Special Forces in Agfghanistan

U.S. Special Forces are extracted from a mountain pinnacle in Zabul province, Afghanistan, by a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade after executing an air assault mission to disrupt insurgent communication.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aubree Clute

Click Picture to Enlarge

Some things these guys do are just too amazing for words!

Air Force Pararescue ~ The Mission That Never Ends

Senior Airman Jelly Larsen, pararescueman of the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron scans his sector as the rest of his element team enters a building during a training exercise here Aug. 4. The 64th ERQS provides combat search and rescue support to coalition forces in the Iraqi theater of operations.
Photo by SrA Andria Allmond

Senior Airman Jelly Larsen, pararescueman of the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron scans his sector as the rest of his element team enters a building during a training exercise here Aug. 4. The 64th ERQS provides combat search and rescue support to coalition forces in the Iraqi theater of operations.
Photo by Chris Hubenthal-Magarian

The Mission That Never Ends: Downrange Pararescue Jumpers Keep Training

332nd Air Expeditionary Wing
Story by Andria Allmond
11 August 2009

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- "Is she alive?"

"Copy. Still alive."

The pararescuemen load their patient onto the litter, carrying her off to the safety of an awaiting vehicle.

But the mission isn't over; this mission never really ends.

It's a crisis-action training scenario -- one of the many exercises employed by Air Force pararescuemen, the only members of the Department of Defense assigned the primary mission of recovery and medical treatment of personnel in friendly and hostile environments.

"Readiness is a major Air Force term that a lot of conventional military folks strive for - to be combat-ready," said Tech Sgt. Bob "Scarecrow" Roberts, a pararescue jumper with the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Joint Base Balad. "Once our PJs are out of the pararescue pipeline, they are ready to start the initial familiarization training. After completion of IFAM, and under supervision, they can perform all tasks civil, combat or any other situation that presents itself - they are ready to deploy. But, the training never stops."

Training is a way of life for these U.S. Air Force Special Forces operatives, whose training program possesses the highest drop-out rate in the entire U.S. military special operations community.

Along with the physical preparation, including ruck marches, mountaineering, scuba diving, rock climbing, all-terrain vehicle operations, hand-to-hand combat and land navigation, PJs participate in extensive medical-trauma training, which eventually rewards them with a nationally-recognized paramedic certification.

"Our medical training takes about seven months, with classes every day non-stop," said Senior Airman Asher Woodhouse, 64th ERQS pararescueman, who has spent the last two years accomplishing a series of tasks working toward his five-level certification. "We continually get hands-on training by working in [civilian] fire departments, emergency and operating rooms. We also put ourselves through scenarios and situations that focus on the type of patients we will most likely see."

This medical training can be integrated into two types of ground scenarios employed by PJs.

"The first of the two types of ground training scenarios is a deliberate-plan rescue scenario," said Capt. Travis Shepard, 64th ERQS combat rescue officer. "During this kind of mission, the course of action is prepared over 24 hours or more. The other is a crisis-action mission. In crisis action, the planning is limited to 20 minutes or less and is a response to an event that has just occurred. The focus of it is time and team management, to watch a guy under pressure and see how he handles stress."

Training in a combat zone requires these highly-regarded warriors be primed for real-world alerts at all times.

"There is the added tension that we can be training one minute and the next be called to recover someone who was injured and in harm's way," said Woodhouse. "We have to step up our game while we're here because we never know when something bad is going to happen."

While most deployed Airmen pause their upgrade training while deployed, that's not an option for PJs.

"We only have a small number of pararescuemen world-wide and if we were to wait, we wouldn't have the ability to cover alerts in theater," said Roberts, a PJ with 15 years of service.

The training not only helps ensure their skills are compatible, but it also creates the synergy necessary for them to help people in need as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"I need to know I have them right behind me when I'm going into a room, down a fast rope or into a building where I'm picking up isolated personnel," said Roberts. "I need to know that [the team] is absolutely with me. I'd give my life for any of these guys."

