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***image1***Approximately 150 members of the 236th Medical Evacuation Company returned recently from downrange, having deployed in three different regions simultaneously – the first time in air medical evacuation history that something of this magnitude has been accomplished.
Lt. Col. Kyle D. Campbell, 421st Medical Evacuation Battalion commander was on hand at the heliport hangar next to Satellite Command in Landstuhl to welcome back the third of his companies that had retuned during the holiday season. He had nothing but praise and admiration for his Soldiers and their mission.
“We have such an honorable special mission … we have the noblest mission in the Army. We exist to save lives,” said Colonel Campbell, noting that the Soldiers of the 236th had transported 996 patients in the past year in which they were deployed.
“In a great many cases, they saved their lives,” he said. “In all cases, they reduced their suffering. So not only are these families here tonight ecstatic to have their loved ones home, but as a result of this company’s efforts, there are more than 4,000 Americans who have been touched, because their loved one is home alive and safe because of this company’s efforts.”
The commander said that the pride is pervasive throughout the company and the entire 30th Medical Brigade, which is attached to the 21st Theater Support Command.
“Any of my Soldiers will tell you the same thing,” said Colonel Campbell. “When you save a life and a family member looks at you and says, ‘Thank you,’ that is something that you will carry with you forever.
“This is something that these crews do. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a medic, whether it’s the pilot or the crew chief or the flight operations specialist, the refueler, the cook, the admin guy – it doesn’t matter. It’s an entire company that works together to save those lives.”
The commander and the first sergeant of the 236th both said that they were just happy to be back safely.
“It’s great to be home,” said Maj. Michael Breslin, 236th’s commander. “We have flown more than 3,000 hours and medevaced almost 1,000 patients and the company has not been home for about a year now.”
First Sgt. Greg Williams echoed those emotions. “It’s been a long year, and it’s nice to be home. And most importantly we came home with everybody safe and sound,” he said.
