"Recently, during combat operations in Operation Enduring Freedom, I was hoisted into a LZ where the patient was packaged on a SKED stretcher but without a TAG line in place. I took my TAG line down with me, but ended up not hoisting the patient as my helicopter started taking RPG fire and I was left on the LZ with the patient in the SKED. We used the SKED to move the patient for two hours while locating a better LZ that did not require hoist operations. Eight hours later we were picked up by AIRFORCE CSAR Pararescue Jumpers. My five patients and I did fine. There was no way we would have moved that patient as quickly and safely as we did if we did not have the SKED stretcher."

"I have performed several rescues requiring a SKED and OSS II; I am sure all of the soldiers rescued would like to personally thank you for saving their spines and their asses. Thank you for making my job easier."

SGT Michael J. Julio III
Company C, 2nd Platoon "DUSTOFF"
3/82nd GSAB
Operation Enduring Freedom