Pilot recalls Sept. 11 medical flight mission
by Staff Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
9/10/2004 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) -- Three years after terrorist attacks killed more than 3,000 people, Capt. Kenneth Langert is deployed fighting the war on terrorism.
The terror war is a direct result of those attacks -- taking the fight to the enemy in an effort to prevent any future “9-11s.” For Captain Langert, this effort has many personal memories attached to it.
“At the time of the attacks on Sept. 11, I was at home in crew rest for a training flight,” said Captain Langert, a 912th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135R Stratotanker pilot. “I watched the events in awe; however, I was mostly concerned for my family and whether there might be more attacks that day.”
Three years ago, the captain was one of only a handful of people who were permitted to fly that day. At the time, Captain Langert was a C-21 pilot stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. A short time after the attacks, he learned his mission changed from a training flight to something more critical.
“I was called shortly after the attack by my schedulers and told that my mission had changed,” Captain Langert said.
They received a request to fly human skin to Andrews AFB, Md., destined for a burn center in Washington.
“I remember the seriousness and intensity that everyone displayed for the mission we were about to do,” he said.
“We departed in a C-21 at 8 p.m., arrived at Andrews at 9 p.m., handed over a cooler containing a supply of skin to [the] medical staff awaiting our arrival and immediately returned to the home base,” the captain said.
The C-21 is a twin turbofan engine aircraft used for cargo and passengers and can carry litters during medical evacuations.
Captain Langert said his new role as a tanker pilot is just as important as what he did on Sept. 11.
“It is a good feeling to know that our actions are directly fueling the fight so to speak,” Captain Langert said. “It’s rewarding when the gas we give to the fighters results in direct support of the ground troops. It is very hard on our families, but this country was founded on the sacrifices of our warriors.”
As an Air Force warfighter who’s worked hard both at home and while deployed, Captain Langert said it is important for everyone to continue to keep the lessons of Sept. 11 in the back of their minds.
“What we learned on Sept 11 is that this country is very vulnerable to attacks from people that don’t like our way of life,” the captain said. “I think what we do as Airmen is vitally important to protect the freedoms of this great country.
“I believe our fighting overseas has prevented more attacks here at home, and that keeps my family safe,” the captain said. “With the continued terror threats against our country, I do worry about family back home and the stress on them. But like I said, we are safer today because of the actions taken by this country to take the fight to the enemy.”
Captain Langert is away from home once again, this time supporting Operation Enduring Freedom at a base in Southwest Asia. He said Sept. 11 is forever etched in his memories, but he is proud he can make a difference. On the anniversary of the terrorist attack, now designated Patriot Day, he said he will reflect on some very important things.
“I remember why I am in the Air Force [and] how blessed I am to be able to help my country fight this continuing war on terror,” Captain Langert said. “I help fight this war because those people who died on Sept. 11, 2001, deserve our commitment and continued effort to bring the terrorists to justice.” |
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