A year in Afghanistan

Submitted by Sledgehammer on

On this Memorial Day, we are to remember those who fell while serving our country. This article is about my unit and the time we spent in Afghanistan. I feel that reaching audience that might not normally read this article will do a small service to my fallen brothers.

http://www.theolympian.com/2010/06/01/1256597_1-17-a-year-in-the-life-and-much.html?rh=1

A little background on me. I was a medic with Charlie Company and I was also one of the Arabic students that were mentioned in the article. I was not injured during deployment and I don't have any signs of PTSD now. I am thankful for everyday that I have on this earth. I can answer any questions if anybody has them. 

Harbeezy

May 25th, 2015 at 12:23 PM ^

I cant even imagine what being a medic in the service would be like. I am so glad to hear you have come back in one piece both physically and mentally. Thank you for your actions. 

LSAClassOf2000

May 25th, 2015 at 12:33 PM ^

First and foremost, thank you for your service to this nation.

Also, thank you for sharing that article - you're right that it probably wouldn't get to MGoBlog unless someone posted it as you have, but all the same it was quite moving and a reminder of what today is in fact about. 

Wolverine In Iowa

May 25th, 2015 at 1:18 PM ^

Thank you for sharing this with us.  I regretfully never served, but I was an Army brat for the first 7.5 years of my life.  My dad retired as a BG in 1977 (yes, I am old as dirt) after 30+ years of service in the infantry.  He was in Germany right after WWII at Dachau, which had been converted from a concentration camp to a "de-Nazification" camp, and then he was in Korea (combat with the 2nd ID) and two tours in Vietnam.  I was born in Germany when he was with the 3rd ID.  After he was promoted to BG, we were stationed in Fort Lewis (Quarters Two - behind that big monument at the end of the parade field).  I attended Clarkmoor Elementary for kindergarten and first grade - I remember a lot of my time as a brat, and we loved Fort Lewis (now JBLM).

Thank you to you and all your brothers/sisters-in-arms.

xtramelanin

May 25th, 2015 at 1:17 PM ^

and thankfully all came home in one piece, more or less.   but for those who didn't, for those who stayed behind never to come back, who left their high schools, their proms, their jobs on wall street or farm fields or wherever they were, God bless them. 

004

May 25th, 2015 at 2:26 PM ^

I know one person (not me) who quit their lucrative Wall Street job to spend a few tours in Iraq. Unless you served, don't be lol'ing at those who did.

Fact is a very small percentage of our nation has now served in the military (not just Wall Street types) and far too many of us have become disconnected from their sacrific in war and peacetime.

I'm glad I did my five years in the Navy, but my time was easy compared to the OP and all those who served in combat - thanks to all the MGoVeterns out there.

ssuarez

May 26th, 2015 at 8:36 PM ^

On most trading floors that I've worked with. Lots of people enlisted after 9/11, and clearly some of those who enrolled left lucrative careers to do so due because it was so close to them. Some went on to careers in finance after serving. And I can't offer an analysis as to the percentage of "wall street types' that enlisted vs. that of the general population. My point is that speculating on it on is pointless, and your post was pointless. 

 

AlwaysBlue

May 25th, 2015 at 1:20 PM ^

for remembering those we will never know. And thank you for your service. I know most vets are humble and point to those who don't come home as the real heroes. For me your willingness to risk it all for your brothers, sisters and country, are the best a man or woman could ever be.

Monkey House

May 25th, 2015 at 1:40 PM ^

thank you to you and your tour over there. my cousin was over there for 13 months and like you made it home injury free. now he is somewhere in the middle east for 6 months. I'm always amazed by those who serve and especially those that return to serve again and again.

bluenoteSA80

May 25th, 2015 at 1:53 PM ^

What a huge sacrifice so many have made and it most definitely is fitting to bring this up on today of all days. Thank you for your service to our country. My son is currently in AIT and will be going to his first duty station in mid-July. Having your boy involved in the military makes all of these holidays take on a new meaning.

redhousewolverine

May 25th, 2015 at 2:36 PM ^

Thank you so much for your service. And thank your brothers for their service. Thanks for sharing the article with us. It helps give me a small, small taste of what it was like for you and others who fight for us. Have a great Memorial Day and I hope things keep going well for you and your brothers in life after Afghanistan.

