Robert Mills, United States Army
Regional Aviation Manager, Med-Trans Corporation
Robert Mills joined the U.S. Army on September 11, 2001, entering service on the same day our nation was attacked. Witnessing the events of 9/11 unfold only deepened his resolve to serve. Fascinated since childhood by combat helicopters, Robert saw the Army as a way to make that dream a reality.
Coming from a military family, Robert’s father served in the Army and National Guard, and his brother retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving in both the Army and Air Force. This legacy fostered a strong sense of duty and inspired his interest in service.
During his Army career, Robert flew the OH-58D helicopter in the Air Calvary, conducting close air support, reconnaissance and security missions for ground forces. He was deployed twice to Iraq and Kuwait, surviving close calls and gaining a deep appreciation for freedom at home while logging 1,250 hours of combat flight time.
Long deployments took a toll on him, his wife and daughters, and after seven-and-a-half years of active duty, Robert transitioned to civilian life. Drawn to the company’s culture and focus on safety, he joined Med-Trans in 2009.
Today, Robert serves as a regional aviation manager for Med-Trans and EagleMed, providing leadership and support to a team of pilots and several aircraft across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.
Robert documented much of his experience during his two combat tours in a journal, which he later published as a book: Blackdeath 23 – My Journal as a Helicopter Pilot in Iraq, titled after his call sign during his last deployment. The book is available on Amazon in multiple formats.
What was your rank?
“I was a Chief Warrant Officer 2 or better known as a CW2.”
Is there anything you miss about serving?
“The main thing I miss are the teams I served with. Flying and working in extreme conditions brings a level of team cohesion that is difficult to articulate.”
Coming from a military family, Robert’s father served in the Army and National Guard, and his brother retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving in both the Army and Air Force. This legacy fostered a strong sense of duty and inspired his interest in service.
During his Army career, Robert flew the OH-58D helicopter in the Air Calvary, conducting close air support, reconnaissance and security missions for ground forces. He was deployed twice to Iraq and Kuwait, surviving close calls and gaining a deep appreciation for freedom at home while logging 1,250 hours of combat flight time.
Long deployments took a toll on him, his wife and daughters, and after seven-and-a-half years of active duty, Robert transitioned to civilian life. Drawn to the company’s culture and focus on safety, he joined Med-Trans in 2009.
Today, Robert serves as a regional aviation manager for Med-Trans and EagleMed, providing leadership and support to a team of pilots and several aircraft across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.
Robert documented much of his experience during his two combat tours in a journal, which he later published as a book: Blackdeath 23 – My Journal as a Helicopter Pilot in Iraq, titled after his call sign during his last deployment. The book is available on Amazon in multiple formats.
What was your rank?
“I was a Chief Warrant Officer 2 or better known as a CW2.”
Is there anything you miss about serving?
“The main thing I miss are the teams I served with. Flying and working in extreme conditions brings a level of team cohesion that is difficult to articulate.”
