Local hero: A message for Cheney Award-winner Major Downs?
We don’t hear many tales of heroism. When we do, it’s worth taking special note. The U.S. Air Force is doing just that by recognizing Maj. Bradley C. Downs, who grew up in Ferguson, for his actions in Afghanistan on Sept. 1, 2006.
According to the story for Tuesday’s Post-Dispatch, Downs and his crew used night-vision goggles and “flew their modified C-130 transport low along (a) 2,500-foot-high ridge. The crew parachuted the 22,000 pounds of supplies within 15 yards of the target” — out of the reach of the Taliban.
The mission supplied U.S. special forces and required the crew to fly between the Americans and the Taliban, with no terrain for cover.
Next week, Downs and his crew are reporting to the Pentagon to receive the Air Force’s Cheney Award, named after a pilot who was killed in 1918 and given annually for “an act of valor, extreme fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest.”
Do you have a message of congratulations you can offer to “native son” Downs and his crew?
Kurt is the director of social media for the Post-Dispatch, where he has worked since August 2002. He's been a journalist since 1982, covering municipal government, courts, education and two hurricanes as a reporter before becoming an editor. 
Congratulations Major Downs. To you and all your crew. Your true American heroes. God bless you!
Sincerely,
I do my job well so that my son can have a great future. Major Downs did his job well so that all our sons and daughters can have a great future. Major Downs, my family and I thank you for your service.
The recognition is good, but we did what everyone else is doing over there,” he said. “Our mission was navigator-centric, and I was lucky to have (Roesch). The whole crew did an excellent job. This is for all of them.”
Thank you Major Downs for your courage, fortitude and humility.
Congrats to Major Downs, his crew and Team Mildenhall! I had the honor to work with the 352nd for several years. They are one top notch Group!
Nice piece of flying there, Major. Congrats on the award but all you guys are heroes as far as I’m concerned. The guys in the air and on the ground.
Congratulations, Brad….Its been a long time since we’ve spoken but I’m glad that everything has worked out for you and your family. Your dedication to our country is commendable!!!
Thank you for your services!!
Barry
It’s like High Noon and the OK Coral all rolled into one. Wyatt Earpp has nothing on you Major Downs. I want you on my side at the next turkey shoot.
Way to go HERK driver! Fly safe.
STL Today it would be nice if you could name ALL the crewmembers on that mission.
….and don’t forget the ground crew either. Well done all around.
This former Army Pathfinder says “Congratulations sir!”