I made this photo last night in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This Landing Zone is very dangerous. A few weeks ago, another helicopter was coming into this LZ and was shot down at the last minute, killing all passengers and crew. Two children on the ground also were killed. The sparks coming off the rotors occur when the helicopters land in hot, dusty conditions. The landing itself occurs in a dangerous "brownout." Brownout danger is compounded by the sparks which light up the dust and can confuse pilots who are wearing extremely sensitive nightvision goggles.

michael yon



hit his site for some more excellent photo-journalism from right in the thick of things.

Amazing pic. Really strikes home for me.

how often do ya here from your son Ursa?

These are tremendous but the text is even better. This is most worthy of a Tailgate post.