A day in the life of a dust off pilot | Doug Petersen | TEDxSanAntonio
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ม.ค. 2017
- Doug gives you an idea of what it was like to fly a dust off mission in South Vietnam to pick up an injured American soldier to get him to a medical facility.
Doug grew up on the East Coast and shortly after he entered a military college, he enlisted in the US Army and went to flight school to learn to fly helicopters. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran, having served more than twenty years as an aviator in the United States Army. Doug continued to serve others by working in the financial services industry for twenty-five years, helping families with their financial security. Today he continues to take deep-seated passion in making a difference in the lives of others through his life-affirming messages, and is fulfilling his life’s purpose by inspiring people into action. He is an award-winning author of six enlightening, thought-provoking books, reaffirming the good in all of us.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
Thank you for this, Mr. Peterson (CWO4). Too young for Vietnam, I enlisted in 1977 and trained as a flight medic, serving 3 years with the 421st Dustoff in W. Germany during the Cold War. Many of our UH-1Hs bore patches from small arms fire received in Vietnam. About half of our pilots, evenly distributed between commissioned and warrant, had flown Dustoff in VN as had several of the crew chiefs. It was an honor to serve with these men. You remind me of them.
Thank you David. And thank you for being part of a great group who had a lifesaving mission. You may have flown in the same Hueys I did. God knows I had some patches in a few of them. Take care.
and although I am not American, I salute your service, Doug, to the United States, and those who were not as lucky. - a Canadian friend
Markyroson thank you for viewing the video, and your kind words.
Doug Petersen you are welcome!
Canada has been and always will be a great friend to the US.
Great job Doug, Thank you!
One of us has gotten older.....I remember our times together with the 57th Med Det. after your returned from Vietnam at Fort Bragg, NC. Hope you are well.
@@dailecong9535 Im doing well. Thanks for remembering the time at the 57th
Everytime I hear a helicopter it takes me back to seeing the blackhawks in Baghdad my heart still drops I love my infantry brothers but our medics are always held at the highest , angels with red crosses
Thank you for your comment. I also flew Blackhawks in my US Army career, but flying DUSTOFF will always hold a special place in my heart.
KiLLeRHAnDs Right there with you, brother. I’ll never forget.
from one to another thank you for your service to our country.
former 15 tango
@@DougPetersenInspire from one to another thank you for your service to our country.
former 15 tango
I was a mh6 pilot there
"MayDay MayDay! Dust-Off 34 Going down!" .... the hairs on the back of my neck stood up! Salute!!
Thank you. I made it as realistic as I could... as it happened 50 years ago.
Sly Sleepyeyes Audio Thank you. Your Dad did a great service for this country too.
Sly Sleepyeyes Audio I meant Grandfather...
That was incredible. Former British Army medic here. Thank you and all the others who have served.
Thank you for your comment, and thank you for your service to your country.
stewitr thank you for your service
Doug Petersen thank you aswell for your service and bravery - a british freind
@@DougPetersenInspire thank you for being an inspiration to myself Sir and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. I served too and now my son is serving in the 101 Airborne Division.
Thank you for serving our great country, and I know you're very proud of your son. Please give him a big THANK YOU for his service too.
Unmistakable sound of an AK...MediVac, the A-10 of unsung heroes!
Great job Doug! You do a great job setting the scene and taking the audience to Vietnam.
Thank you Darrin.
Doug Petersen Love from Australia Doug! You're a hero
& here’s hoping these ROTC, AFROTC & other college personnel “Become the WarFighter” you ARE 👍🏼 🇺🇸
@@DougPetersenInspire Thank you for making it home. Thank you for telling the story of those who could not tell their own.
Dust Off pilots are THE very best pilots - Their primary concern always seem to be with the injured, and most often not on their own safety. THANK YOU! for all you have done and all who lived because of you and your actions.
Dale, I appreciate your comment
@@DougPetersenInspire I am not able to put into words I have seen some very selfless acts 1 that didn’t workout so well 7 years at Ft Campbell 2 in Baghdad. Nothing like Nam but i do get it - Really THANK YOU 😊
@@dalejuhl8591 thank You for your service. Have a great 4th
The rush to the helicopter, four crewmen running as fast as they can, crew chief untying the main rotor, gunner setting up his guns, pilot and copilot talking to tower getting clearances, crew chief jumping aboard and arming his M-60, and off we go balls to the wall.
