RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany –
An Air Force reservist had an opportunity few Air Force parents get during an aeromedical evacuation mission from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to Andrews AFB, Md.
Master Sgt. Vivian Caraviello, 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron nurse, was able to fly the mission alongside her daughter, Stefanie Caraviello, who was onboard the same flight covering military medical operations as the senior producer for WIS-TV from Columbia, S.C.
"Seeing my daughter at work was amazing," said Sergeant Caraviello. "I'm thrilled. I never thought I would have this opportunity in a million years. I'm sure a lot of parents wished they could be in my situation right now."
Similar feelings were expressed by Stefanie who was able to witness her mother caring for wounded troops at 30,000 feet. Unfortunately, the flight was full of wounded troops, having 23 litter patients and 19 ambulatory patients, some with catastrophic injuries and hanging onto life by the narrowest of margins.
"I am surprised," said Stefanie Caraviello. "I don't know if I could do that -- to be able to handle the troops and help them takes a special breed of person and she is that breed of person."
Sergeant Caraviello was taken aback by her daughter's professional duties as well.
"I was surprised at how extensive her job is," said Sergeant Caraviello. "You have no idea how deep their career goes into each story until you actually see them do it."
The WIS-TV news crew was in Germany for six days covering the entire process of getting wounded troops out of the war zone and back to the United States.
"I was astonished," said Stefanie Caraviello. "I wasn't sure what I was going to see, but what I have seen gives me a big feeling of pride. Unless you see it, you have no idea how many people are involved day-in and day-out; and every single one of them is on each mission just to help someone else out."
The aeromedical evacuation flight crew's job can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. However, it can be very satisfying for those involved.
"It is very rewarding," said Sergeant Caraviello. "You feel a great sense of accomplishment if you can get someone from one place to another safely."
This unique flight will be remembered by both Caraviellos for the rest or their lives -- mother working to help the wounded on board and daughter working to tell each of their individual stories so the general public knows of their sacrifice to a grateful nation.