Daniel R. Blevins
Student
From Pensacola, Florida
Air Force, Master Sergeant
Convoy Commander
Al Udied, Qatar 9/01-4/02
Balad, Iraq 10/03-3/04
FOB Spicher, Iraq 1/05-10/05
Words Provided 2013
Dan received spinal injuries on April 7, 2005 when the vehicle he was in was hit by an improvised explosive device
Written Statement
From Pensacola, Florida
Air Force, Master Sergeant
Convoy Commander
Al Udied, Qatar 9/01-4/02
Balad, Iraq 10/03-3/04
FOB Spicher, Iraq 1/05-10/05
Words Provided 2013
Dan received spinal injuries on April 7, 2005 when the vehicle he was in was hit by an improvised explosive device
Written Statement
WAR: The young see it as romantic, glamorous, cool, a right of passage. Veterans see it as something to avoid at all costs, not to go into it lightly, and that life as we knew it will NEVER be the same.
Air Force personnel have been serving in combat and continue to do so with distinction and honor.
I am proud that I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant (E-7). In 2004 the Army needed assistance with transporting cargo throughout Iraq. They called upon the Air Force Vehicle Operations Flight “Transporters” to do this along with Vehicle Maintainers, Supply personnel and Security Forces. Serving with Detachment 1058 out of FOB Speicher as gun truck security for convoys, we were shot, blown up with IEDs and land mines, RPGs, and fought back when able. The AF men and women I served with were nothing short of professional and on point all the time. My vehicle was hit with an IED and from that point I look at things much differently. It’s in my dreams, and everyday life. Learning to live with it is difficult and a constant battle. If it wasn’t for my loving wife, my two children, parents, sisters, close friends, 566 Purple Heart Chapter and the VA I’m not sure I would be where I am today.
Integrity, Honor, Service Before Self
We all gave some, many gave all...
Those willing to give up a little liberty for a little security deserve neither. - Benjamin Franklin
Air Force personnel have been serving in combat and continue to do so with distinction and honor.
I am proud that I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant (E-7). In 2004 the Army needed assistance with transporting cargo throughout Iraq. They called upon the Air Force Vehicle Operations Flight “Transporters” to do this along with Vehicle Maintainers, Supply personnel and Security Forces. Serving with Detachment 1058 out of FOB Speicher as gun truck security for convoys, we were shot, blown up with IEDs and land mines, RPGs, and fought back when able. The AF men and women I served with were nothing short of professional and on point all the time. My vehicle was hit with an IED and from that point I look at things much differently. It’s in my dreams, and everyday life. Learning to live with it is difficult and a constant battle. If it wasn’t for my loving wife, my two children, parents, sisters, close friends, 566 Purple Heart Chapter and the VA I’m not sure I would be where I am today.
Integrity, Honor, Service Before Self
We all gave some, many gave all...
Those willing to give up a little liberty for a little security deserve neither. - Benjamin Franklin