Gen Petraeus Visits the USS Bainbridge

USS Bainbridge
Navy photo released

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, addresses sailors aboard USS Bainbridge while the ship was in port in Manama, Bahrain, July 27, 2009. Petraeus thanked sailors for their hard work while deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet as well as their role in the successful rescue of Richard Phillips, the Maersk Alabama captain held captive by Somali pirates for five days in April.
U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer

Petraeus Visits Sailors, Awards Maersk Rescuers

By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer
Special to American Forces Press Service

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 27, 2009 – The head of U.S. Central Command visited the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge while in port here today to thank sailors for their work while deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet, as well as for their role in the rescue of Richard Phillips, the Maersk Alabama cargo ship captain held captive by Somali pirates.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus held an all-hands call with Bainbridge's sailors and presented awards to three sailors for rescuing Phillips after he was held by pirates for five days in April.

"The eyes of the world were upon you that Easter weekend," Petraeus said. "You played important roles and should be proud of what you did. In moments of danger and decision during the rescue of Captain Phillips, you did what you were trained to do. You remembered your skills. You did your duty. You stood your watch. And you brought Captain Phillips home alive."

Petraeus presented Senior Chief Joel Steinbach with the Meritorious Service Medal, and Petty Officers 2nd Class Matthew Olin and Joshua Waters with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for their exemplary service during the rescue.

Steinbach served as the chief negotiator and liaison between the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group/Crisis Negotiation Unit and the pirates holding Phillips.

"I am honored to be recognized with this award and to receive it from General Petraeus," Steinbach said. "However, the credit for the rescue of Captain Phillips belongs to all the sailors who took part in the successful operation."

Olin and Waters led a boat crew in the covert recovery of U.S. Navy SEALs, served as coxswain as their boats approached the pirate lifeboat holding Phillips despite coming under hostile fire on the initial approach, and navigated their boats alongside the lifeboat to direct negotiations for the release and subsequent rescue of Phillips.

"I am proud that I was part of this mission and that I made a difference," Olin said. "I am proud of all the sailors involved who not only risked their lives, but brought honor upon our ship."

Bainbridge Commanding Officer Cmdr. Frank X. Castellano said it was an honor to host Petraeus. He praised his crew for their role in the rescue and counter-piracy operations.

"The success of Captain Phillips' rescue belongs not to a single commander or a team of SEALs," Castellano said. "Those few days belong to everyone involved -- officers and enlisted, not on one ship, but several – who diligently stood their watch. It belongs to the many."

(Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer serves in U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.)

Previous Stories:
USS Bainbridge
Captain Phillips and the Pirates

Wednesday Hero ~ Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc A Lee

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marc A. Lee
28 years old from Hood River, Oregon
Navy SEAL
August 2, 2006


"Marc was amazing. He was my best friend, my love," his widow, Maya, said.

Petty Officer Marc A. Lee joined the Navy in 2001 and became an AO after completing Naval Air Technical Training. Later that year he attempted to complete the grueling BUD/S program but caught pneumonia and had to drop out. He tried again in 2004 and completed the course. He joined a SEAL team and deployed in 2005

On August 2, 2006, Marc A. Lee became the first SEAL to be killed in combat in Iraq when he was fatally wounded in a firefight in Ramadi, Iraq. The following is from the award citation for the Silver Star he received postumously:

"During the operation, one element member was wounded by enemy fire. The element completed the casualty evacuation, regrouped and returned onto the battlefield to continue the fight. Petty Officer Lee and his SEAL element maneuvered to assault an unidentified enemy position. He, his teammates, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Abrams tanks engaged enemy positions with suppressive fire from an adjacent building to the north.

"To protect the lives of his teammates, he fearlessly exposed himself to direct enemy fire by engaging the enemy with his machine gun and was mortally wounded in the engagement. His brave actions in the line of fire saved the lives of many of his teammates"

"It was so like Marc to give up his life to save his friends," his mother, Debbie Lee, told the Hood River News. "I am so proud of him. He is my hero."

Petty Officer Lee was posthumously awarded a Silver Star and Bronze Star with combat "V" for his actions in Iraq during his team’s combat tour and the Purple Heart medal.

