Special Forces soldier dies in Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Matthew Ammerman, a native of Noblesville, Ind., was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) when he died Dec. 3, 2014, as a result of wounds received in combat. (continue reading here)

Profiles in courage ... purple fingers indicate voting in Taliban-intimidating Afghanistan

The purple-stained finger is the Afghanistan equivalent to Americans' "I Voted" stickers on election day with a huge difference: Afghans take their lives in their hands as they defy the Taliban's threats of election day violence.

Melissa Charbonneau wrote at the George W. Bush Presidential Center blog:

Millions of Afghans witnessed a colorful display of democracy in action as voters flocked to the polls to vote in historic presidential elections. Twitter and Facebook are brimming with images of Afghan women emerging from polling centers cloaked in blue burqas, some wearing headscarves, others carrying  toddlers – but all holding up fingers stained with purple election ink, a gesture of defiance against Taliban intimidation and a return to past oppression.

In a country where women are trying to find their place and are outnumbered 2-to-1 by male voters, a determined lot braved Taliban threats to not only vote in Saturday's elections but also to proudly show off their purple-stained fingers:

Millions of Afghans witnessed a colorful display of democracy in action Saturday as voters flocked to the polls to vote in historic presidential elections. Twitter and Facebook are brimming with images of Afghan women emerging from polling centers cloaked in blue burqas, some wearing headscarves, others carrying toddlers – but all holding up fingers stained with purple election ink, a gesture of defiance against Taliban intimidation and a return to past oppression.

Read more about the women who have been oppressed under Taliban rule but who bravely stepped out to vote for the future of Afghanistan and young women in that country.

Army Ranger Josh Hargis' 'salute seen around the world' ... this is what a hero looks like

 

This is a photo taken by Josh Hargis' wife, originally published in the Cincinnati Enquirer

Army Ranger Josh Hargis was severely wounded by multiple IUDs during a mission in Afghanistan. During the ceremony to award him the Purple Heart prior to his medevac to Germany, though medical staff said he was unconscious, Ranger Hargis rendered honors to his Commander as the citation was read. A GENUINE AMERICAN HERO.

... as the Purple Heart presentation began, Josh Hargis struggled to move his right hand and lift it into a saluting position. Military protocol calls for a soldier to salute when he receives the Purple Heart.

Freedom is not free....

USA Today: Soldier delivers 'salute seen around the world'

H/T to Bill Janis

Gov. Bob McDonnell visits American troops in Afghanistan

Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell is a 21-year U.S. Army veteran who retired in 1997 as a Lieutenant Colonel. This week he is part of a U.S. State Department trip to Kuwait and Afghanistan to visit with American troops.

On Tuesday the Governor wrote about his mission:

As you read this email I'm currently visiting with our troops in Afghanistan.

This trip began at the start of the week, but due to security requirements we weren't able to make it public until today.

On Monday I joined Montana Governor Steve Bullock for a briefing at the Pentagon, followed by a very moving experience meeting with wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Medical Center. I cannot say enough about the bravery and the courage shown by these great American patriots who have given so much so that we may be free.

Yesterday we arrived at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and traveled to Udairi Army Air Field where I got to hold a town hall with Virginians serving there. The first thing I did was thank them, on behalf of all Virginians, for their service. After breakfast this morning with the troops we were back in the air, arriving here in Kabul a while ago.

We will remain in Afghanistan today and tomorrow, and continue meeting with Virginia soldiers and military leaders. Friday we will travel to Germany and visit a military medical facility to again meet with men and women who have been wounded in the service of our country. Part of that visit will be a little bit of a homecoming for me. I served in the Army in Germany in the late 70's as a platoon leader with the 2nd Armored Division, including running a medical clinic for our post. It will be nice to be back.

As Virginians, we have a close and historic relationship with the American military. This great Commonwealth can rightly be called the "home of America's Armed Services." From the Pentagon to Langley to Fort Lee to Naval Station Norfolk, the military defines our communities, employs our loved ones, and is an integral part of the fabric of life in this great state. I know that like myself, our daughter Jeanine who served in the Army in Iraq, and both my father and my father-in-law, so many of you have served our nation with honor and valor. Thank you for your service. And I also know that many of you who are reading this have loved ones in harm's way at this very moment. Our prayers and our deep appreciation are with you and your family.

