Written by Major Matthew Burden

Going to share this personal note from a pilot. She reached out to me on the day I tried to clean off Major Mat Schram’s grave ineffectively. Luckily, I was followed the next day by one of his class mates and 82nd friends (and she’s not a goddamn leg). And an angel left the flowers. That wasn’t me. I usually bring the flags, Bratwurst and Point beer.

If I was still writing, this pilot, well, damn, she’d be my number one, “someone one you should know.” Read on. You’ll get it.

“To Matthews friend:

I’ve ready your article every year to remind myself of the events that happened 26 MAY 2003 and to learn more about MAJ Schram. I’ve wrestled with the idea of even writing this email; not sure if correcting some of the information would be a positive thing to help his family and friends heal or whether it would open old wounds. However this year, reading that you’ve made some corrections for accuracy as more information comes your way, I felt compelled to reach out.

I’ll go into more details if you’d like it, however for now I’ll just say that I was one of the pilots who brought Matthews body back from the scene of his ambush to Al Asad. We were not medevac. We were a normal mission blackhawk. There had been reduced visibility due to dust storms that morning and my aircrew and another from Stetson Troop 4/3 ACR we’re running up in order to do a fly over of the base for Memorial day. That was our only mission due to the bad weather. Once Matthews convoy was attacked, I’ll never forget my Squadron Commander running up to my helicopter and telling us what had happened. The apaches wouldn’t be able to start-up quick enough to beat us there and we were asked to respond. Long story short we weren’t armed as we were for normal missions, but we responded immediately to try to assist the convoy just north of us who were still under attack. My crew and another non medevac blackhawk flew to the convoy. I landed with my squadron commander on board who then ran out to assess the situation. ( Yes it was odd that the Squadron commander flew out with us, but that’s the type of guy he was.) The other blackhawk provided aerial cover. Eventually apaches came on scene to provide cover. I won’t go into more detail unless you want, however Matthew was loaded into the back of my helicopter. The medevac came just prior and took Matthews driver to the medical facility. Normally medevac won’t carry KIA, so the honor was given to us. We returned Matthew to the helipad that belonged to his logistic unit. Again, I can provide more detail and write this more eloquently, however his reception by his unit at Al Asad was emotional to say the least. Myself and the two blackhawk crews who responded to the attack also attending his funeral in Iraq.

I know this comes out of left field again I apologize if this opens old wounds. I also hesitate to say this: but I can back up my story due to the fact the crew of my specific helicopter all received an Air medal with Valor from our actions that day. Believe me, I wear that medal to this day with immense respect for what it stands means. I’ll forever be connected to a heroic man who I’ve never met by being given the privilege to bring him home honorably to his unit and family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for more a more detailed version of this account. I hope this email finds you well. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your friend.

Respectfully,
CW3 Redacted”

She’s badass. Multiple tours. Iraq. Afghanistan. Birds. Shot to hell. I pulled the Air Medal for Valor. It’s legit.

It took me years to track down the driver who felt total responsibility. His mother wouldn’t tell me where he was. And he sunk down deep. We are friends now. Mat. Still bringing people together.

I just read this letter/email out loud to my daughter. She’s much older and wiser now. Than in a that photo that is my Facebook cover picture. She has wanted to be a flight nurse or flight surgeon since meeting her Uncle Chuck Ziegenfuss on a beach long ago.

And, yes, fuck yeah, I wrote back to the Chief.
If you ain’t Cav..

Update: say hello to CW3 about to be CW4. Callsign: Stetson

And say Hello to Stetson, a Pup from Grace and Polar Bear, the 55th Hero Labradors Puppy!