EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the full text of a letter co-authored by Air National Guard Capt. James Adair to the family of a fallen soldier in Afghanistan. Capt. Adair is the son-in-law of Dudley Murphy of Columbus.
July 9, 2009
Dear Bradshaw Family,
We were crew members on the C-130 that flew in to pick up Lt. Brian Bradshaw after he was killed. We are Georgia Air National Guardsmen deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Our job is to support the front line troops by flying them food, water, fuel, ammo, and just about anything they need to fight.
On occasion we have the privilege to begin the final journey home for our fallen troops. Below are the details, to the best of our memory, about what happened after Brian’s death.
We landed during the night using night vision goggles to see. Because of the blackout conditions, it seemed as if it was the darkest part of the night. As we turned off the runway to position our plane, we saw what appeared to be hundreds of soldiers from his company standing in formation in the darkness.
Once we were positioned and parked, members of his unit asked for us to shut down our engines. This is not normal operating procedure for that location. We had to have a way to keep power on the aircraft in case of either maintenance or hostile environment concerns. That is an extremely loud, self-contained power unit on the plane. Again, we were asked if there was any way to turn that off for the ceremony that was going to take place.
We readily complied after one of our crew members was able to run off and find a power cart nearby. Another aircraft that landed after us was asked to do the same. We were able to shut down and keep lighting in the back of the aircraft, which was the only light in the surrounding area. We configured the back of the plane to receive Brian, and hurried off to stand in the formation as he was carried aboard.
Brian’s whole company had marched to the site with the colors flying prior to our arrival. His platoon lined both sides of our aircraft’s ramp while the rest were standing behind them. As the ambulance approached, the formation was called to attention.
As Brian passed the formation, members shouted, “Present arms” and everyone saluted. The salute was held until he was placed inside the aircraft and then the senior commanders, Sergeant Major and clergyman spoke a few words.
Afterwards, we began to prepare to take off and head back to our base. His death was so sudden that there was no time to complete the paperwork needed to transfer him. We were only given his name, Lt. Brian Bradshaw. With that we accepted the transfer.
Members of Brian’s unit approached us and thanked us for coming to get him and helping with the ceremony. They explained what happened and how his loss was felt. Everyone we talked to spoke well of him: his character, his accomplishments, and how well they liked him.
Prior to closing up the back of the aircraft, one of Brian’s men, with tears running down his face, said, “That’s my platoon leader; please take care of him.”
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