The news is
never easy. I’m never ready for
it, although I probably should be considering the business we’re in. The loss of one member of the special operations team is extremely tough to
bear. The loss of five within a ten-day period is particularly tough.
Despite the
fact that the business we conduct is a dangerous one in a dangerous world, fighting dangerous people, I’m always saddened at the news of a loss to the
special operations team. I take it
personally, as does the entire special operations community. With each
notification I hold my breath in nervous anticipation, hoping the names don’t hit too close to home.
Unfortunately, they have, more than I care to admit. Seeing the name of a special operations warrior is hard enough. But when it’s someone from the same command or personally known, it’s damn near unbearable.
The losses
are real people with real lives and real families...
 |
| Photo Courtesy of us.army.mil |
Lt Col. John
Darin Loftis
Captain Ryan
Hall
Captain
Nicholas Whitlock
1Lt Justin
Wilkins
Senior
Airman Julian Scholten
With the
exception of Lt. Col. Loftis, 44, all were 30 years old…or younger. All were selflessly serving their country so
the rest of us can live in relative peace.
All were conducting operations designed to rid the world of hate,
discord, and terror.
Lt. Col.
“JD” Loftis was working with the Afghan people in a special program designed to
foster and enhance community relations.
He spoke the language and was generally well-accepted by the Afghan
community. He was doing good things for
the local people with an objective to help them. He was well-regarded. So much so that he
received the honor of a local name that translated to him being a “quality
human being.” (AF Public Affairs)
JD was
working in a secure compound when a so-called
trusted Pakistani junior officer reportedly walked into his office and shot him
in the head out of “retaliation for what U.S. officials called an inadvertent
burning of Qurans at Bagram Air Base north of Kabul.” (CNN) There is a 25-year-old Pakistani suspect in
custody.
It is an
outrage to think that our forces cannot be shielded from the grave dangers of
assassination even inside what is deemed to be a “secure” compound. What is even more of an outrage is how quick
our esteemed President was to apologize for yet another American transgression
related to the Quran burning, yet, we have heard nothing from him regarding any demands for an apology for the
senseless assassination of an American Warrior representing the very country he
presides over. Where is the apology
demand now, Mr. President? Why the silence?
Where’s the outrage?
All of these
losses, along with that of US Army Sergeant and local NW Florida resident,
Joshua Born, have rocked the NW Florida community and serves as a stark
reminder of the cold sober reality of the world in which we now live.
Your All
American Warriors continue to stand proudly against the oppressive forces of
tyranny and ask little in return beyond the support of the American
people. Their sacrifices and those of
their families deserve our undying gratitude and overwhelming support. Show that support by defending the values we
imbue as a free nation. Respect the flag
of the United States of America. Stand
tall during the national anthem. Thank a
service member in uniform when you see one.
Say thank you to those who have served.
And never forget those who have given all to preserve the American
ideals and very freedoms we all too often take for granted.
May God
bless you and yours. And may God bless
the All American Warrior!
- G -
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