This is a trip I've looked forward to for a long time. Freedom is not free. Everyday we wake up safe and secure because our neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends have volunteered to leave the peace of home for the danger and uncertainty of our world's most volatile locations. On this trip, I'm telling them, on behalf of all of us, thank you. The people of Virginia will never forget their service, their courage, their sacrifice.

God Bless Our Troops.

Richmond area soldier, 2 others killed in Afghanistan over weekend

This morning comes sad news that three U.S. soldiers, including one from the Richmond area, killed over the weekend in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Kyle P. Stoeckli, 21, of Moseley, Virginia, was killed in Maiwand, Afghanistan, on Saturday, June 1, from an improvised explosive device (IED). He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

Spc. Ray A. Ramirez, 20, of Sacramento, Calif., died Saturday in Wardak Province when his unit was attacked by an IED. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

Pfc. Mariano M. Raymundo, 21, of Houston, Texas, died Saturday in Sharan. The Department of Defense said the incident is under investigation. Raymundo was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, N.Y.

The deadly weekend for our Armed Forces is a reminder that our military men and women are still at war far away from home. These young men made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our prayers go out to their families and friends. Freedom is not free.

Emporia Va. National Guard unit deploying to Afghanistan

Another unit is deploying to Afghanistan in the continuing war on terrorism. From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

About 160 members of the Virginia National Guard are conducting final training for a deployment to Afghanistan.

A departure ceremony was held in Emporia on Wednesday for the members of the 1710th Transportation Company, 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group.
...
It is the first Virginia National Guard unit to serve on federal active duty since July. The unit last served federal active duty in Iraq from May 2008 to February 2009.

Freedom is not free....

Day of Mourning today for Virginia servicemen killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash

The Commonwealth of Virginia is paying its respects today to the Virginia servicemen killed on August 6, 2011, in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed and killed 30 American military members.

Governor Bob McDonnell, a 21-year U.S. Army veteran who retired in 1997 as a Lieutenant Colonel, declared that all state flags fly at half staff in memory of those American heroes killed in Operation Enduring Freedom. He also encouraged Virginia's citizens to fly flags at half staff and to donate to military service charities.

The tragedy took the lives of Navy SEALs with ties to Virginia. The Governor commented:

“While details surrounding the helicopter tragedy over the weekend are still being investigated, the human impact of the loss of these servicemen upon their families, their units, and the Virginia military community are profound.

“It is with a heavy heart that I ask all Virginians to join me in a day of mourning and remembrance for those who lost their lives defending our country and to offer their support and thanks to the families and military community they left behind. While no show of gratitude can ever replace what was lost during this tragedy, it is in times like these that Virginians need to rally to offer the care and support that can make a difference in the lives of all those touched by the tragedy.”

The Governor called upon citizens who wish to show their support through monetary donations to organizations such as the Navy SEAL Foundation, which provide support and financial assistance above what the U.S. Department of Defense provides, particularly immediate financial support and tragedy assistance to families. Virginians can text SEAL to 90999 to donate $10 or go online to the organization's website to make a donation.

Other support organizations for military families include Armed Forces Relief Trust, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation.

On Thursday the Department of Defense released the names of those killed in the crash:

Sailors assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Unit
- Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall, 32, of Shreveport, La.
- Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis J. Langlais, 44, of Santa Barbara, Calif.
- Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer(SEAL) Thomas A. Ratzlaff, 34, of Green Forest, Ark.
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist)Kraig M. Vickers 36, of Kokomo, Hawaii
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL)Brian R. Bill, 31, of Stamford, Conn.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) John W. Faas, 31, of Minneapolis, Minn.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kevin A. Houston, 35, of West Hyannisport, Mass.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Matthew D. Mason, 37, of Kansas City, Mo.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills, 35, of Fort Worth, Texas
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Chief Petty Officer (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist/Diver) Nicholas H. Null, 30, of Washington, W.Va.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves, 32, of Shreveport, La.
- Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson, 34, of Detroit, Mich.
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson, 28, of Angwin, Calif
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Parachutist) Christopher G. Campbell, 36, of Jacksonville, N.C.
- Information Systems Technician Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Jared W. Day, 28, of Taylorsville, Utah
- Master-at-Arms Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) John Douangdara, 26, of South Sioux City, Neb.
- Cryptologist Technician (Collection) Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) Michael J. Strange, 25, of Philadelphia, Pa.
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL/Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist) Jon T. Tumilson, 35, of Rockford, Iowa
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Aaron C. Vaughn, 30, of Stuart, Fla.
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jason R. Workman, 32, of Blanding, Utah

Sailors assigned to a West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Unit
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman, 27, of Ukiah, Calif.
- Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Nicholas P. Spehar, 24, ofSaint Paul, Minn.

