Monday, June 12, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
Aviation & Ascend 2025 at Ceasars Forum on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Photo by David Becker)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Monday, June 12, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
AVIATION at the Grand Hyatt Manchester on Monday, June 12, 2023, in San Diego. (Photo by David Becker)
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
LANDSTUHL, Germany – Dashing across the helicopter hangar, 2-year-old Gavin McKinstry scrambled into his father’s outstretched arms.
Sgt. Darrell McKinstry, an Army flight medic, was among dozens of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment who returned Sunday from Afghanistan, where unit helicopter crews – known as “Dustoff” – flew medical evacuation missions over the past year. McKinstry hoisted Gavin upon his shoulder, embraced wife Rachel and smiled down at his 4-month-old son, Emmett.
“It’s wonderful to be back, after a job well done by all the guys in our unit,” he said. “It’s great to be home with my family. I missed them tremendously, especially the little ones.”
During their first week back, Soldiers work half days. U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern supports returning Soldiers by offering reintegration classes at Daenner Kaserne, on everything from reuniting with family, finances and counseling to local recreational opportunities, said William Dial, a garrison reintegration management specialist.
The garrison also provides transportation for returning Soldiers upon their return and free daycare.
“The garrison strives to make the transition from deployment to home station as easy as possible for returning Soldiers and their families,” Dial said. “This effort is supported by all our resources.”
They get briefings from ACS, FMWR, and the chaplain’s office. Then comes medical and dental checks, plus other unit-run classes, Dial said. At the unit, weapons need cleaning, equipment needs repairing and a change of command needs planning. Once that’s done, Soldiers get a well-deserved break.
During the deployment, families also relied upon community support, said Alexa Zenk, wife of Maj. Patrick Zenk, the company commander. Programs offered through the garrison’s Army Community Service and Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation, really helped, Zenk said. A great plus was free childcare for spouses of deployed Soldiers, to attend FRG meetings, ACS events or to simply take a break.
“We have tapped into those resources like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. “And because of those resources, a lot of our families have grown, learned and now know what they’re made of.”
While deployed to southwest Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines fight Taliban insurgents, Dustoff crews flew nearly 4,000 hours and cared for roughly 3,000 patients, said Maj. Shane Miller, the rear detachment commander. Often, they faced small arms and rocket fire while evacuating wounded troops. Soldiers earned several awards, to include five bronze stars, 60 air medals, 30 combat action badges, 14 Army commendation medals, 10 Army achievement awards and one combat medic badge.
A documentary crew that filmed unit crews in Afghanistan will be on-hand Aug. 4, when the company holds its official welcome home event – planned to be a fun celebration for Soldiers and families, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons, the rear detachment first sergeant.
Roughly 110 Soldiers deployed in waves from July to November 2010. Most returned between June and July, however one flight platoon will remain for several more months, Simmons said. In Landstuhl, unit personnel supported Soldiers by helping families, Simmons said.
“Seeing them reunite with family, that’s the most rewarding part,” Simmons said.
On Sunday, Rachel McKinstry woke thinking, “He’s coming home today. I hope he doesn’t get delayed.”
Her husband deployed twice before, to Iraq, and now to Afghanistan. Waiting, especially the last few hours, is the hardest part – full of excitement and anticipation.
“It’s a ball of nerves,” she said. “You want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Inside the Landstuhl hangar, families gathered to wait. Children clutching small U.S. flags darted circles around groups of anxious mothers. Whispers passed – the bus from Ramstein was coming. Moments later, huge hangar doors parted to reveal rows of gray-clad Soldiers, tired but smiling as they marched inside. Then, the blissful command, “Dismissed!”
Kids and moms rushed forward. Soldiers knelt to pick up children. Tears were hidden tightly in hugs. Friends shook hands and produced gifts.
When Pfc. Charles Milazzo, 24, of Denver, Colo., deployed, his roommate Pfc. Jason McKinley, knew he’d miss his buddy.
“So, I replaced him with a cactus and named it Charles,” said McKinley, 21, of Raeford, N.C., adding that the plant received sips of beer over the past six months.
