Heroes

One of my very dear friends, Kaylene, and her husband Ajay, serve in the Air Force, flying in the B1-Bomber (a ridiculously wicked cool aircraft). Last year they were stationed in the Middle East. I recently found out about an award that Kaylene and her fellow crew members will be receiving in November for aid that they provided to our troops. Glad we have people like Kaylene and Ajay over there serving our country. Regardless of how you feel about why we are over there and whether or not we should be, we need to thank the men and women who are willing to lay down their lives to serve our country. I'm proud of you girl, and thank you.

From the article:
"Kaylene Giri and three crewmates aboard Bone 23 answered the call for immediate air support from U.S. ground forces under attack from more than 200 Taliban troops.

The B-1 Bomber crew suggested using a 500-pound bomb. The crew accomplished three bomb runs within 30 minutes that slowed the enemy attack and allowed coalition forces to regroup, according to the National Aeronautic Association in Washington, D.C.

"The distinctive accomplishments of the Bone 23 crew reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force," the association stated in a press release.

The association announced it will present the 2008 Mackay Trophy to the Bone 23 crew during the NAA Fall Awards Banquet Nov. 2 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. The association describes the trophy as one of the most important awards in the Air Force.

"We were just doing the exact same job that we do every day," said Giri, a weapons service officer based at Ellsworth AFB, S.D.

Giri, 28, stressed crewmembers work as a unit.

"You cannot break a link in that chain," she said. "Not one person can do everything that is required. You've got to have everybody work together."

Also serving with her in the unit were Major Norman Shelton, 1st Lt. Boyd Smith and Capt. Louis Heidema. "