Soldiers
- Chief Warrant Officer David R. Carter, 47, of Centennial, Colo. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), Aurora, Colo.
- Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Nichols, 31, of Hays, Kan. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.
- Sgt. Patrick D. Hamburger, 30, of Lincoln, Neb. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), Grand Island, Neb.
- Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett, 24, of Tacoma, Wash. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.
- Spc. Spencer C. Duncan, 21, of Olathe, Kan. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), New Century, Kan.

Airmen assigned to 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Field, NC
- Tech. Sgt. John W. Brown, 33, of Tallahassee, Fla.
- Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Harvell, 26, of Long Beach, Calif.
- Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Zerbe, 28, of York, Pa.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Army medic from Harrisonburg killed in Afghanistan

The Valley has lost another hero with the news that Army medic Spc. Levi E. Nuncio, 24, of Harrisonburg, was killed in action in Afghanistan.

According to the Defense Department, he died of wounds sustained in an attack that took place in Kunar province during his first deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team based at the Schoefield Barracks in Hawaii as part of the 25th Infantry Division.

A fellow soldier, Pfc. Joshua L. Jetton, 21, of Seibring, FL, was also killed on the attack. Our prayers go to both families with eternal thanks for their sacrifice in the war on terrorism.

Freedom is not free.

H/T to Chaz for the heads-up

Commander-in-Chief golfs on Memorial Day while military families mourn

Twenty-eight-year-old Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan last Thursday.

The New Hampshire native was a decorated AH-64D helicopter pilot with the 1st Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade out of Fort Hood, Texas.  He had just discovered a few days earlier that his wife was pregnant, a fact that hit The Other McCain blogger Smitty particularly hard considering he is currently serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy and his wife is at home expecting their first child.

Across the country on Monday, millions bowed their heads at memorial services held on a day set aside to honor those who have died while serving this country, protecting the lives and freedoms of Americans. At 3:00 p.m., Americans paused for a National Moment of Remembrance.

Where was President Obama? He reportedly hosted a breakfast for Gold Star families and laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then hit the links, golfing with staffers on Memorial Day,  an activity that some found disgraceful on such a solemn day.

White House reporter Keith Koffler reported the President’s activities on his blog and it was picked up by the British and conservative blogs while the usual mainstream media outlets have remained silent. What’s that you ask? What if President George W. Bush had done that?

Koffler pointed out that President Bush changed his lifestyle while in the White House:

The decision to golf on Memorial Day invites comparison with President George W. Bush, who gave up the game early in his presidency and said he did it out of respect for the families of those killed in Iraq.

“Respect for the families of those killed in Iraq” … it’s the perception that is left with the public on a day when American military families are mourning the loss of their loved ones.

To forgo such a public carefree activity on such a solemn day is to offer the comforting perception of … caring.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Vets for Freedom's Hegseth deploying to Afghanistan

VFF founder & Shenandoah County resident Wade Zirkle to be interim director

In 2011-2012, VFF executive director Pete Hegseth will deploy to Afghanistan with a Stryker battalion from the 25th Infantry Division. During that time, VFF founder and combat Marine Wade Zirkle will serve as VFF's interim executive director. God speed to Pete and all our troops in harm's way. From Vets For Freedom Executive Director Pete Hegseth....

Vets for Freedom members,

I will soon go on active duty in preparation for a combat deployment to Afghanistan later this year. It will be an honor to serve overseas again. As a result, later this month I will step down as executive director of VFF and Wade Zirkle--our organization's founder--will be the interim executive director.

Serving as your executive director for the past three years has been an incredible honor, and I'm very proud of what we've accomplished together. Most recently, VFF helped send 6 pro-victory Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to Congress--our new voices in Washington.

While in Afghanistan, and as the mission permits, I plan to send email updates from the front. If you'd like to receive my emails, sign up today at www.PeteHegseth.com.

2011 will be a critical year for our effort in Afghanistan, and I look forward to joining the long line of warriors who have fought to forge success on this important battlefield.

