In April, when Chief Warrant Officer David Bulger came home on leave from Iraq, he brought with him a very special package: the United States Flag that he flew over Iraq as the Pilot in Command of a CH-47D Chinook Helicopter. Bulger presented this special flag to Community Memorial Healthcenter (CMH) as a token of its support of troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
David, son of Neal and Gloria Bulger of South Hill, is a helicopter pilot currently serving in Iraq. When an aviator becomes Pilot in Command, there is a tradition and honor of flying the American Flag from his aircraft. The officer can then present this flag and Certificate of Authenticity, which documents the date and location of the flight, to an approved individual or organization.
“At Christmas, CMH sent me goodie baskets and letters of appreciation and encouragement which meant so much to me,” remarked David. “I wanted to do something special for CMH in appreciation for this thoughtfulness and kindness”, he added.
During the 2009 Christmas season, CMH organized a program to send letters and goodie baskets to relatives of CMH employees serving in the military. David, son of CMH employee Gloria Bulger who is the Pharmacy Connection Case Manager, was one of those receiving the gifts. He remarked how much it meant to him to hear from folks back home; he wanted to return something special to CMH because of this support and kindness.
“The cards, letters, games, and candies were a wonderful surprise. I shared the contents of the boxes with other people in my unit. We enjoyed all the goodies and really appreciated the kindness of CMH employees,” said David. He said that they also shared the treats with the Iraqi children. “We filled empty water bottles with candy and dropped them by helicopter to the children. They were thrilled with these treats.”
During his leave from Iraq, David visited several departments at CMH to personally thank employees for their support. President & CEO Scott Burnette was away from CMH on business the day of David’s visit, so he presented the flag and certificate to Faye Matthews, Vice-President of the CMH Foundation.
“David has honored CMH greatly with this presentation. The framed flag and certificate will be displayed in the CMH Dining Room for all to see and remember our dedicated men and women serving in the military. There is no way we can adequately thank them for all they do for our country and our way of life”, said Burnette.
The Certificate of Authenticity documents the March 15, 2010 flight aboard Combat Mission Big Red Express North over Iraq in a CH-47D Chinook Helicopter Tail #90-00222. It is signed by The Commander of the Unit, the crew and Chief Warrant Officer David Bulger, Pilot in Command.
PHOTO CAPTIONS: Photo 1: Chief Warrant Officer David Bulger flying a CH-47D Chinook Helicopter. Photo 2: Chief Warrant Officer David Bulger after flying into an Iraqi Airport.