Wings in the Flames

    In a time of natural disaster, the members of the 101st answered their country's call once again.  Joining the firefighters of the west, they fought huge, blazing  fires that threatened to burn our natural heritage. The soldiers deployed to  Bitterroot National Forest in Montana, in August and September of 2000. They reinforced the weary firefighters from local, state and federal agencies. 

    Many hours of strenuous digging, scraping, and root pulling were some of the jobs the soldiers had to do. Hikes of several miles to reach the work site were regular occurrences. Altitudes of 5,000 to 6,000 feet, where you have to gasp for oxygen, were often endured.

   More than 6.8 million acres burned during what was considered, by most, the worst fire season in the last 50 years. Including the cost of direct expenses and forest rehabilitation programs in the future, the fires will have cost the nation $1.8 billion. Although the damage was devastating, the soldiers' valor helped to vanquish the flames and save thousands of acres.

   The local communities showed their appreciation in many ways.  The people held appreciation rallies and invited the soldiers to watch football games and participate in other social events in the area. With the fires under control, the Eagles returned home as always ready to answer their nation's call.

** Click to enlarge thumbnails ** 

** Special note on picture 3, some of the transports that carried the 101st to the fires were from the 445th Air Lift Wing, the Air Force Reserve Unit that my mom is assigned to.**