Moving out to draw fire,

Pete Hegseth
Executive Director, Vets for Freedom

P.S. You will not automatically receive my emails from Afghanistan. Sign up today at www.PeteHegseth.com to ensure you're added to the list.

Blogosphere bids farewell as "The Other McCain's" Smitty heads to Afghanistan

How many blog posts does it take to send off a conservative blogger who happens to be a Navy reservist going to war in Afghanistan? In the case of "Smitty," Stacy McCain's sidekick over at one of the most-read blogs, The Other McCain, the answer would be 35. At least. And probably more.

Smitty's Veterans Day announcement of his imminent deployment caught some off-guard. After all, these wide-spread eclectic citizen journalists are keyboard jockeys, not camel jockeys. Smitty had confided to a few that he would be shipping out but was firm that he didn't want anyone blogging about it before the 2010 elections. Nothing, he emphasized, should draw attention away from the immediate task at hand: send Democrats packing with pink slips in hand as Americans toiled to begin a correction of their political course on November 2.

Smitty can ship out knowing that task was accomplished and that the blogosphere will be a watch dog to keep the mission on task.

His farewell blog told where he was going and that he would be on hiatus from writing for a while:

Stacy has greased the skids here, but there will be a hiatus in regular blogging activity for the Smitty portion of this blog duo at the close of this post. I hold orders to activate in mid-November and report to Kabul, Afghanistan in time for Christmas. Bandwidth, and latitude for skylarking online will not exist until the end of 2011.

With an outpouring of thanks, good-natured jostling, and bids for safe travels, bloggers responded to the news that "Smitty" aka Chris Smith was deploying to Operation Enduring Freedom by doing what they do best: write.

Familiar blog names such as Fishersville Mike, Yankee Phil, DaTechguy, Little Miss Attila, The Lonely Conservative, No Sheeples Here,  Point of a Gun, Red State Eclectic, Right Wing News, theblogprof, Troglopundit, The Frugal Cafe,  Red State, Pirates Cove, SWAC Girl, and WyBlog and many more hung their hearts on their sleeves to salute this patriotic American. Who says bloggers don't have feelings?

In typical Smitty style, however, he didn't want the attention on him. As he wrote:

But don’t thank me; thank Americans, from the Founding Fathers forward to the Tea Parties, to my electrician brother-in-law who just runs around fixing things all day. The exceptional American dedication to individualism, the ideals of the Constitution, and the courageous soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in whose bigger footsteps I follow make it all worth it. I’ve benefited so much from the American people, educationally and otherwise. Thus, it’s with a sense of gratitude to you that I depart on this set of orders, finishing out my Navy Reserve career in active duty style.

In a follow-up "thank-you" post, Smitty was appreciative to everyone for the "outpouring of well-wishing concerning the deployment." He added that his mother called him and broke down at the sheer volume of responses from the blogosphere. He deserved it. One blogger called him an officer and a gentleman. He's all that and more.

Thank you, Smitty, for your service ... and Godspeed.

Cross-posted at Free Republic
Cross-posted at StrictlyVA

More sad news out of Afghanistan....

American soldiers killed in Kabul, Afghanistan...

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Seven U.S. troops have died in weekend attacks in Afghanistan's embattled southern and eastern regions, while officials found the bodies Sunday of five kidnapped campaign aides working for a female candidate in the western province of Herat.

Two servicemen died in bombings Sunday in southern Afghanistan, while two others were killed in a bomb attack in the south on Saturday and three in fighting in the east the same day, NATO said. Their identities and other details were being withheld until relatives could be notified.

The latest deaths bring to 42 the number of American forces who have died this month in Afghanistan after July's high of 66. A total of 62 international forces have died in the country this month, including seven British troops.

Prayers to the families of our American heroes....

Photos of Afghanistan by Brian Carterelli

Brian Carterelli, 25, was murdered in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Friday along with nine fellow humanitarian aid workers returning from providing medical treatment to isolated villages high in the mountains of Aghanitan. A 2009 graduate of James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Va.), he was a photographer and videographer. These are his photos that helped provide a glimpse into a people in a remote corner of the world most of us will hear about on the news but will never see.

A wall built by Alexander the Great.

Takhaterestan. An ancient Buddist warrior/king built this along with his caves.

