Orientation day gives spouses inside look at operations Published Oct. 21, 2009 By Airman Cynthia A. Haughton Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- For most people, the extravagance of the Las Vegas strip is normally only witnessed from the ground. For a lucky few, however, it was viewed from an HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter soaring above the city. The 66th Rescue Squadron provided this unique opportunity to the spouses of their unit, along with the spouses of the 58th Rescue Squadron and the 763rd Maintenance Squadron, Friday, Oct. 16, during their spouse orientation day. The flights gave the spouses a bird's eye view of Las Vegas and an inside look at the military operations they support as family of servicemembers. "These orientation flights familiarize the spouses with what we do and what we train for, and it helps them to gain appreciation for our extensive training and long hours," said Lt. Col. Tom Dorl, 66th RQS commander. Colonel Dorl began the orientation day with an introduction that included the unit's mission and composition. After his introduction, there was a safety briefing and a night vision goggle demonstration. The room echoed with "oohs" and "ahhs" as the spouses passed around night vision goggles while the lights were turned off and tried to locate a flashing light that could only be seen through the goggles. Then it was time to get down to business. It was time to fly. The spouses were taken to the hangar to learn how to buckle themselves into the helicopter, and to have a brief medical screening. Once everyone had been screened and given all the instructions, they were ready to board the helicopters for their flights. As she was waiting, Mrs. Krystal Slade, wife of Capt. Brian Slade, 66th RQS training officer, said that she was very excited. "I used to be a medic in the Army, and they didn't do stuff like this, so it's nice to get this opportunity," she said. After the flights, the members and their spouses enjoyed a barbeque outside the hangar. This was a first-time experience for many of the spouses, and they shared a common sense of excitement. "This was my first flight in a helicopter, and the ride was very smooth," said Mrs. Veronica Bickford, wife of SSgt. Brad Bickford, 66th RQS flight engineer. "It was so cool, we flew really close to the Stratosphere," she added. Mrs. Elena Pitzen, wife of Capt. Andrew Pitzen, 66th RQS HH-60 aircraft commander, enthusiastically recalled her experience. "It was exhilarating, fantastic, mile-high fun!" she said. "Flying by the strip was my favorite part." "Even though this was my first time, I wasn't scared at all; my head was hanging out the window the entire time!" said Mrs. Pitzen. "We are glad we had the opportunity to do something that our unit's spouses would enjoy," said 1st Lt. Quinn Gallagher, 66th RQS standardization and evaluation officer, who coordinated the spouse flights for all three units. "Without their support, we would not be able to perform our mission and fulfill our motto, 'These Things We Do That Others May Live'," he said.
