Debbie La Mere, Combat Soldier

Two Tours of Duty, Afghanistan

By Herb Foreman

Deborah manning one of the 7.62mm machine guns near the door of the Chinook. (Courtesy of Deborah Lamere)It was almost 10 years ago that I met Debbie and wrote an article for In Flight USA about her. She was a 27-year old computer wizard working for Corio in a new building at the south end of the runway at the San Carlos, California Airport. She could do computations using the computer that few people could comprehend.

The airport proved to be a magnet for Debbie. She joined the West Valley Flying Club on the field in 1998, and was soon immersed in aviation activities. By early 1999, she had her private license and began to work on her instrument ticket. Debbie was a quick learner and she loved to fly. She purchased a 1974 Cessna Cardinal – the year of her birth – and began to spend hours in the air. She learned how to change oil, clean spark plugs and assisted in the Cardinal’s annual inspection. She was a good pilot and had over 600 hours in her logbook.

Although very successful in her work at Corio and in her flying, something seemed to be missing. After careful thought, she decided to join the Army and participate in its helicopter operations. In 2004, she enlisted and was sent to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, for 9 ½ weeks of basic training. She went through weeks of combat training skills, team building and marksmanship.

Deb and Deliverance nose art. (Courtesy of Deborah Lamere)After basic training, Debbie was assigned to four months of helicopter training at Ft. Eustis, Virginia, on the Ch 47, graduating at the top of her class. After graduation, she was assigned to the “elite” 101^st Airborne, Screaming Eagles Division. Her first deployment was to Iraq in 2005 and 2006. She learned everything about the “Chinook.” It was a big helicopter with two engines and carried 33 combat soldiers. It was her ship. She was the crew chief and it did not fly without her permission. In addition, she manned one of the 7.62mm machine guns near the door of the Chinook.

Debbie sustained a combat injury during her second tour of duty that took place in Afghanistan. It happened while on an emergency re-supply mission. Her Chinook was riddled with ground fire. Several bullets came through the floor between her and the second gunner. During several wild Debbie flew 165 flights in Afghanistan and was awardeed two Air medals. (Courtesy of Deborah Lamere)maneuvers some of the cargo shifted striking and crushing her left shoulder preventing full movement of her arm. Army medics have been unable to correct the injury to bring her arm back to 100 percent mobility.

The injury has not been easy for Debbie to accept. She had expected to make a career in the service. It was exciting and rewarding. She loved the big Chinook and reveled in taking care of it. The comradeship with crew members was important to her. She had been an outstanding leader. Debbie had over 1200 hours of helicopter time in her logbook. This was more time than any of her crew including the pilot.

There were other rewards as well. She had experienced some very outstanding scenery in her two tours. There was the hot dry desert of Iraq and the rugged mountains of Afghanistan. It was an education in The two-engine Chinook helicopter can carry 33 combat soldiers and supplies. (Courtesy of Deborah Lamere)itself. She had developed some understanding of life in an Arab Country and the mix up of various religious sects.

Debbie is not certain of what lies ahead. Should she purchase another Cardinal and get back into general aviation? Maybe there will be more schooling. Medical improvements may be able to fix the bum shoulder. She is a strong young woman and will be a success at whatever she decides to do. We thank her for her service to America!

Editors note: Early in 2011, Deborah Lamere founded Dogs2Vets, a not-for-profit organization located in Kentucky that rescues dogs from shelters and rescue groups, has them trained and places them as therapeutic dogs for wounded service men and women.

All dogs go through a 12-week intensive training course, Death Row Dogs (DRD), as part of a cooperative effort with the Green River Correctional Complex in Central City, Ky. The dogs are tested and certified as AKC Canine Good Citizens prior to graduating from DRD. Upon graduation, the dogs are matched with their Veteran. Prior to receiving a dog, all applicants are pre-screened to optimize bonding and a successful transition to civilian life.

For more information visit www.dogs2vets.com.