Photos by Brian Carterelli
2010

Other posts:
- SWAC Girl: Brian Carterelli, 25, killed in ambush in Kabul
- Washington Examiner: Shenandoah Valley man killed by Taliban in Kabul ambush

Brian Carterelli, 25, of Rockingham killed in Kabul ambush

Rugged, snow-capped mountains of Afghanistan.
Photo by Brian Carterelli.

"It takes my breath away, how a human life in this world can be vibrant one day and so easily extinguished the next. It can be a painful fear to those of us that remain...may it instead be a reminder to us to lay up our treasures of hope and joy in heaven, and not in this world."
-- from PEACH graduate Leigh Robacker

A James Madison University graduate who was from Rockingham County was killed in Friday's ambush in Kabul, Afghanistan, that left 10 humanitarian aid workers dead including six Americans, two Afghans, one British, and one German citizen.

Brian Carterelli, 25, who earned a Media Arts and Design Digital Video degree from JMU, was the public relations project manager for the International School of Kabul. Word began circulating in the local home school community Saturday that he was one of those who had been killed. He was publicly identified this morning when news came from the State Department of the last American's identity.

His love of Afghanistan came through in photos of that country that were posted on Facebook, pictures of smiling Afghan children, hard-working Afghan people, beautiful mountain ranges, blooming flowers and flowering trees, the architecture, the pack animals of the region that included camels, horses, donkeys, oxen ... images that are not shown by the U.S. media. Under them was Brian's description: "It is not all war."

His Facebook page still invites visitors to become friends ... the smiling faces of his 649 friends include familiar names.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family at this very difficult time.

Photos of Afghanistan by Brian Carterelli

Shenandoah County soldier killed in Afghanistan

In Broadway they are mourning the loss of a local soldier who was killed Saturday in Iraq by a roadside bomb. Bucky Anderson, 24, was a local sports star who is fondly remembered by the community. His family was notified of his death Saturday and reportedly will drive to Dover, Delaware, today to retrieve his body. More at WHSV.com. Our prayers and condolences go out to this family.

Freedom is not free ... moment of silence at 3:00 today for Spc. Joshua Tomlinson

Spc. Joshua Tomlinson, 24, KIA, Afghanistan.

Army Spc. Joshua Tomlinson, 24, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was killed in Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, on May 18. His death is why we reflect and honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day.

Pat Austin and other bloggers in Louisiana are asking that we pause for a moment of silence at 2:00 their time, 3:00 Eastern time, to honor this young man and his sacrifice for America.

Spc. Tomlinson was killed in a vehicle bomb blast in Afghanistan. The hearse carrying his body was escorted from the Shreveport airport by law enforcement and the always-faithful Patriot Guard Riders. A candlelight vigil was held last night in his honor ... the funeral service will be held today at 2:00 p.m. in the Shreveport area.

Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover ordered all city flags to fly at half-staff to honor Spc. Tomlinson who has been posthumously promoted to Sergeant.

Our prayers go out to his family. May America never forget.

For those who have fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

Sad news out of Afghanistan....

Donald Douglas reports from American Power:

1,000 Americans dead in Afghanistan ... And naturally, New York Times is fast out of the gate with the news. See, "Grim Milestone: 1,000 Americans Dead":

On Tuesday, the toll of American dead in Afghanistan passed 1,000, after a suicide bomb in Kabul killed at least five United States service members. Having taken nearly seven years to reach the first 500 dead, the war killed the second 500 in fewer than two. A resurgent Taliban active in almost every province, a weak central government incapable of protecting its people and a larger number of American troops in harms way all contributed to the accelerating pace of death.

The mayhem of last August, coming as Afghans were holding national elections, provided a wake-up call to many Americans about the deteriorating conditions in the country. Forty-seven American G.I.’s died that month, more than double the previous August, making it the deadliest month in the deadliest year of the war.

The Times focuses on the death of Private Patrick Fitzgibbon, who stepped on an IED in August 2009. But readers should check the slideshow at Knoxville News, "Remembering Patrick Fitzgibbon: Knoxville soldier killed in Afghanistan."

Operation Enduring Freedom goes on. Our prayers and eternal thanks go to the families of our troops who have died.

Obama "dithers" as terrorists kill troops and U.N. employees

Cartoon by William Warren.
Printed with permission from GetLiberty.org.

