Wing commander Mandeep Singh Dhillon

 

Original post by Ms Bandita Bose in facebook

The nation has the right to information too...

On the 4th of July we lost a very dear friend in a tragic helicopter crash during a flood rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh. 

Wing Commander Mandeep Singh Dhillon. The reason I am posting this here... is because the media will report loss of a machine in the 5th page of some newspaper, in a ticker in some news channel, but the story of MS Dhillon must be told...

He was commanding the Helicopter Unit at Tezpur, and had over 18 years of flying experience in varied terrain, from icy mountains to the jungles of North East India.  With his death, not only has India lost a brave son but his family and friends have lost a true friend, gentleman and a buddy. Dhillon would always say things the way they should be told. His lazy nasal voice was signature to him. His warm smile would make you reflect it every-time you saw it. 

Never shying away from his core job, was always enthusiastic about his passion and profession. On 04 July 2017 before he went down for the final time, he had already made five sorties and had rescued 169 stranded people. During the return and the sixth sortie in adverse weather and difficult flying conditions, the helicopter crashed.

All of us who have known him in person are devastated and in shock to say the least. More strength to his family. 

Today, with the prevalent scenario while we are forever ready to pounce on our armed forces for the smallest thing, I just wanted to bring to the forefront, our sons, brothers, friends are continuing to lay their lives for the nation. Media will never tell us this... But the citizens have a right to know.

IAF adds - 

Mandeep belonged to Patiala and came from a defence background. A role model to a generation of younger officers and to the cadets of NDA, where he was once posted as an instructor. Wing Commander Mandeep Singh Dhillon was also a long distance runner who won almost every long distance race in which he ever participated. After completing his schooling from RIMC Dehradun, he was selected for NDA as an Air Force cadet and joined Foxtrot Sqn. He never liked being away from the flying duties and pursed his flying passion with sincerity. With his death, India has lost a dare devil officer, a thorough gentleman and a very kind soul.  May his soul rest in peace and may the God give the loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Survived by wife , and a young daughter and a son.