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Dustoff 7-3: Saving Lives Under Fire in Afghanistan
Dustoff 7-3 tells the true story of four unlikely heroes in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, where medics are forced to descend on wires to reach the wounded and helicopter pilots must fight wind, weather, and enemy fire to pluck casualties from some of the world’s most difficult combat arenas. Complete opposites thrown together, cut off, and outnumbered, Chief Warrant Officer Erik Sabiston and his flight crew answered the call in a race against time, not to take lives—but to save them.
The concept of evacuating wounded soldiers by helicopter developed in the Korean War and became a staple during the war in Vietnam where heroic, unarmed chopper crews flew vital missions known to the grateful grunts on the ground as Dustoffs.
The crew of Dustoff 7-3 carried on that heroic tradition, flying over a region that had seen scores of American casualties, known among veterans as the Valley of Death. At the end of Operation Hammer Down, they had rescued 14 soldiers, made three critical supply runs, recovered two soldiers killed in action, and nearly died. It took all of three days.
The concept of evacuating wounded soldiers by helicopter developed in the Korean War and became a staple during the war in Vietnam where heroic, unarmed chopper crews flew vital missions known to the grateful grunts on the ground as Dustoffs.
The crew of Dustoff 7-3 carried on that heroic tradition, flying over a region that had seen scores of American casualties, known among veterans as the Valley of Death. At the end of Operation Hammer Down, they had rescued 14 soldiers, made three critical supply runs, recovered two soldiers killed in action, and nearly died. It took all of three days.
233 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2015
60 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Erik Sabiston
2 books12 followersErik Sabiston grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia before winding up living off the grid in the redwoods of Northern California. Naturally restless, he moved from one job to another working as a door-to-door salesman, music teacher, and even a butcher, until he eventually found his calling as a Soldier. He led his helicopter crew during a series of miraculous rescues on one of the most dangerous operations in the history of the war in Afghanistan.
Erik also speaks nationwide at conferences, schools, and events, inspiring audiences to harness the power of faith and teamwork to push themselves beyond their own limits, survive the unthinkable, and achieve the impossible.
He currently teaches the next generation of aviators to fly and fight in the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. Home is wherever the Army sends him and his wife, Tess—who still teases him about his fear of heights.
Erik also speaks nationwide at conferences, schools, and events, inspiring audiences to harness the power of faith and teamwork to push themselves beyond their own limits, survive the unthinkable, and achieve the impossible.
He currently teaches the next generation of aviators to fly and fight in the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. Home is wherever the Army sends him and his wife, Tess—who still teases him about his fear of heights.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 11, 2022
This story is compelling and well-told. I loved the construct of the book, getting to know the context and the people before they were thrust into the mayhem. As a former rescue helicopter pilot, I identified with their routines and procedures in many ways, and I was riveted by the differences of conducting those missions under the intensity and pressure of combat. I was exhausted after the first mission, but they kept going. I'm grateful for their dedication and service. Endless respect for the whole crew, the soldiers they worked so hard to rescue and recover, and everyone like them.
May 21, 2015
Couldn't put it down.
I started reading this book this morning and picked it up again every spare moment I had throughout the day until I could finish it tonight. Erik Sabiston does an amazing job in the telling of the tale of Dustoff 7-3. I cried during the prologue at the humbleness and humility of the author, a hero by just about anyone's standards.
Sabiston takes you with him, and his heroic crew, while they defeat the odds during their missions to save wounded soldiers, bring vital supplies to ground troops, and bring the fallen home. I laughed, I cried, and my heart pounded during the reading of this book. Sabiston allowed me, a civilian, a brief but poignant glimpse into the extreme stress and emotional and mental roller coaster the members of our armed forces face when deployed I to hostile territories. After reading this account I have an even greater respect and appreciation for those who serve our country.
Everyone with friends or family in the military should read this book if for no other reason than to learn and know that their loved ones will not be forgotten when they are in danger. The Angels and heroes of Dustoff will always be watching and waiting to bring them aid.