Under the "leadership" of Barack Obama, the Taliban are emboldened and attacks are on the rise in the Middle East. Now the United Nations has been affected and Donald covers it at American Power:

The deaths of five U.N. employees in a Taliban assault on a Kabul guesthouse Wednesday is forcing the world body and humanitarian agencies to reevaluate the way they operate in Afghanistan, officials said, putting at risk programs aimed at helping millions of people and stabilizing the war-torn country.

I hope the U.N. is taking notice of the empty suit sitting in the White House ... the man many world leaders fawned over and flaunted in the face of former President George W. Bush. As Donald noted:

There's a horrible irony here for the Obama administration. The election of Barack Obama to the presidency lifted the hopes of liberal internationalists, seeing the Democratic victory as a validation of Obama's call for "a new era of global partnership" and of building "bridges of cooperation with the U.N. and other nations." Of course, now the president - who is stalling a decision on U.S. General Stanley McChrystal's request for troop reinforcements - is himself destroying that very vision of a new era in international relations.

Ironic, indeed. October is the bloodiest month ever in the war in Afghanistan (following three previous bloody months during the Obama administration). For two months a recommendation has sat on the president's desk requesting additional American troops to support those already in place ... for two months this president has had time for everything else except a decision on the war.

Because we are still at war. Remember Operation Enduring Freedom?

While our brave Marines and soldiers sacrifice to protect our freedoms and safety, their hands are tied with insufficient backup and restrictive Rules of Engagement ... and they are dying.

Dying, Mr. President. No amount of photo ops in the middle of the night as bodies arrive home from Afghanistan will change it. But your response by providing the requested troops -- pronto! -- could help.

While our president jets off to Coppenhagen to pick up his "peace prize," our troops are dying.

While Obama golfs with buddies, our troops are dying.

While the Democrats declare war on Fox News Channel (an act that is totally unpresidential and beneath the dignity of the White House), our troops are dying.

A result of this president's actions will be a drop in morale with the troops and the countries who have depended on our help. Many are calling for a decision from the president. Others have demanded that Congress read the McKrystal report.

Meanwhile, our troops are fighting. May God bless them and keep them safe while their Commander-in-Chief dithers away his time.

Afghanistan: Operation Eastern Resolve II

Operation Eastern Resolve II was launched in Afghanistan on Tuesday. From the official press release....

U.S. Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers launched Operation Eastern Resolve II in the Now Zad District of Helmand province this morning in an effort to disrupt insurgent violence and intimidation campaigns and provide freedom of movement for Afghan citizens to have the opportunity to vote in upcoming provincial and national elections.

Approximately 100 Afghan National Army soldiers and 400 Marines and sailors from Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan constitute the bulk of the U.S. forces conducting Operation Eastern Resolve II, including Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 40, which provided helicopter lift and other aviation support for the mission.

“Our mission is to support the Independent Election Commission and Afghan national security forces. They are the ones in charge of these elections. Our job is to make sure they have the security to do their job,” said Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, commanding general of MEB-Afghanistan. “While we encourage every Afghan to exercise his right to vote, who he or she votes for is none of our business.”

MEB-Afghanistan is a subordinate unit of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force. The combined U.S. and Afghan mission is to provide security for population centers and connect local citizens with their legitimate government while establishing stable and secure conditions for national elections scheduled for later this month as well as enhancing security for the future.

M*A*S*H ... Afghanistan style

We lost several American soldiers in Afghanistan the past few days, and British troops have been hit hard. As a result, the British field hospital at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, has been overrun with battlefield injuries and fatalities.

I can almost see Radar with an ear cocked to the sky as choppers are heard in the distance ... and the PA system blaring out, "Attention, all medical personnel! Attention! Incoming choppers! Repeat! Incoming!"

For all the comedy in that show, the underlying seriousness was that Korea was a real war ... and so is this one.

Eight British soldiers were killed Friday in Britain's bloodiest battles of the Afghanistan war. From Reuters:

Britain and the United States have launched simultaneous operations this month in Afghanistan's most violent province, Helmand, nearly half of which was under Taliban control until this month.

The British "Operation Panther's Claw" has met tough resistance from Taliban home-made bombs and sniper positions. Fighters have also struck back elsewhere in the province.

Britain has been a valued ally in the war on terrorism. Our prayers go to the fallen heroes and their families in Britain and America.