When Milazzo returned McKinley presented him the cactus. McKinley said was glad to see his best friend return safely from Afghanistan. Handing over the cactus was a joyful moment.
“He can give it beer now,” McKinley said.
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern site
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
LANDSTUHL, Germany – Dashing across the helicopter hangar, 2-year-old Gavin McKinstry scrambled into his father’s outstretched arms.
Sgt. Darrell McKinstry, an Army flight medic, was among dozens of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment who returned Sunday from Afghanistan, where unit helicopter crews – known as “Dustoff” – flew medical evacuation missions over the past year. McKinstry hoisted Gavin upon his shoulder, embraced wife Rachel and smiled down at his 4-month-old son, Emmett.
“It’s wonderful to be back, after a job well done by all the guys in our unit,” he said. “It’s great to be home with my family. I missed them tremendously, especially the little ones.”
During their first week back, Soldiers work half days. U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern supports returning Soldiers by offering reintegration classes at Daenner Kaserne, on everything from reuniting with family, finances and counseling to local recreational opportunities, said William Dial, a garrison reintegration management specialist.
The garrison also provides transportation for returning Soldiers upon their return and free daycare.
“The garrison strives to make the transition from deployment to home station as easy as possible for returning Soldiers and their families,” Dial said. “This effort is supported by all our resources.”
They get briefings from ACS, FMWR, and the chaplain’s office. Then comes medical and dental checks, plus other unit-run classes, Dial said. At the unit, weapons need cleaning, equipment needs repairing and a change of command needs planning. Once that’s done, Soldiers get a well-deserved break.
During the deployment, families also relied upon community support, said Alexa Zenk, wife of Maj. Patrick Zenk, the company commander. Programs offered through the garrison’s Army Community Service and Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation, really helped, Zenk said. A great plus was free childcare for spouses of deployed Soldiers, to attend FRG meetings, ACS events or to simply take a break.
“We have tapped into those resources like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. “And because of those resources, a lot of our families have grown, learned and now know what they’re made of.”
While deployed to southwest Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines fight Taliban insurgents, Dustoff crews flew nearly 4,000 hours and cared for roughly 3,000 patients, said Maj. Shane Miller, the rear detachment commander. Often, they faced small arms and rocket fire while evacuating wounded troops. Soldiers earned several awards, to include five bronze stars, 60 air medals, 30 combat action badges, 14 Army commendation medals, 10 Army achievement awards and one combat medic badge.
A documentary crew that filmed unit crews in Afghanistan will be on-hand Aug. 4, when the company holds its official welcome home event – planned to be a fun celebration for Soldiers and families, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons, the rear detachment first sergeant.
Roughly 110 Soldiers deployed in waves from July to November 2010. Most returned between June and July, however one flight platoon will remain for several more months, Simmons said. In Landstuhl, unit personnel supported Soldiers by helping families, Simmons said.
“Seeing them reunite with family, that’s the most rewarding part,” Simmons said.
On Sunday, Rachel McKinstry woke thinking, “He’s coming home today. I hope he doesn’t get delayed.”
Her husband deployed twice before, to Iraq, and now to Afghanistan. Waiting, especially the last few hours, is the hardest part – full of excitement and anticipation.
“It’s a ball of nerves,” she said. “You want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Inside the Landstuhl hangar, families gathered to wait. Children clutching small U.S. flags darted circles around groups of anxious mothers. Whispers passed – the bus from Ramstein was coming. Moments later, huge hangar doors parted to reveal rows of gray-clad Soldiers, tired but smiling as they marched inside. Then, the blissful command, “Dismissed!”
Kids and moms rushed forward. Soldiers knelt to pick up children. Tears were hidden tightly in hugs. Friends shook hands and produced gifts.
When Pfc. Charles Milazzo, 24, of Denver, Colo., deployed, his roommate Pfc. Jason McKinley, knew he’d miss his buddy.
“So, I replaced him with a cactus and named it Charles,” said McKinley, 21, of Raeford, N.C., adding that the plant received sips of beer over the past six months.
When Milazzo returned McKinley presented him the cactus. McKinley said was glad to see his best friend return safely from Afghanistan. Handing over the cactus was a joyful moment.
“He can give it beer now,” McKinley said.
