Dan Ryan Builders Supports the Troops

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
CO. C 1/150TH AVIATION (ASSAULT)
538 GIRTY'S POINT ROAD
WHEELING, WV 26003

March 14, 2008

Commander, C 1-150th Aviation, Assault Helicopter Company

Mr. Dan Ryan
Owner, Dan Ryan Builders
Frederick, Maryland 21702

Dear Mr. Ryan,

I would like to take a moment to express the heartfelt gratitude of all the members of the "Ridgerunners", Company C 1-150th, for your generosity. Your donation of a new Polaris Ranger to Company C, 1-150th, contributed greatly to our success during our tour of duty in Iraq from July 2006 to July 2007. I am sure you are aware that the ATV you donated benefited us during our combat tour, but I doubt you realize the full measure of your contribution. I believe I owe you not only a debt of gratitude, but an obligation to explain just how much your sacrifice helped us.

The Ridgerunners flew over 7000 hours in combat during our year long tour in Iraq. The average flight time per mission was roughly 5 hours. That represents approximately 1400 times that our helicopters were loaded and unloaded to accomplish our missions. Each mission required the crew to transport well over 200 pounds of gear to and from the aircraft in temperatures ranging from 25F to over 130F. Our helicopters were parked in a row that stretched over one mile away from our headquarters. Simply put, we could not have accomplished our mission without the vehicle you donated.

The aircrews were not the only soldiers to benefit from using the ATV you provided. Our maintenance crews worked 24 hours per day. They had to maintain the aircraft on the flight line; we had only enough hangar space to house aircraft undergoing periodic in-depth inspections. The soldiers had to transport heavy tool boxes, parts, and test equipment to the flight line to maintain and repair the aircraft. Our maintainers were able to achieve a remarkable readiness rating of over 85%. That means 85% of our aircraft were constantly capable of launching on a mission when needed. We simply could not have accomplished such a feat without the use of the ATV you provided.

Our ability to fly day and night, to transport thousands of soldiers safely, and to assist in capturing multiple terrorists, was directly related to our capability to transport men, weapons and equipment to our aircraft. You made that possible. Once again I wish to express our gratitude to you and your family. Many of our countrymen claim to "support the troops"; you have proven your support. May God bless you in all your endeavors.

Sincerely,
Larry A. Graham
LTC, AV, WVARNG
Commanding