I started reading this book this morning and picked it up again every spare moment I had throughout the day until I could finish it tonight. Erik Sabiston does an amazing job in the telling of the tale of Dustoff 7-3. I cried during the prologue at the humbleness and humility of the author, a hero by just about anyone's standards.
Sabiston takes you with him, and his heroic crew, while they defeat the odds during their missions to save wounded soldiers, bring vital supplies to ground troops, and bring the fallen home. I laughed, I cried, and my heart pounded during the reading of this book. Sabiston allowed me, a civilian, a brief but poignant glimpse into the extreme stress and emotional and mental roller coaster the members of our armed forces face when deployed I to hostile territories. After reading this account I have an even greater respect and appreciation for those who serve our country.
Everyone with friends or family in the military should read this book if for no other reason than to learn and know that their loved ones will not be forgotten when they are in danger. The Angels and heroes of Dustoff will always be watching and waiting to bring them aid.
June 28, 2019
Following on the heals of reading about the early history of Dustoff/Medevac missions in the Vietnam War in “They Called It Naked Fanny” by Scott Harrington, and “Dead Men Flying” by Patrick Henry Brady, I wanted to compare those books to a story about the dustoff mission in today’s battlespace.
Dustoff 7-3 is a story about a single crew and their experiences in the Wattapur Valley during Operation Hammer Down. Flying out of FOB Joyce, the author who served as the pilot in charge, tells about each mission they ran, be it resupply, rescue, or even picking up heroes (KIA) in the valley.
The real strength of this book is the authors skill at telling a story. While not shy on detail or facts, the author really paints such an incredible tapestry that weaves his own emotions and feelings, with those of the crew, and the specific details of both life at the FOB and in the air over the battlefield.
“Three days. Eleven hoists. Fourteen survivors. Three critical resupply missions.Two bodies recovered“ is the tag line you see in the description and in other reviews, but more than that, Sabiston really makes you feel like you are in his seat whether it’s putting a wheel on the roof of a Qalat, or having Kiowa’s firing rockets across his nose. He talks about his fear of heights, and his worries about calculating weight, power, and fuel numbers. He gives you the feeling of what it’s like to search and hunt for an orange panel on the cliff side, or to be socked in by clouds and fog.
Definitely worth a read, and the story of his crew and especially his medic is something special.
Dustoff 7-3 is a story about a single crew and their experiences in the Wattapur Valley during Operation Hammer Down. Flying out of FOB Joyce, the author who served as the pilot in charge, tells about each mission they ran, be it resupply, rescue, or even picking up heroes (KIA) in the valley.
The real strength of this book is the authors skill at telling a story. While not shy on detail or facts, the author really paints such an incredible tapestry that weaves his own emotions and feelings, with those of the crew, and the specific details of both life at the FOB and in the air over the battlefield.
“Three days. Eleven hoists. Fourteen survivors. Three critical resupply missions.Two bodies recovered“ is the tag line you see in the description and in other reviews, but more than that, Sabiston really makes you feel like you are in his seat whether it’s putting a wheel on the roof of a Qalat, or having Kiowa’s firing rockets across his nose. He talks about his fear of heights, and his worries about calculating weight, power, and fuel numbers. He gives you the feeling of what it’s like to search and hunt for an orange panel on the cliff side, or to be socked in by clouds and fog.
Definitely worth a read, and the story of his crew and especially his medic is something special.
October 10, 2020
Afghanistan in 2011 after Osama Bin Ladin was taken out the region was still a hostile place. The story is of the Medevac crew of Dustoff 7-3. A Medevac has to fly into hot & dangerous areas to retrieve injured troops. The story takes place during ‘Operation Hammer Down’ where they are the main Medevac unit. The stories of the crew are something different where they are there to save lives yet they are constant targets of the Taliban & Al-Qaeda who don’t really the rules of the Geneva Convention where they shot at more once. Their only support is the Army soldiers & fellow attack helicopter crews who know that it soon could be themselves that has to be rescued by the Medevac crew written by the co-pilot of Dustoff 7-3
Afghanistan is a rugged mountainous region so just trying to get to the soldiers is a battle enough besides that they are the unarmed helicopter crew in the middle of the battle. This is fast read from start to finish, the story covers a period of a few days. It is a story that rivals something you would read from Vietnam.
