Greetings. I am writing an article for Reader's Digest magazine about the particular stress endured by UAV pilots and crew during OIF and OEF. Newspaper stories have referred briefly to two stressors: Unlike airplane pilots, UAV pilots are frequently directed to linger over a target they have just struck, viewing the scene to gather intelligence -- confronting the effects of what they have done in a way that airplane pilots do not. Second, UAV pilots often return to civilian life after a shift -- home to the spouse and kids -- in a way other warriors do not. That, it seems, can cut both ways emotionally and mentally. For my article, I am hoping to find current and former UAV pilots who are willing to discuss this aspect of warfare, and hope to find one who would be willing to be profiled, photographed, and serve as the centerpiece to my article. There have never been warriors quite like UAV pilots before, and it seems to me and my editors that attention needs to be paid to the unique stresses they endure. If you are such a pilot, or know of one, or would like to discuss this issue on background to help me understand it more fully, please either email me at danbaum@me.com or call 303-546-9800. Thank you very much.
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As for this being a beat-up, you're wrong. This is Reader's Digest, for heaven's sake.