Amber Smith grew up in a family steeped in military service and experienced in flying. So after high school, Smith joined the U.S. Army and trained to become a Kiowa combat helicopter pilot.

In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Smith details what's it's like to fly a helicopter and the challenges of doing while taking fire in close support of American ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Smith walks us through adjusting to military life, the difficulties of urban combat in Iraq, and dealing with a more determined enemy at high altitudes in Afghanistan.

Also the author of "Danger Close," which chronicles her time in uniform and in theater, Smith gives us an excellent glimpse into the intense and vital service of our combat helicopter combat pilots.