Blue in Yarmouth

May 25th, 2015 at 2:58 PM ^

Please don't think me ignorant, but as a Canadian I'm always confused when it comes to your two holidays. Is this the one for living Vets or for the soldiers who died. Honest question, no disrespect intended.




Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

CodeBlue82

May 25th, 2015 at 6:19 PM ^

Veterans Day in the U.S. and Rembrance Day (Poppy Day) in Canada both started as Armistice Day, honoring those who had died in The Great War. But the U. S. has an older tradition of decorating the graves of soldiers who died in the American Civil War with flowers in May. "Decoration Day" in May became Memorial Day, honoring those who died in war (this is the "poppy day" in the U.S.), and Nov 11 became a holiday when all veterans are honored. 

BlueMan80

May 25th, 2015 at 3:51 PM ^

My dad was a medic in Patton's 3rd army during WWII. I tried several times to talk to him about his experiences, but he'd tell a silly tale, like how he learned what calvados was, and that was about it. My mom could never get him to go to Europe. He said he'd seen enough of the place.

Michigasling

May 25th, 2015 at 5:58 PM ^

He was a refugee from Nazi Germany, got out just in time right out of medical school, getting a Master's at Michigan-- which saved his life in more than one way (long story).  When the U.S. entered the war, he and his older brother, an engineer, immediately volunteered to serve, Dad in the Philippines as a medical officer and his brother in Europe (in the OSS).  They both survived, but we can only imagine what they saw and experienced along the way and how many of their fellows never returned.

Our world today is dealing with the same kind of insanity that would not have ended without the men of WWII, and few of us today would have the courage and dedication to willingly put our lives on the line to fight this new version of global insanity. 

So, OP, thanks to you and for reminding us that it's a good day to remember. 

Robocrofts

May 25th, 2015 at 4:29 PM ^

It seems we were deployed during the same timeframe.  However, I was in Iraq.  I was on "loan" to Chuck troup for my tour.  Normally I roll with the B. Co. Killers.  Many, many memories.  I'm with an Apache battalion.  Fortunately we did not lose anyone during this tour.  As someone who now works in healthcare, I respect the burden you carry.  Much admiration for your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your brothers in arms.  

Engin77

May 25th, 2015 at 5:00 PM ^

That's a powerful story from the Olympian; your unit was in a tough spot.

 

Is the unit's monument in Joint Base Lewis-McChord?

I've been meaning to stop there on my way to Seattle.

Sledgehammer

May 25th, 2015 at 6:21 PM ^

I dont't think so. Last I heard, it is still in Afghanistan on FOB Frontenac. There is a person who is trying to get it back to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Hopefully he succeeds. There is a tipi that we had during the deployment that did make it back though.

All'n4Michigan

May 26th, 2015 at 6:03 AM ^

Thanks for the service.  I am currently serving the 5th month of a 9 month deployment at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait with week long missions into Iraq each month.  The worst part is being away from family during this time.

WestSider

May 26th, 2015 at 12:01 PM ^

It takes a special sort of individual to offer that sort of sacrifice for his/her country. The mental/emotional/physical toll is significant in many cases, and the US government has not provided enough resource support to soldiers and their families at home. I hope you have a long and happy life away from that quagmire. I have never served, but hearing stories from soldiers makes me believe that the word 'sacrifice' is not cliche in the least. Best wishes man

MgoTango

May 26th, 2015 at 1:24 PM ^

And thank you for posting the link to the article, as now many of us have been able to read it and think of you and the other members of your unit.

LB

May 26th, 2015 at 2:48 PM ^

and even less responding, but I wanted to thank you for your service.

I do owe thanks to Buck Wild for reminding me why I don't read comments very often.