Source: MilitaryCity.com

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Editors Note:
PO2 Marc A Lee was from my state of Oregon. His loss affected all of us very deeply. My previous pieces on Marc are here:

Farewell, Marc Lee - http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2006/08/farewell-mark-lee.html

Memorial for Marc Lee - http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2006/08/memorial-for-navy-seal-mark-lee.html

A piece on his service and the protesters who didn't get to spoil it is here and the video is very moving - http://www.salem-news.com/articles/august272006/hatemongers_82706.php

And, finally, his Mom, Debbie Lee, who has been a public face and constant advocate for our troops - http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/2008/02/gold-star-mom-standing-up-for-troops.html

Air Force Pararescue

05/09/2009 - A U.S. Air Force pararescueman from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron jumps out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 during freefall swimmer deployment training over the Gulf of Aden May 9, 2009.

DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Swafford Jr., U.S. Air Force/Released

The Navy Seals

The Navy Seals are often famous just for their legend and mystery - for their perceived accomplishments, as their actual ones are not usually made public. They are a symbol of the protection that men in shadows provide to our country. They calm our fears. They let us rest well at night. We know they are out there, somewhere, watching out for us.

In recent memory, we have learned about Marcus Luttrell and SEAL Team 10 in Afghanistan. Those of us who read his book were not only astonished by the events in Afghanistan, the bravery of the team, but we were given a glimpse into what it takes to become a Navy SEAL.

Now, we have the story of the Navy SEAL snipers who took out the Somali pirates and saved cargo ship Captain Richard Phillips from his captors.

These are men who put themselves in front of evil and sacrifice for it - sometimes sacrificing all. They are highly trained (read it about it here: http://www.sealswcc.com/Home_Page.htm ) and highly specialized. The training is not easy and it is not cheap. And, the training never stops. They stay alert. They stay ready. They act in the silence of the shadows. Few will ever know what they do for our country.

I am grateful that they received the acclaim they deserved in their recent actions, and hope that more Americans understand the cost of peace and freedom at home. I am proud of them and I am grateful.

Fast-Roping

10/22/2008 - Special forces members disembark from CV-22 Osprey aircraft assigned to the 8th and 71st Special Operations Squadrons during a fast-roping demonstration at Hurlburt Field, Fla., on Oct. 22, 2008. The simulation provided members of Congress with a realistic view of special operation missions during their tour of the base.

DoD photo by Senior Airman Sheila DeVera, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

Wednesday Hero ~ SAS Soldier

Wednesday Hero was started to put a spotlight on the men and women of the United States military and the bravery their show day in and day out. But on a few occasions a service members of an allied nation has been profiled. Such is the case this week.

Despite being shot twice during an ambush in Afghanistan, an SAS (Special Air Service) soldier from Australia lashed himself to the front of his patrol vehicle so he wouldn't be left behind if he passed out from loss of blood and kept on fighting.

The Digger is expected to be recommended for a high level bravery award.

Suffering from serious upper body wounds, the soldier struggled on to the front of his SAS long range patrol vehicle (LRPV) and, under heavy fire, used a rope to attach himself firmly between the vehicle's bull bar and radiator.

Once he was secured, and there was no chance that he would fall off if he fainted, he picked up his rifle and resumed firing at the enemy during a two-hour fighting withdrawal.

SAS troops and their special forces comrades from the Commando Regiment are well aware of the slow and painful death that awaits them if they are captured by the Taliban.

The Digger, who cannot be identified, faded in and out of consciousness, emptying several magazines as volleys of enemy rounds and rocket propelled grenades, rained down around him.

He was finally evacuated from the battle field at high speed still lashed to the front of the LRPV.

A source told The Courier-Mail the Digger was now "up and about" and would recover fully from his serious gunshot wounds. His heroic deeds will be recognized when he is recommended for a high level bravery award.

Several others engaged in the do-or-die battle on September 2 are also in line for top honours.

While their names are not being made public, you can read the entire story here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Book Review ~ Never Surrender by LTG William G Boykin

Never Surrender

A Soldier's Journey to
The Crossroads of Faith and Freedom

LTG (Ret) William G Boykin

My first introduction to General Boykin was amid the slime campaign of the left in the early years of the War on Terror. I had never heard of him before - most had not - after all, he was a member of Delta Force, became the commander of Delta Force and finished his career as the deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence at the Pentagon.

