1:126th Medevac

• Origins: The 1/126th Medevac traces its roots to the Vietnam War era, where its lineage includes earlier medical evacuation units supporting ground troops in combat zones. • Nickname: The unit is often known by the call sign “Cougar Dustoff,” reflecting its medevac mission and the Army’s “Dustoff” tradition for helicopter medical evacuation. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 1/126th deployed to Iraq, providing rapid medical evacuation support across hazardous environments, often under fire, saving countless lives. • Afghanistan Deployments: Members served in Afghanistan, operating in mountainous terrain and extreme climates, showcasing the crew’s adaptability and courage. • Aircraft: The unit primarily operates the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, a versatile and reliable platform for medevac missions in combat and peacetime. • Saving Lives: The 1/126th Medevac has been credited with thousands of successful patient transports, from wounded soldiers on the battlefield to civilians in need during natural disasters. • Civil Support: In addition to combat operations, the unit assists in domestic emergencies, such as hurricane and flood responses, providing vital medical evacuation and support. • Training Excellence: The 1/126th maintains rigorous training standards, including high-altitude rescue, night operations with NVGs (night vision goggles), and hoist extractions. • Decorations: Members of the 1/126th have received numerous awards for valor and meritorious service, including Air Medals and the Army Commendation Medal. • Legacy of Service: The “Dustoff” ethos—“when I have your wounded”—is deeply embedded in the 1/126th’s culture, reflecting their unwavering commitment to rescuing and caring for the injured, no matter the risk.