Bob Nevins to Receive Honor for Heroic Service as Dustoff Crew Member in Vietnam
(Galway, N.Y.) – Alliance180 founder Bob Nevins will receive a Congressional Gold Medal, with the passage of the Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act, signed by President Biden this past Thursday, September 26. The bill became law immediately.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor that Congress can bestow upon a civilian. Nevins earns this honor for his service as a Dustoff helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Nevins, who now dedicates his life to helping fellow veterans through Alliance180, played a vital role in saving countless lives on the battlefield, and continues to serve those who have sacrificed for their country.
Nevins was part of the elite Dustoff crews who pioneered the concept of rapid medical evacuation using helicopters, transporting nearly 900,000 wounded soldiers, allied forces, and
even civilians during the Vietnam War. These crews risked their lives daily to rescue those injured in combat, often flying into dangerous territory under intense enemy fire. The Dustoff
motto, “When I have your wounded,” became a symbol of hope for countless soldiers, and Nevins and his fellow crew members exemplified this bravery.
Throughout the Vietnam War, Dustoff crews like Nevins' operated in some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable. Facing a 1 in 3 chance of being wounded or killed, these
crews embodied extraordinary courage, often flying in complete darkness or bad weather over perilous terrain, while enemy fire threatened their lives at every moment. Despite the immense risk, Nevins and his team consistently saved lives by delivering wounded personnel to medical facilities within the critical “golden hour” after injury, often in less than 50 minutes.
“This recognition isn't just for me,” said Nevins. “It's for every Dustoff crew member who risked their life to save others. We weren’t just soldiers—we were there to preserve life in the middle of chaos. Every mission reminded us how precious that was.”
Nevins’ journey didn’t end in Vietnam. Decades after returning home, he turned his focus to healing the invisible wounds of war, co-founding Alliance180, an organization that provides
veterans, first responders, and frontline healthcare workers with support and resources to heal after trauma. Drawing from his own experience, Nevins has devoted his life to helping veterans overcome the mental and emotional challenges they face after combat, much like the men he saved on the battlefield.
Denise Romeo, Executive Director of Alliance180, expressed immense pride in Nevins’ recognition, “Bob’s heroism is not limited to the battlefield. His dedication to serving veterans
and first responders is extraordinary, and this award is a testament to the compassion and courage he continues to show every day. Bob has touched countless lives, both through his
military service and his work at Alliance180, and we are honored to have him as a leader in our organization.”
As a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, Nevins joins an esteemed group of individuals who have made lasting contributions to the United States. His legacy as a Dustoff crew member and his continued advocacy for veterans' serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of service and sacrifice.
Following the award of the gold medal in honor of the Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War, the gold medal will be given to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum for display and
research. Duplicate bronze versions will be available for sale.
One of the key pillars of Alliance180 is its commitment to removing barriers to care. All elements of their Program, including transportation, meals and accommodations, are provided completely free of charge to the participant. This ensures that those who have served and have put themselves in harm's way on our behalf have access to the life-saving help they deserve, without the added burden of financial stress. Donations to Alliance180 may be made online.
Alliance180 was founded by Nevins. The Program was developed and written by co-founder Melody Squier, who is an equine specialist and first responder, and is based on trust through the universal language of the horse. The mission of this peer-to-peer, purpose-driven Program aims to prevent suicide for fellow Veterans, first responders, and frontline health care workers facing the effects of trauma through a transformative equine experience. The organization serves every county within New York State and beyond.
For more information about Alliance180, visit https://www.alliance180.org.


About Alliance180, Inc. Alliance180, Inc., is a charitable not-for-profit organization with headquarters and farm located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in the Town of Galway, NY. They are dedicated to reducing the staggering suicide numbers for Veterans, First Responders, and Frontline Healthcare Workers, accessing the universal language of the horse, and trust combined with science-based research of the Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, Ph.D.