Reading General Boykin's book is taking an action tour of the history of the last decades of the 20th Century. He takes you through Ranger School, the end of the Vietnam War, the qualifying for the new unit, Delta Force, the Desert One action during the Iran Hostage Crisis, the Sudan, the War in Greneda, Panama and the capture of Noriega, Columbia and the hunt for Pablo Escobar, Waco, Mogadishu and the event known as Black Hawk Down and hunting war criminals in the Balkans. Boykin was in the center of the action at all of these historic events.

I learned a great deal that I did not know about these historic events, including the source and reason for the rock music while Noriega was hiding in the Vatican Embassy. No, it isn't any of the reasons the press told us about. The events are given clarity and reason.

Throughout the most dangerous conflicts in the world, good men are wounded and good men die. General Boykin shares their heroic stories. He also shares the story of his faith - the thread that kept him moving forward and doing the right thing while he was protecting our country.

This is a book full of noble stories and heroism. It reads with the tension of a well crafted novel. Anyone interested in history or the military should read this book.

Training Beekeepers in Afghanistan

An Afghan beekeeping student demonstrates the honey-extraction skills his instructor taught him, as his fellow students look on. The Shindand Agricultural Experiment Station provides farmers in the Shindand district of Afghanistan's Herat province with agricultural education and employment.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anna Perry,

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan

An Afghan instructor teaches local farmers how to remove bees from a honeycomb during the honey extraction process. The beekeeping course is being held at the Shindand Agricultural Experiment Station in Afghanistan's Herat province.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anna Perry,

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan

By Army Spc. Anna Perry
Special to American Forces Press Service

SHINDAND AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 3, 2008 - U.S. special operations warriors serving in western Afghanistan's volatile Herat province have a unique security-enhancing capability in their own backyard, and it involves neither bullets nor bombs.

The Shindand Agricultural Experiment Station, located within the perimeter of Shindand Airfield, is an attempt to provide desperately needed agricultural skills to Afghans and an effort to jumpstart agricultural production in the Shindand district.

"The agricultural center has many positive effects for the both the troops and the local population," a U.S. Special Forces civil affairs team leader said. "This allows us to build a rapport with the villagers through education and employment; therefore, they are given a reason to think twice about allowing the anti-Afghan forces to step in and influence their lives in a negative way. The presence of this agricultural center is a security measure in and of itself."

The agricultural center, which officially opened in May, boasts a greenhouse, honey house, four concrete fish ponds, a classroom and living quarters for three scientists. Thousands of pomegranates, grape vines, fruit trees, rose bushes and vegetables grow around the station.

"The station is intended to be used for the development of innovative approaches to agricultural production, the demonstration of new technologies and to teach and support local farmers," said the station's agricultural advisor, a coalition officer who will be the primary mentor to the three Afghan scientists who soon will be hired to operate the station.

Thirty years ago, the advisor said, Afghanistan was an exporter of food, with pomegranates, nuts and vegetables among the major crops. "I believe they have the capacity to once again export food, but they need a better handle on concepts like water conservation and adapting new technologies like drip irrigation," the agricultural advisor said.

The intent is to hire Afghan scientists who have a wide array of specialty skills ranging from vegetable production to fish farming. The scientists will teach classes and conduct research at the station and will go out into the villages and share their knowledge with local farmers, the agricultural advisor added.

Six Afghans who work at the station provide maintenance, crop irrigation, weeding and planting support.

The vast majority of Afghans are employed in some type of agricultural profession, and until a legitimate way to make money is provided, they will continue to use poppy production as a main source of income, the agricultural advisor said. The station provides Shindand-area farmers with a realistic alternative to poppy production.

Roughly two dozen local farmers are taking a three-week-long beekeeping course at the station. The material covered in the class, which is being taught by an Afghan instructor, will enable the farmers to manage beehives and to extract and market honey.

One local farmer said he is grateful to have an opportunity to learn a skill as lucrative as honey production.

A beekeeping student who resides in the village of Changan said his view is the same as that of other villagers at the course. "We came here because this is one of the best ways to make money in Afghanistan," he said. "Honey is the most expensive thing to buy at the bazaar. We are here to support our families, economy and country."