The Dustoff was a soldier’s only savior, if they could not get to themselves, chances are they weren’t going to make it. The bravery to save lives under fire as medic is something that truly is inspiring, they there to save lives, not take lives.
Afghanistan is a rugged mountainous region so just trying to get to the soldiers is a battle enough besides that they are the unarmed helicopter crew in the middle of the battle. This is fast read from start to finish, the story covers a period of a few days. It is a story that rivals something you would read from Vietnam.
The Dustoff was a soldier’s only savior, if they could not get to themselves, chances are they weren’t going to make it. The bravery to save lives under fire as medic is something that truly is inspiring, they there to save lives, not take lives.
April 5, 2018
Awesome!
This is one of the best books I have ever read! I can only think of one book that has it topped, and that is the bible. Also I can only think of one that has it tied. What a great book. I cannot express how !ugh pleasure I have gotten from this book. I also cannot express my gratitude for two things from the author, first: thank you for your service! And second:thank you for writing this book, with out it I would not have been able to know of what happened over there. I would recommend this book. Please read it! I also would read anything else that he has written or will write. Looking forward to the time when I can read more from him!
This is one of the best books I have ever read! I can only think of one book that has it topped, and that is the bible. Also I can only think of one that has it tied. What a great book. I cannot express how !ugh pleasure I have gotten from this book. I also cannot express my gratitude for two things from the author, first: thank you for your service! And second:thank you for writing this book, with out it I would not have been able to know of what happened over there. I would recommend this book. Please read it! I also would read anything else that he has written or will write. Looking forward to the time when I can read more from him!
May 24, 2022
Very well written personal account
Very well written personal account of medivac Army helicopter missions in Afghanistan. Get the book if you want to read one that is difficult to put down.
Very well written personal account of medivac Army helicopter missions in Afghanistan. Get the book if you want to read one that is difficult to put down.
January 29, 2023
This type subject, and these devoted people are always a good read, but I would say the non-fiction writing is just average, because they are just telling the truth, not trying writers to write a great book.
April 2, 2018
Amazing book
Awesome book. You do let hear a lot from the dust off community. Would definitely recommend this book though anyone
Awesome book. You do let hear a lot from the dust off community. Would definitely recommend this book though anyone
September 21, 2020
Very good book! Insightful read, to what these aerial lifesavers endure.
December 22, 2020
Intense!
May 7, 2023
Excellent first person account of Army Medevac teams in Afghanistan
June 16, 2015
An amazing mission in Afghanistan exemplifying perseverance and skill
Author Erik Sabistan is a passionate aviator that has survived a critical mission in Afghanistan and today live to tell us in Dustoff 7-3 as a Medevac Air Mission Commander. In his job to deliver soldiers into combat aboard Blackhawks and pick up wounded fighters he shares "In the dust off business where lives are always on the line, one of the hardest things for flight crews to do is to suppress their emotions and stay focused on flying and saving lives."
Eric Sabistan's love for the military came from his grandfather who was a World War II veteran. It was after the 9/11 terrorist attack that killed 3000 people that prompted him to join the army with the dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. He was determined to fly in combat despite the deaths and injuries of friends that flew. In Operation Hammer Down for example, discover how the Taliban fighters pop up all over the caves and tunnels and how he had to alternate race track patterns with figure eights to avoid becoming predictable. In Watapur Valley Sergeant Julia Bringloe would hang from the cable connected to the helicopter in Watapur Valley, and in the alternate rescue of 14 soldiers, incurred a fractured leg and black and blue marks from bumping into trees and scraping through obstacles.
In this up close narrative account, Sabiston New all the army aviators were soldiers like those fighting in the valley. "When we flew a mission and a fellow soldier died before we arrived it was as if a part of us died also". It was this settled purpose that allowed him and others to persevere when rockets were detonating close by. Though mission was accomplished it would leave them completely exhausted – mentally and physically.
