The Air Ambulances Of The Hindu Kush

JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN - MAY 10 2009: CW4 Medevac Pilot Gary Heyne from the 159th Aviation Brigade 101st Airborne Division: We try to get in and out as fast as possible. Things can happen but I don't think about it. All I think about is is flying and go and get the patient, and bring my crew and and aircraft back. I am glad I am doing what I am doing because there are people out there who really need us/ My biggest fear is when I have put the medic on the ground and loiter before I pick him up again. Because I have left one of mine on the ground. We pick up civilians too. A patient is a patient. A life is a life. I have no hesitation to pick up an Afghan soldier or civilian. You can't plan for what we do. You can't plan for the unexpected. I try and limit what my family know about what I do. I really miss quiet. When I get home I want to spend some time with my family. Go and see my dad. Sit on the porch and enjoy the quiet. (Photo by Patrick Barth/Getty Images)