At the end of the course, the graduating students will receive three beehives, bees and the equipment necessary to extract honey.

In the future, the station also will provide courses on agricultural skills such as poultry production and fish farming. In addition, the agricultural advisor will work hand in hand with a U.S. Special Forces civil affairs team in establishing a fruit-drying warehouse and a poultry farm, which will be extensions of the agricultural station.

Through one class at a time and one job at a time, the agricultural station peacefully is creating a more secure Shindand district for both the villagers who live there and the troops who serve there.

"My idea is that we should provide all Afghan people with jobs and there will be peace," the beekeeping student said. "Run this kind of project all over the country. ... You can hold security with weapons and rifles, but if there are enough jobs, people will go to work and not steal or fight to support their families. There is hope, because the economy is improving. The security of this country depends on the jobs."

*****************************

I know - another agriculture story! Successful agriculture is the keep to self-suffciency.

Marcus Lutrell Interview

Marcus Luttrell is a six-foot-five-inch Texan, former Navy SEAL and author of “Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.”

Today at 8pm ET, Luttrell joins Now is the Time on BlogTalkRadio for an exclusive interview. Hear from the man himself as he details his story of courage, honor, and patriotism with FlyLady Marla Cilley and BlogTalkRadio CEO Alan Levy. This inspirational story The Washington Post says “showcases both American heroism and Afghani humanity,” will move and shake your beliefs about modern warfare and those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Even if you’ve read the book, you’ve not heard it from the mouth of the Lone Survivor.

Following the interview, the hosts will take your calls about this amazing man and his story. Join the conversation today.

Even if you cannot listen live, you can hear the interview at this link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/flylady/nowisthetime/2008/05/14/Now-Is-The-Time

Lt Michael P Murphy ~ Inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes

Maureen and Daniel Murphy stand next to a framed picture and Medal of Honor citation during a ceremony where their son, Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy was inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, Oct. 23, 2007.

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess, USN

A framed Medal of Honor Citation and photo of U.S. Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy, is displayed during a cermony in which he was inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, Oct. 23, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess

Unveiled today, Murphy’s is the only name in a space reserved for those who have received the highest military decoration for combat valor in Operation Enduring Freedom. At the White House yesterday, President Bush presented the lieutenant’s Medal of Honor to Murphy’s parents, Maureen and Dan Murphy.

Upon seeing his son’s name today -- surrounded by the names of 3,444 Medal of Honor recipients honored in the hall -- Dan Murphy kissed his hand and pressed it to the letters. “This is a little overwhelming,” Murphy, choking back tears, told the audience that packed the hall and spilled into the adjacent Pentagon corridor.

“While we are here today to deal with individual acts of courage by Michael,” Murphy said, “Michael was in fact a team player, and there were 10 other SEALs and eight Army special operations (soldiers) that were lost on that day.”

The fateful day Dan Murphy referred to is June 28, 2005. In the Hindu Kush Mountains that day, as his son led a four-man SEAL team in search of a key terrorist commander, the unit came under attack by some 50 Taliban fighters. The lieutenant is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his teammates, according to a summary of action published by the Navy.

Despite intense combat around him, Michael Murphy -- already wounded in the firefight -- moved into the open, where he could gain a better transmission signal and request backup from headquarters. At one point, Murphy was shot in the back, causing him to drop the transmitter. The lieutenant picked it back up, completed the call and continued firing at the enemy as they closed in.

By the time the two-hour gunfight had concluded, Murphy and two others SEALs had been killed. An estimated 35 Taliban died in the fighting.

As a somber postscript to Murphy’s bravery, the helicopter that he requested crashed after being struck by a rocket- propelled grenade, killing everyone on board. That day was the deadliest for Navy Special Warfare forces since World War II.

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England called Murphy a “rare hero” who sacrificed his life for others. He added that the lieutenant devoted himself to preserving the American way of life for future generations.

“As a nation, we are willing to sacrifice our blood and our treasure for our founding belief, and that founding belief is our freedom,” England said. “Michael was securing those very freedoms for Americans and for the people of Afghanistan when he made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter read an excerpt from the SEAL creed, an ethos with which most Americans are unfamiliar, he said.

