Page 36 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2018-2
P. 36

Christmas in Iraq 2008 (Cont’d.)
The Brotherhood of War
I wrote that note on my first of many combat support assignments in Iraq, where I flew 777 missions over the next two years.
One of those that joined me in Iraq and the war against terrorists was none other than my Vietnam bud Mark Stevens! Some 40 years after our time together in Vietnam, he heard I was over in the “Big Sandbox” and vowed to join me once again, saving lives and continuing to serve our Country and support our troops.
Mark owned a successful manufacturing company in Kennebunk, Maine. He was still an accomplished pilot, having owned and flown a series of corporate planes, including jets and turbo props.
When Mark and I were together in Vietnam back in 1969, I remembered him performing the most incredible feat of helicopter flying I had ever witnessed during my 726 combat missions. Years later I wrote a story for my Vietnam buds about Mark’s achievement. I called it “Heaven’s Swing”.
When Mark’s resume arrived via e-mail, I attached a copy of “Heaven’s Swing” to it and sent it to our Chief Pilot, John Piowaty. John was a hero in his own right; 73 years old at the time, a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, survivor of 102 Vietnam combat missions flying the F-105 Thunderchief (Thud), and former President of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association. John hired Mark right away and he would become a highly respected and accomplished ISR pilot fighting terrorism and saving lives during multiple tours in Iraq.
On the following pages is the story I wrote of that incredible feat of heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight back in 1969 in Vietnam, earning Mark S. Stevens the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Lew Jennings and Mark Stevens, Vietnam War buds, flying together again 40 years later in Iraq, 2009.
Mark Stevens refueling his ISR aircraft, Mosul, Iraq 2009 (still wearing his combat survival vest from his Vietnam tour as an Army UH-1 Huey pilot, 1969).
WINTER 2018 / DFCS News Magazine / 37
























































































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