Even with all that, you'd still all too often get the call that broke everybody's heart: "Take your time, med-evac. Your emergency just went routine."
More than 50 years later, it still pains my heart and brings tears to my eyes. Such fine young people.
Tears still come to my eyes as well.
Thanks for your service! You dust off pilots are some of the best out there!
Thank you Paolo. I appreciate you kind words.
My stepdad flew Phrogs doing just what you've described in the Marines during Vietnam. I'm glad you've taken the time to share a story like the ones I grew up with. You're an honor to this country, and we're lucky to count you among our veterans. God bless.
Thank you Byron. I appreciate your words. Please give my best to your stepdad too.
I swear I am hearing his heartbeat through the speakers.
very possible
This was heart warming.....how proud I am to know you and now know you as a hero and survivor.
I can't imagine the fearless military has worked in Viet Nam......Thanks, Doug, for a great story.
Thank you. You mentioned you know me… who are you? I can’t tell by username
As a kid in the early 70's our next door neighbor's son was a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam. I don't know if he was a Medi-Vac, Huey gunship, Chinook, or Cobra pilot. What I do know is he was shot down three times and returned after his tours were completed. I cannot articulate how much admiration I have for these brave, selfless pilots.
Also, had a co-worker who was a Marine Chinook pilot. While attending a squadron reunion a Marine veteran stopped a participant and asked, "By chance is Lt. Goetz here?" "He's right over there at the bar." That Marine walked up to my friend Pete and said, "Lt. Goetz, you don't remember me, but I remember you. I was the last Marine pulled off of Hill ####. You came in when everyone else was waved off. I'm here because of you." I can barely type this thinking of Pete Goetz's bravery in saving his fellow Marines. Semper Fi, Pete!
Wow! How cool is that story. I would love the opportunity to meet one of the guys who I picked up while there. Sadly, records of the names/patients we picked are no where to be found. Thanks for sharing that story and for your comment.
Thanks for your service brother. Dustoff we’re angels with rotors!🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you Robby
Total respect Sir from a British army veteran.
Thank you
You can hear this guys heart beating if you listen carefully..
It was during that mission for sure...
That’s the drumbeat of freedom that you’re hearing!
My Father was SFC Frank D. Crawford and was a DUSTOFF medic in the first DUSTOFF unit sent to Vietnam in 1964, 50th Air Transport Co. "The Originals"....
He was awarded a DFC, and 26 air medals among many other awards. He went into the Army in 1946 when he was 15, and spent 23 years in the service....
He passed away, in 2005, from Agent Orange induced cancer...
To say I am proud of his service, is frankly an understatement....
And Daniel, you should be very proud of your Dad. He saved many lives in some very tough conditions. He was a hero.
@@DougPetersenInspire Thank you....He would never talk about his service to anyone in the family but me, and like most lifers some of his stories were incredible...
I meant to add, he joined up in 1946 and was sent straight to Germany, where he was a guard at the War Trials, and then was sent to Berlin to help in the airlift..He came back to the states in 1950, a 19 year old sgt. E-5...
very short crisp and precise way of talking without any BS. very effective.
thank you
@@DougPetersenInspire pleasure is all ours sir.
Powerful. People need to understand that although you may not support a war you still need to support our troops.
thank you
My dad flew dust off. I am very proud of him and others. They often referred to them as DEAD MEN FLYING. Very few made it back.
Amen. God Bless the heroes whose name is on The Wall.
On the edge of my seat, That American hero tells it as if it happened day before yesterday. Thank you for your service Mr Petersen.
Thank you Carol. I appreciate you watching my talk and for commenting. I hope you have a great 2021.
Welcome home, sir. Thank you for your service.
Thank you
Scouts, and Dust Off pilots.......Balls of steel. Bless you all.
The film that portrays the depth and meaning of his words, has yet to be made, amazing speech, greetings from Ireland
Thank you my Irish friend.
@@DougPetersenInspire Thank you Sir
Doug I can't imagine how you undertook that mission in vietnam but simply you have done more than your job I must say you were tough guy at those times..hats off to you..happy veterans day...may God bless to all vietnam viets and those who laid there life in vietnam in honor of their country.
Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to comment on the video.
Thank you for your service Doug. Guys like you are hard to find in my generation.
Great talk Doug -- vivid and moving. Thank you for your service, and helping us remember.
Thank you Chris.
Sir, you've just recentered my mind back to reality. I've always had good respects for our veterans. God bless our troops then and now!!
Thank you Ed. I appreciate your comment.
Just as meaningful as the first time I viewed...Thanks, Doug for your service!
I was AF, but you lived the motto of our Pararescue guys (PJs). "...That Others May Live"
Low, slow, and near the ground defines a bad neighborhood to a bomber guy like me. Anyone who lived "there" to help others has earned all the respect I can give. May God bless you and yours, brother.
Buffewo thank you. I appreciate what you did as well. Welcome home brother
Peace be with you Doug, thank you for all these rescues, all those lives you supported and saved... Ciao, L (fellow Veteran)
Thank you. I appreciate your comment, and for your service.
You are kind Doug and your TED Talk gave me (some) faith in a better mankind - all wars are bad (I flew missions over three wars) but Vietnam was worse. I owe my life to people like you, Ciao, L
We're in this together. Keep the faith Brother.
Thank you "Dust Off 3-4", you know, I needed this encouragement today, you "made my day", Ciao, L (my call sign was "Lancelot")
Outstanding job Mr. Petersen. Thank you for your service.
Thank you Steven. I appreciate your support.
Welcome home, Mr. Peterson
Thank you Thomas. I appreciate your welcome home message.
These guys came to my rescue in Iraq. There is no better sound, when you are critically wounded, than a medevac helicopter coming in to get you when minutes count.
Glad you made it home. Thank you for your service.
@@DougPetersenInspire Amen
Thanks from Australia, we modelled our Vietnam involvement so far as air goes on you sirs
It was an honor to serve along side of the Aussies. We made some good friends there in Nui Dat.
What great presentation. I just finish rereading Dustoff by Mike Novosel, a Dustoof pilot that my father in-law,, (a Vietnam Loach pilot) served with in Korea and received the MOH for his actions on his second tour Vietnam. Mr. Petersen you are a hero sir.
You're very kind with these words. I'm not a hero. I did fly with Mike Novosel Jr and I knew his Dad, "Big Mike". If you're father-in-law is still alive, please let him know I appreciate his service. Again, thank you for your comment.
To fly dust off you must have nerves of steel and alot more besides. Although I am British and not an American, Sir, I salute you and all your brothers and all your kind.
Thank you my British friend
Great job Doug, Thank you!
One of us has gotten older.....I remember our times together with the 57th Med Det. after your returned from Vietnam at Fort Bragg, NC. Hope you are well.
Thank you Richard. I guess one of us did... or maybe both. All is good my way, how about you?
@@DougPetersenInspire Still working some in Senior Living. Traveling working as a fixer for Senior Living buildings. Greatly enjoy working with Seniors...since I'm "almost" one myself.
Veitnam veterans for me, are the golden standard, the dust off pilots, like doug are my superheros. Always love and respect for the Patron Saints of Nam.
Zach, you comment is very much appreciated.
HOLY CRAP THE AK-47 SOUND SCARED MY SKIN OFF
Me too.... when it happened for real.
@@DougPetersenInspire I love your storytelling, good sir! Would love to hear you recount some of your other missions, this video was amazing!
Thank you again. This is the only mission I did a video on. There were many others as you can imagine I could tell. TEDx San Antonio only allowed me 6 minutes for presentation. I wish I could have shared more.
@@DougPetersenInspire Maybe you could make a podcast? A lot of people are nowadays.
@@DougPetersenInspire Make a podcast out of your life as a dust-off pilot . The way you told your story in this TedX video is bone chilling, which is one of the surefire ways to hook the youngin´s … and they are the one´s that really need to know how abysmal war is, for they are our future .
An informed future is a safer future .
Doug Petersen
Thank You For Your Service To Our Country!
thank you for all the lives you saved, can you imagine how many moms you guys helped make happy,? a son away in harms way is a mom worst fear afterall
Thank you Robert. I appreciate your kind words. Yes, I hope we made some Moms and Dads happy.
Thank you for your service...
Thank you. I appreciate your note.
Thankyou for your service. I salute you. I lost my uncle, Joe c. Magana, ww2.
I have requested; mytics,.
And real life stories of combat soldiers. Tunnel rats. Wanting to know about the brave people who have fought.
Thankyou for creating a need to read about the Vietnam War. Have read 2 books and plan on speaking to a vet about his experience. Men wanting to be in public office/ president should be required to volunteer in some capacity during conflicts. I believe if that was a requirement there would be less wars. To be part of the experience, care of wounded soldiers etc. Thank you.
Wow Doug, I'm impressed. The way your words flow as if it's all you've thought about since. You are the real deal. Stay frosty sir.
Thank you.
Thank you for serving our country thank god you lived through all those wars.
Thank you Brianna
“CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP” - UH-10H Iroquois
I love the Iroquois there my favourite vehicle in the Vietnam war. Thanks for your service!
Welcome home Brother
Welcome Home Brother 🇺🇸
God bless our vets
Great Job Doug. Very impressed. Thank you for your service.
Thanks Doc.
We salute you and thank you for reminding us that we owe a great debt to you who have preserved our freedoms at a great cost.
Thank you
Wow, that was really touching! I'd never make it in the military, but I always love to see things like this. Regardless of your views on the war being fought, I think we should all honor our veterans and our lost. Thank you for your service, Doug!
Rudy Smith , thank you.
Ruby, you could do it. You always step it up for your fellow brother and sister in the military. Semper Fi from an old Marine Sergeant
What a great speaker and story teller. He really put me in the moment - though I can never really imagine what it was like.
Thank you Shaun. I appreciate your comment. My purpose was to put the viewer in the cockpit with me, and it sounds like I accomplished that with you. Thanks again.
Goosebumps. Did an amazing job telling the story.
Thank you for your comment. I hope you will share it with others.
Men like you inspire medics like me. Thanks for the response sir! What ended up happening with Tango 2-2? I know TED is a set amount of time to talk so I really wanted the opportunity to ask one day.
Just a Question yes, TED limits the time for speakers. I went to home base, got another helicopter and crew and flew back out to Tango 22. We extracted the wounded soldier and took him to a hospital.
That is awesome. Damn. Thanks for everything you did for all of us, very much respect sir and again, thanks for the response as well.
"There are no weekends in war"..for some reason that quote stuck with me.
and it's so true. One day was just like the last. Thanks for the comment.
God bless you.. humility and bravery.. tears and fears xxxx
Thank you Richard. I appreciate your comment.
Sir, you have my utmost respect.
Thank you. I appreciate you watching the video and for taking the time to comment.
@@DougPetersenInspire I've been a Paramedic/RT on rotor & fixed-wing & the ER.. I can't imagine doing that under fire
@@michaelh.9866 and you never knew for sure when or if it would happen.
@@DougPetersenInspire I'll stick with just trauma... May you live happily ever after!
Very well done! Thank you for your exceptional and outstanding service Doug!
Thank you Skip
Excellent speaker .
Thank you Allen. I'm glad you liked it.
Hero...Ex British vet here..
Thank you for your service, old timer. He must have gone through AIT at Ft Sam Houston, unit D-232, as I have. Old or young, that's where all Army Medics are taught.
Thank you for your service, and yes, I did go through Fort Sam, but it was after my Vietnam tour.
A true American......HERO........
You're very kind Jeffrey. I'm not the hero of the story, it's the men and women who paid the ultimate price. A postscript to my story is that I went back to pick that guy up about an hour later without further incident.
Great job Doug!
Thank you Donald. I appreciate you, and you know what it was like.
How this video has any dislikes is beyond me.
Thank you Frank.
Prolly terrorists disliked this
They probably went to Canada
vietkong
Fantastic brave men just doing their job....respect from the UK
Thank you
we stand on the shoulders of giants. god bless our heroes. thank you to every vet that held or is holding the line. something is off balance in our country . that age group he said, now needs a safe space and hands held. thank you sir for this talk. I would love to buy you dinner and listen more. take care now dust off 34.
Thank you finpower 862. I'm glad you enjoyed the talk I gave. I just wish I was allocated a few more minutes. Perhaps I should do my own follow up video to tell the rest of the story.
Doug Petersen -For SURE, Even us guys (some your peer group!) - STILL Need your inspired words! 🇺🇸
You guys saved our lives bless you and thank you Charlie company 2/501st 101st Airborne division 1969-1970 ( Geronimo’s)
Glad to be there for you guys
Mr. Peterson, Thank you so much for giving your time and services defending our freedom and liberty's in the military. May God Bless America and God Bless you. Thank you,sir.
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it.
@@DougPetersenInspire, your welcome!
A real hero!
Thank you, you're very kind to say that
@@DougPetersenInspire I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman for 11 years, then got a commission in the Medical Service Corps spent 26 more years and retired a Captain (06). What you did is near and dear to my heart.
@@jimmyandkathyharrell thank for all you did as well... we were in this together
Just listened... 'Dustoff' myself. 68th/54 detachment. Few to make it ... I corps Chulai to Cambodia/Laos border. 1970.
Did you get my last comment to your post?
I SALUTE YOU SIR . FROM AUSTRALIA
Welcome home sir, thank you for your service 👍
Thank you Stephen. I appreciate your comment.
Respect….salute
Respect!
Doug, amazing story mate. Thank you for sharing. AD Aus AF
Thank you Matt. I appreciate your message. We did some work with the Aussie’s in Nui Dat. Great bunch of guys.
I salute you, Sir!
Thank you. It was an honor to share my story.
Than you sirs
THANK YOU!
I was honored to serve.
WOW truly moving
Thank you Eric. I appreciate your comment.
Thanks
Riviting! Thank you Doug.
God Bless America...
Bmcs/cwo usn (ret)
1965-87
Thank you. And thank you for your service to our country.
Just saw this. Earlier today I took my son to a local air museum that has a Vietnam era helicopter. At 13 he is man size, and with his military style haircut, looking almost like a man. He was wearing jeans and a polo shirt, but it was easy to see him in green - in a different time and place - the one you so vividly portrayed. He has the spirit to be a such a pilot. As a Father and a veteran, I know your Father was and is very proud of you - his son.
Thank you Clay. I appreciate your words. I'm sure your son will make an awesome Army aviator.
I too salute you sir.
Thank you, Mark.
Welcome Home Doug!
Thank you
Hi Doug, the only complaint that I have about your presentation is it's brevity. I could have listened for quite awhile longer. Happy 4th of July.
I wish I was given more time. My time slot was six minutes, and I used every second. There is a positive postscript ... I went back and completed the mission, and took the wounded soldier to a medical facility about an hour later.
Doug Petersen, I am so glad you said that. I was wondering what happened to T22. In the short time you spoke you had me there with you and I was scared, Thank you for that, and your service.
Doug Petersen great Ted talk... my godfather was a crew chief with the 282nd in marble mountain. It felt like listening to my godfather tell it like it is.
I became an American because of men like you. There is no higher compliment I have the right to give...
Thank you Jim. God Bless America.
You are a true American Hero!
Thank you Hannah, but I'm not the hero. Those who sacrificed their lives are the true heroes. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I hope you will share it.
Some chopper crews flew over 2,700 missions.
12,000 choppers about half didn't make it back. Respect from me is an understatement!
Thank you
Thanks for your sacrifices Mr Peterson. As a crew chief in the 57th med det we pumped fuel at the same places
Thank you Barry for all you did to save those lives too. "So Others May Live."
Opera Non Verba...deeds not words...a select team only a few are allowed to join...he is one....
Rocky, thank you. You're very kind
Wow very good talk! 🇺🇸
Thank you
Much appreciation for your valor. My grand uncle Alfred G. Borth was captain of Dustoff 32. He told my dad & i of some similar things like wrapping 100 mph tape around battle damaged rotor blades. It would be an honor to tell him about you if i could get in contact with him.
And your Uncle speaks the truth. 100MPH tape was a good thing. If you contact him, please give him my best.
When he saluted....i saluted him back ... I am not even an american.
Thank you
Thank you.
The AK sound made me drop tho.
God bless you my fellow vetran!!
God Bless you Jeffrey and God Bless America
45th med! Dustoff! I did my time.with 45th med Bavarian dustoff. Couldn't ask for the best of men/women and unit to complete the mission....DUSTOFF!
Dust-off was still used as a MEDEVAC call sign in Iraq 2007.
Welcome Home
Thank you
My brother served as flight engineer on huey dust off unit.
Do you know what unit?