If you are interested in action-packed, high adrenaline like missions this is a book for you! And it reaches more than a mission; rather, it is a test of heart affections. A hero to many, yet modest and on assuming toward others,Sabiston has prevailed over the most dangerous operations in Afghanistan. His heart as a soldier has extended to speaking engagements nationwide professing faith, and spurning others to surpass insurmountable obstacles. He instructs upcoming aviators to fly in the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. I highly recommend this book to others.
Author Erik Sabistan is a passionate aviator that has survived a critical mission in Afghanistan and today live to tell us in Dustoff 7-3 as a Medevac Air Mission Commander. In his job to deliver soldiers into combat aboard Blackhawks and pick up wounded fighters he shares "In the dust off business where lives are always on the line, one of the hardest things for flight crews to do is to suppress their emotions and stay focused on flying and saving lives."
Eric Sabistan's love for the military came from his grandfather who was a World War II veteran. It was after the 9/11 terrorist attack that killed 3000 people that prompted him to join the army with the dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. He was determined to fly in combat despite the deaths and injuries of friends that flew. In Operation Hammer Down for example, discover how the Taliban fighters pop up all over the caves and tunnels and how he had to alternate race track patterns with figure eights to avoid becoming predictable. In Watapur Valley Sergeant Julia Bringloe would hang from the cable connected to the helicopter in Watapur Valley, and in the alternate rescue of 14 soldiers, incurred a fractured leg and black and blue marks from bumping into trees and scraping through obstacles.
In this up close narrative account, Sabiston New all the army aviators were soldiers like those fighting in the valley. "When we flew a mission and a fellow soldier died before we arrived it was as if a part of us died also". It was this settled purpose that allowed him and others to persevere when rockets were detonating close by. Though mission was accomplished it would leave them completely exhausted – mentally and physically.
If you are interested in action-packed, high adrenaline like missions this is a book for you! And it reaches more than a mission; rather, it is a test of heart affections. A hero to many, yet modest and on assuming toward others,Sabiston has prevailed over the most dangerous operations in Afghanistan. His heart as a soldier has extended to speaking engagements nationwide professing faith, and spurning others to surpass insurmountable obstacles. He instructs upcoming aviators to fly in the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. I highly recommend this book to others.
August 25, 2017
Having done a fair amount of research into what really happened in Vietnam rather than accept what screaming protestors and dishonest politicians were willing to reveal, I was most impressed with the roll the Dustoff pilots played in that war. Although helicopter evacuation of injured soldiers was introduced in Korea, it was still new to American warfare, and the heroics at times were beyond any expectation of possible. Therefore, when I heard about Dustoff-7-3, I was eager to learn how things had changed over the years. Erik Sabiston didn’t disappoint. We may have bigger, more sophisticated birds, better communications and world class medical intervention, but his personal account of one unbelievably harrowing operation put me totally in awe of these men and women who fly into dangerous places under conditions that would seem impossible pushing themselves and their machines to incredible lengths to bring our wounded soldiers back in time to make a difference. It wasn’t just the pilots who go boldly where most would never dare, but their crew and the medics as well. Sometimes learning on the job is a great way to gain experience, but for these indomitable men and women it appears to be away of life. No matter how much practicing they do back home, doing it in the crucible of war is mind-boggling. I guarantee, when you’ve read Dustoff 7-3, you will never see a wounded veteran without thinking about the utter heroism it took to bring him home. Download Dustoff 7-3 today – you won’t be disappointed.
November 21, 2015
Ever since I read the book Chicken Hawks about a slick driver in Vietnam I have like books about Helicopters. Having served in an Air Mobile Unit I found this book pretty lose to what I remember. Army Medics will never pay for a drink around me and I do not drink.
Read this book in two days. Very well written and descriptive of the war as I remember it. Not just I love the military and you should too book and not some sad sack telling how terrible everything was. Factual and interesting. Thanks for a good read!!
