Cape American Legion Post 63 receives flag

Air Force Master Sgt. Roger D. Cato, a Central High School and Southeast Missouri State University graduate, recently sent a flag flown by his Air Force C-130 Transportation Unit over Iraq and Afghanistan to the Louis K. Juden American Legion Post 63 in Cape Girardeau.

The soldier entered the service Dec. 16, 1985, and currently is on a four-month-on, four-month-off rotation that began in June and will continue for two years. Cato's home base is Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas. He is the son of Betty G. and the late Dale W. Cato of Cape Girardeau, who served as a past commander of the post. He is the husband of Carolyn Cato of Abilene, Texas.

When Cato touched ground in Al UDeid, Qatar, in June after a 24-hour flight, the 108-degree heat combined with wind at 20 knots might lead one to believe some relief was possible but instead, sand circulated, covering anything out in the open with the efficiency of a paint sprayer.

Amenities like three-minute showers, Burger King and Subway are much appreciated with his typical day-on, day-off schedule consisting of 14- to 16-hour flights. Flights include transporting prisoners, injured troops, manuevers and delivering relief to Marines or Army rangers in the form of quick transportation. He calls it hot, deafening work that he loves.

With the flag, a certificate of authenticity was presented stating the dedication and steadfast devotion to duty in the fight against terrorism along with the vindication of the thousands of innocent people it represents.

The soldier conveyed the precautions his unit takes by flying at high altitudes and at night how all or some of their lights are out. Ground time is kept at a minimum with engines running for quick getaways.

Since arriving in the Middle East, Cato's C-130 unit has flown more than 450 sorties, logged more than 1,000 hours, transported 5,409 passengers and delivered more than 1,200 tons of cargo in support of Americans and coalition forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.