“I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity,” Winter said, reciting the doctrine. “I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.”

“Lieutenant Murphy lived that creed,” Winter added. “He looked within himself and chose the path of honor.”

Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, said Murphy distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty.

“On behalf of all who wear the uniform of the United States Navy, today and for all years to come, I extend our gratitude and our profound admiration for Michael Murphy’s service, for his example, for his leadership and for his uncommon valor,” he said.

Aside from those in Navy dress, Murphy’s memory today was honored by men and women in other uniforms. Some 60 members of the New York City fire department arrived by bus and car to attend the ceremony.

On his SEAL uniform, Murphy wore a New York City firehouse patch to honor firefighters killed during the Sept., 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, which occurred about 60 miles from his hometown Patchogue, N.Y. Firefighters like Daniel Swift, stationed at Ladder 43 in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City, now wear Murphy’s patch on their fire coats.

Swift, who was wounded in Baghdad in 2004 while serving as an Army specialist, said he and his fellow firefighters share an indelible bond with servicemembers. After Murphy died, Swift and the other Ladder 43 firemen hosted the SEALs from Murphy’s unit for a few days at the firehouse, loading them onto engines during calls.

“There were no second thoughts,” Swift said about his Ladder’s decision to attend today’s ceremony. “Not many people could understand the bond between the SEALs and the fire department there, but it exists very powerfully.”

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

This is the video of the induction ceremony.
It is quite beautiful - especially when Mr. Murphy talks about his son.

To read about the Medal of Honor, go here.

To read more about Lt Murphy, please go here.

To read the citation, please go here.

Medal of Honor ~ Lt Michael P Murphy

President George W. Bush stands with Dan and Maureen Murphy, parents of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, after the Navy SEAL was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor during ceremonies Monday, Oct. 22, 2007, in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

President George W. Bush leads the applause after presenting Dan and Maureen Murphy with the Medal of Honor in honor of their son, Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who died in action during service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2005. White House photo by David Bohrer

President George W Bush presented the Medal of Honor to the parents of Lt Michael P Murphy.

It is because of men like Lt Michael Murphy and those on his team, Danny Dietz, Matt Axelson, Marcus Luttrell, and those on the rescue helicopter who died - 8 SEALs and 8 Nightstalkers - that we are free to live in the greatest country on the face of the earth.

To read more about Lt Murphy, please go here.

To read the citation, please go here.

Medal of Honor Ceremony for Lt Michael Murphy

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, and welcome to the White House. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that a President can bestow. It recognizes gallantry that goes above and beyond the call of duty in the face of an enemy attack. The tradition of awarding this honor began during the Civil War. And many of those who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it.

Today, we add Lieutenant Michael Murphy's name to the list of recipients who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Deep in the mountains of Afghanistan, this brave officer gave his life in defense of his fellow Navy SEALs. Two years later, the story of his sacrifice humbles and inspires all who hear it. And by presenting Michael Murphy's family with the Medal of Honor that he earned, a grateful nation remembers the courage of this proud Navy SEAL.

I welcome the Vice President; Senator Ted Stevens; Senator Chuck Schumer, from Lieutenant Murphy's home state. I appreciate very much the fact that Congressman Tim Bishop, from Lieutenant Murphy's district, is with us today. Welcome. Thank you all for coming.

I appreciate the fact that Deputy Secretary Gordon England has joined us; Secretary Pete Geren of the Army; Secretary Don Winter of the Navy; Secretary Mike Wynne of the Air Force; Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations; and all who wear the nation's uniform. Welcome.

I appreciate the fact that we've got Barney Barnum, Tom Kelley, Tommy Norris, and Mike Thornton, Medal of Honor recipients, with us today.

We do welcome Dan Murphy and Maureen Murphy, father and mother of Michael Murphy; John Murphy, his brother; and other family members that are with us today.

It's my honor to welcome all the friends and comrades of Lieutenant Michael Murphy to the White House. And I want to thank Chaplain Bob Burt, Chief of Chaplains, for his opening prayer.