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern site
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)
By Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern
LANDSTUHL, Germany – Dashing across the helicopter hangar, 2-year-old Gavin McKinstry scrambled into his father’s outstretched arms.
Sgt. Darrell McKinstry, an Army flight medic, was among dozens of Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment who returned Sunday from Afghanistan, where unit helicopter crews – known as “Dustoff” – flew medical evacuation missions over the past year. McKinstry hoisted Gavin upon his shoulder, embraced wife Rachel and smiled down at his 4-month-old son, Emmett.
“It’s wonderful to be back, after a job well done by all the guys in our unit,” he said. “It’s great to be home with my family. I missed them tremendously, especially the little ones.”
During their first week back, Soldiers work half days. U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern supports returning Soldiers by offering reintegration classes at Daenner Kaserne, on everything from reuniting with family, finances and counseling to local recreational opportunities, said William Dial, a garrison reintegration management specialist.
The garrison also provides transportation for returning Soldiers upon their return and free daycare.
“The garrison strives to make the transition from deployment to home station as easy as possible for returning Soldiers and their families,” Dial said. “This effort is supported by all our resources.”
They get briefings from ACS, FMWR, and the chaplain’s office. Then comes medical and dental checks, plus other unit-run classes, Dial said. At the unit, weapons need cleaning, equipment needs repairing and a change of command needs planning. Once that’s done, Soldiers get a well-deserved break.
During the deployment, families also relied upon community support, said Alexa Zenk, wife of Maj. Patrick Zenk, the company commander. Programs offered through the garrison’s Army Community Service and Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation, really helped, Zenk said. A great plus was free childcare for spouses of deployed Soldiers, to attend FRG meetings, ACS events or to simply take a break.
“We have tapped into those resources like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. “And because of those resources, a lot of our families have grown, learned and now know what they’re made of.”
While deployed to southwest Afghanistan, where U.S. Marines fight Taliban insurgents, Dustoff crews flew nearly 4,000 hours and cared for roughly 3,000 patients, said Maj. Shane Miller, the rear detachment commander. Often, they faced small arms and rocket fire while evacuating wounded troops. Soldiers earned several awards, to include five bronze stars, 60 air medals, 30 combat action badges, 14 Army commendation medals, 10 Army achievement awards and one combat medic badge.
A documentary crew that filmed unit crews in Afghanistan will be on-hand Aug. 4, when the company holds its official welcome home event – planned to be a fun celebration for Soldiers and families, said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Simmons, the rear detachment first sergeant.
Roughly 110 Soldiers deployed in waves from July to November 2010. Most returned between June and July, however one flight platoon will remain for several more months, Simmons said. In Landstuhl, unit personnel supported Soldiers by helping families, Simmons said.
“Seeing them reunite with family, that’s the most rewarding part,” Simmons said.
On Sunday, Rachel McKinstry woke thinking, “He’s coming home today. I hope he doesn’t get delayed.”
Her husband deployed twice before, to Iraq, and now to Afghanistan. Waiting, especially the last few hours, is the hardest part – full of excitement and anticipation.
“It’s a ball of nerves,” she said. “You want to make sure everything is perfect.”
Inside the Landstuhl hangar, families gathered to wait. Children clutching small U.S. flags darted circles around groups of anxious mothers. Whispers passed – the bus from Ramstein was coming. Moments later, huge hangar doors parted to reveal rows of gray-clad Soldiers, tired but smiling as they marched inside. Then, the blissful command, “Dismissed!”
Kids and moms rushed forward. Soldiers knelt to pick up children. Tears were hidden tightly in hugs. Friends shook hands and produced gifts.
When Pfc. Charles Milazzo, 24, of Denver, Colo., deployed, his roommate Pfc. Jason McKinley, knew he’d miss his buddy.
“So, I replaced him with a cactus and named it Charles,” said McKinley, 21, of Raeford, N.C., adding that the plant received sips of beer over the past six months.
When Milazzo returned McKinley presented him the cactus. McKinley said was glad to see his best friend return safely from Afghanistan. Handing over the cactus was a joyful moment.
“He can give it beer now,” McKinley said.
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern site
(Photos by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern)