When Vibrations Cease

“It seems that Mr. Daniel Akers is an avid hiker and likes to go for long walks alone,” explained Tew. “He may have slipped on a rock and gone cascading down a hillside, or been attacked by animals, or is just plain slow about getting back. We just don’t know. All we do know is that he has not returned yet. He says he goes out on hikes to get closer to his maker.”

“He may be getting too close to his maker on this hike,” said Austin.

“Why in the world didn’t he take someone with him?” asked Edwards.

“It seems he cannot commune with God when other people are around,” answered Tew.

“You might know it would be a civilian trainee to cause a lot of trouble for the rest of us,” Austin said.

“How old is this guy, anyway,” asked Edwards.

“About twenty-three, I think” answered Tew.

“Old enough to know better,” Austin said.

“He will be hard to locate in that craggy mountainous terrain,” Edwards said.

“Do your best,” Tew said, “we don’t expect miracles.”

“Hey, even a blind hog finds an acorn now and then,” Edwards quipped, “maybe God will be with us….and him.”

“Austin, you’re the pilot and Edwards, you’re the spotter,” Tew added.

In search and rescue situations, spotters are the most essential members of any search crew: they must see the survivors, by detecting signs and signals associated with the event. Spotters ride in the backseat of the aircraft and, while on task, scan the ground for the presence of survivors. Spotters should have 20/20 eyesight corrected or uncorrected - glasses are fine, and should be fit and in good health.

“Now, get going,” Tew ordered, “and don’t’ become part of the emergency!”

“Yes Sir!” they said in unison, as they saluted the Captain, turned and walked out of the classroom.