Looking back on his childhood in Patchogue, New York, you might say that Michael Murphy was born to be a Navy SEAL. SEALs get their name from operating by sea, air, and land -- and even as a toddler, Michael could find his way through any obstacle. When he was just 18 months old, he darted across a neighbor's yard, and dove into the swimming pool. By the time his frantic parents reached him, Michael had swum to the other side with a big smile on his face. As he grew older, Michael learned to swim from one side of a nearby lake to the other -- and he developed into a talented all-around athlete.

But beyond his physical strength, Michael Murphy was blessed with a powerful sense of right and wrong. This sense came from devoted parents who taught him to love his neighbor -- and defend those who could not defend themselves. Well, Michael took these lessons to heart. One day in school, he got into a scuffle sticking up for a student with a disability. It's the only time his parents ever got a phone call from the principal -- and they couldn't have been prouder. Michael's passion for helping others led him to become a caring brother, a tutor, a lifeguard, and eventually, a member of the United States Armed Forces.

Michael's decision to join the military wasn't an easy one for his family. As a Purple Heart recipient during Vietnam, Michael's father understood the sacrifices that accompany a life of service. He also understood that his son was prepared to make these sacrifices. After graduating from Penn State with honors, Michael accepted a commission in the Navy -- and later, set off for SEAL training. Fewer than a third of those who begin this intense training program graduate to become Navy SEALs. Yet there was little doubt about the determined lieutenant from New York. And in 2002, Michael earned his Navy SEAL Trident.

Michael also earned the respect of his men. They remember a wise-cracking friend who went by "Mikey" or "Murph." They remember a patriot who wore a New York City firehouse patch on his uniform in honor of the heroes of 9/11. And they remember an officer who respected their opinions, and led them with an understated, yet unmistakable, sense of command. Together, Michael and his fellow SEALs deployed multiple times around the world in the war against the extremists and radicals. And while their missions were often carried out in secrecy, their love of country and devotion to each other was always clear.

On June 28th, 2005, Michael would give his life for these ideals. While conducting surveillance on a mountain ridge in Afghanistan, he and three fellow SEALs were surrounded by a much larger enemy force. Their only escape was down the side of a mountain -- and the SEALs launched a valiant counterattack while cascading from cliff to cliff. But as the enemy closed in, Michael recognized that the survival of his men depended on calling back to the base for reinforcements. With complete disregard for his own life, he moved into a clearing where his phone would get reception. He made the call, and Michael then fell under heavy fire. Yet his grace and upbringing never deserted him. Though severely wounded, he said "thank you" before hanging up, and returned to the fight -- before losing his life.

Unfortunately, the helicopter carrying the reinforcements never reached the scene. It crashed after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. And in the end, more Americans died in Afghanistan on June 28th, 2005 than on any other day since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom. This day of tragedy also has the sad distinction of being the deadliest for Navy Special Warfare forces since World War II.

One of Michael's fellow SEALs did make it off the mountain ridge -- he was one of Michael's closest friends. Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell of Texas, author of a riveting book called "Lone Survivor," put it this way: "Mikey was the best officer I ever knew, an iron-souled warrior of colossal and almost unbelievable courage in the face of the enemy."

For his courage, we award Lieutenant Michael Murphy the first Medal of Honor for combat in Afghanistan. And with this medal, we acknowledge a debt that will not diminish with time -- and can never be repaid.

Our nation is blessed to have volunteers like Michael who risk their lives for our freedom. We're blessed to have mothers and fathers like Maureen and Dan Murphy who raise sons of such courage and character. And we're blessed with the mercy of a loving God who comforts all those who grieve.

And now I ask Michael's parents to join on stage, and the Military Aide will read the citation.

MILITARY AIDE: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005.

While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged, enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy's team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four-member team.

Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of his team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into an open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team.

In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

************

To read more about Michael Murphy, go here.

Wedesday Hero ~ Lt Michael P Murphy

Lt. Michael P. Murphy
29 years old from Patchogue, New York
SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1
June 28, 2005


On Monday, October 22, Lt. Michael P. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor. His father and mother accepted the award. Lt. Murphy received the award for his extraordinary, selfless heroism and steadfast courage while leading a four-man, special reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan June 27 to 28, 2005

"We are thrilled by the President's announcement today, especially because there is now a public recognition of what we knew all along about Michael's loyalty, devotion and sacrifice to his friends, family, country, and especially his SEAL teammates," the Murphy family said in a statement released earlier in the month. "The honor is not just about Michael, it is about his teammates and those who lost their lives that same day."