Ssgt Kirk
Read this book in two days. Very well written and descriptive of the war as I remember it. Not just I love the military and you should too book and not some sad sack telling how terrible everything was. Factual and interesting. Thanks for a good read!!
Ssgt Kirk
November 11, 2015
Damon good reading
A very good read about true unsung heroes. Thanks to all the warriors out there that answered the call to duty
A very good read about true unsung heroes. Thanks to all the warriors out there that answered the call to duty
December 18, 2015
you will never look at a helicopter again without thinking of our remarkable rescue heroes!
Read
March 25, 2018MWSA Review
A quick and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Dustoff 7-3 by Erik Sabiston will not sit unread on your bedside table for long. Instead, you'll find yourself tearing through the pages. The book focuses on a short but intense tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2010. Sabiston is pilot in command—or as he puts it, "locked in the cockpit of a big, vibrating sauna"—of a Medevac (or "Dustoff") UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.
The book's first five words are written in all caps and set the stage for what is to follow: I AM NOT A HERO. Although the author is documenting his own hair-raising experiences flying Medevac missions in combat, he does not dwell on his own thoughts and actions. Instead, Sabiston goes out of his way to acknowledge others, his fellow crew members and those in the line combat organizations he serves, especially the ones having "the worst day of their lives" and needing his unique set of skills.
This book is quite realistic. So much so that the reader will be immersed in the action and introduced to all the acronyms and lingo used by Army medical evacuation units: PC, TOC, Wobbly One, Meat Servo, to mention just a few. Keeping track of it all can be a bit daunting, but worth the effort, especially when combined with the author's unique sense of humor. For example, I've read many similes for what it's like to hover a helicopter; but none quite like the author's. He likens hovering to "riding a unicycle on top of a bowling ball while juggling three rabid raccoons and reciting the alphabet backwards while you're half-drunk."
The author's sense of humor and matter-of-fact writing style combine to make his highly-skilled and dangerous job seem almost routine. He fairly easily inserts the reader into near-unbelievable situations. Despite his self-depreciating humor and understated style of writing, the author's (and the others with whom he serves) bravery and professionalism come through loud and clear in Dustoff 7-3.
I recommend this book for readers who want to learn about today's U.S. Army Medevac mission, and especially their role in the battles taking place in Afghanistan.
MWSA Reviewer: John Cathcart
A quick and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Dustoff 7-3 by Erik Sabiston will not sit unread on your bedside table for long. Instead, you'll find yourself tearing through the pages. The book focuses on a short but intense tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2010. Sabiston is pilot in command—or as he puts it, "locked in the cockpit of a big, vibrating sauna"—of a Medevac (or "Dustoff") UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.
The book's first five words are written in all caps and set the stage for what is to follow: I AM NOT A HERO. Although the author is documenting his own hair-raising experiences flying Medevac missions in combat, he does not dwell on his own thoughts and actions. Instead, Sabiston goes out of his way to acknowledge others, his fellow crew members and those in the line combat organizations he serves, especially the ones having "the worst day of their lives" and needing his unique set of skills.
This book is quite realistic. So much so that the reader will be immersed in the action and introduced to all the acronyms and lingo used by Army medical evacuation units: PC, TOC, Wobbly One, Meat Servo, to mention just a few. Keeping track of it all can be a bit daunting, but worth the effort, especially when combined with the author's unique sense of humor. For example, I've read many similes for what it's like to hover a helicopter; but none quite like the author's. He likens hovering to "riding a unicycle on top of a bowling ball while juggling three rabid raccoons and reciting the alphabet backwards while you're half-drunk."
The author's sense of humor and matter-of-fact writing style combine to make his highly-skilled and dangerous job seem almost routine. He fairly easily inserts the reader into near-unbelievable situations. Despite his self-depreciating humor and understated style of writing, the author's (and the others with whom he serves) bravery and professionalism come through loud and clear in Dustoff 7-3.
I recommend this book for readers who want to learn about today's U.S. Army Medevac mission, and especially their role in the battles taking place in Afghanistan.
MWSA Reviewer: John Cathcart
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews