The First Three Months

About the Book

This book is about our deployment as C-130 Air Force Reserve aircrew. We were called to active duty that was entering into combat for the first time, not knowing what lay ahead of us. We knew that the Lockheed C-130 was and is the best airplane for our mission and that no matter what, it wouldn’t fail us. Crew #3, from start to finish, each one of you had significant input in order for our crew to survive during our hundreds of hours of combat flight time. This is something that was not only expected of each of us but was something each of us knew we could count on from one another. This is also dedicated to all our fellow C-130 aircrews of past, present, and future and to the instructors who taught us how to handle critical situations in and out of combat well. Without your skills and knowledge, we as crew members would not be able to accomplish the delicate and dangerous missions put on us. Your leadership, personalities, and instruction will always be remembered. Know that we understand your direction and teaching of each phase of instruction you put us through. This is dedicated to Lockheed Martin for creating such a magnificent airplane. Your knowledge, experience and passion to not only help, but want to build an unbelievable airplane is great. We as crew members thank you for continuing to better our safety of flight!

About the Author

Kurt L. Schwab Founder and National Director of Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, (VOIEF) grew up with a middle class family in the suburbs of St. Louis County graduating from Lindbergh High School. In 1986 he joined the United States Air Force where he was called in for the attack on the naval ship USS Stark, and seeing action in Panama during Operation Just Cause. In 1990, Kurt transferred to the Air Force Reserves then called to active duty for Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. In 2000, he retrained to become a C-130 Loadmaster. In 2005 Kurt and crew were held in South America, and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom where he flew numerous combat missions with nearly 300 combat flying hours. Kurt's father, James L. Schwab, served in the Marines in the 1950's during the cold war. After leaving the Air Force in 2007, Kurt finds it difficult to adjust back to civilian lifestyle. Not knowing about the Veterans Administration system until 2009, he founded VOIEF which is dedicated to helping our Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan troops, veterans, and families with short term problems. Kurt stays very busy, and enjoys meeting new people and fellow comrades. The goal of this organization is to be a safe haven by providing service’s where they can talk with comrades who have had similar experiences and issues. VOIEF will not only help those who have already returned, but those who are yet to return.