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Legion Welcomes Returning Combat Medic
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Zach Nordmeyer (left) of the 125th Infantry Brigade came to Post 500 to
welcome fellow Ben Davis High grad Dave Kelso home. Nordmeyer will deploy
to Iraq on Sept 15.
Photo by Linda Karn |
(posted August 10)
Twenty-two year-old combat medic Dave Kelso returned home this week for
30 days after a 15 month deployment in Afghanistan. Kelso was out on a
mission every day, climbing the rugged 7,000 to 10,000 foot high mountains
while carrying his 55 pound medical aid bag to check on the health of the
soldiers of the 503rd Infantry and 173rd Airborne division.
During his tour of duty, Kelso saw 395 gun fights and nine soldiers killed,
referring to them as "brothers."
As a combat medic, Kelso is prepared to treat anything from a stuffy nose
to a gun shot wound in the chest. His training involved a seven week program
of EMT training and a nine week combat medic course. There was heavy focus
on treating trauma. Kelso's next career path is to enter the two-year Physician
Assistant program. Once his stint is up, he plans to join the Wayne Township
Fire Department and work along side his dad.
He said the experience has made him a better person and that he has more
of an appreciation for the simple things. The value of family and friends
has a greater meaning to him. He was touched when American Legion Rider
Pat Phillips and 14 others from the legion came to greet him on his August
7 arrival at the Indianapolis International Airport.
He reflected on the day before his deployment when he and his fellow American
Legion Riders hit the road on their motorcycles. He said that day was so
much fun. Kelso will return to Germany on September 5 where he is stationed.
Kelso will be receiving another deployment in about 12 months.
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