As part of the Army's reorganization of medevac helicopters into general aviation units, a recent ceremony marked the end of an era...sort of.
When the colors of the 57th Medical Company, "The Originals," were rolled up and put away, the Vietnam veterans weren't the only ones with tears in their eyes. As those who served under the command of rambunctiously committed Army major who'd bucked orders not to fly at night or into hot landing zones to evacuate wounded listened to his son's poignant words as DUSTOFF was retired, they had to be as proud as they were sad. Because it was very clear that the tall-standing young soldiers who'd inherited their legacy would carry it on--no matter what it was called. Things change. Blackhawks have replaced Hueys. Women pilot medevacs. Landing Zones are sandy. But wherever the wounded wait, the legacy of DUSTOFF lives on. Watch this video we shot to see for yourself.