Murphy was the officer-in-charge of the SEAL element, which was tasked with locating a high- level Taliban militia leader to provide intelligence for a follow-on mission to capture or destroy the local leadership and disrupt enemy activity. Taliban sympathizers discovered the SEAL unit and immediately revealed their position to Taliban fighters. The element was besieged on a mountaintop by scores of enemy fighters. The firefight that ensued pushed the element farther into enemy territory and left all four SEALs wounded. The SEALs fought with everything they had. despite being at a tactical disadvantage and outnumbered more than four to one. Understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his men, Murphy, already wounded, deliberately and unhesitatingly moved from cover into the open where he took and returned fire while transmitting a call for help for his beleaguered teammates. Shot through the back while radioing for help, Murphy completed his transmission while returning fire. The call ultimately led to the rescue of one severely wounded team member, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell, and the recovery of the remains of Murphy and Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz and Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson.

Eight more SEALs and eight Army "Nightstalker" special operations personnel comprising the initial reinforcement also lost their lives when their helicopter was shot down before they could engage the enemy.

Murphy was also inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon. His name will be engraved beside the names of some 3,400 other service members who have also been awarded the nation’s highest honor. To read more about Lt Murphy, please go here.To read the citation, please go here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives

so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.

For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.

SFC Adrian M Elizalde ~ Farewell, and Walk with God

Sergeant First Class Adrian M Elizalde

Died August 23, 2007

Baghdad, Iraq

Sergeant First Class Adrian M Elizalde, 30, of North Bend, Oregon was killed in Baghdad, Iraq on August 23, 2007, while conducting a combat patrol. He was assigned to to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis, Washington. Also killed was SFC Michael J Tully, 33, of Falls Creek, Pennsylvania. Both were in Special Forces and part of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula.

SFC Elizalde attended North Bend High School in North Bend, Oregon. He played on the varsity football and wrestling team. He graduated in 1995 and entered the Army in May 1996.

He served four years as an infantryman and scout with the 3rd BN, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (AIR). Then, he spent three years as a Long Range Surveillance Detachment team leader with Company D, 519th Military Intelligence Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. After graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Special Forces Engineer in 2005, SFC Elizalde earned the "Green Beret".

This son of Oregon is remembered as good-natured, a loyal friend, a good father, strong student and hard worker.

Sgt First Class Tim Freeland met and befriended Elizalde about 9 1/2 years ago at Fort Bragg. "He's my best friend. He's somebody that I look up to and that I can always turn to. He's one of those guys. He'd always get you into trouble, but he'd always get you out of trouble, too."

SFC Elicalde enjoyed wrestling, mixed marital arts and hunting.

SFC Elizalde is survived by his daughter, Sydney Grace, 6, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and his parents, Jorge and Terese of Renton, Washington, and his sister Rachel Elizalde of Renton.

Thursday, August 30, the Patriot Guard Riders will be meeting the plane at the North Bend Airport at 1pm and escorting him to North Bend Chapel, 2014 McPherson St, North Bend.

Funeral Services will be at North Bend High School on Saturday, September 1 in the afternoon.

Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park following the service.

The Patriot Guard Riders will be providing escort at all services.

We hold the family and friends of SFC Elizalde in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Lone Survivor ~ Rescue Team

It is our great honor and privelege to celebrate the lives

given so unselfishly that we may all live in freedom.

In the book Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell tells the story of the brave Special Operations warriors from the Army 160th SOAR, Navy SEAL Team 10 and Navy SEAL Team 1, who lost their lives attempting a rescue of the four members of Navy SEAL Team 10 embattled in the mountains in Afghanistan.

An MH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying 8 US Navy SEALs and 8 Nightstalkers - members of the Army's elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) attempted to come to their rescue to provide extraction in the mountains of the Kunar province, Afghanistan.

The helicopter they were riding in was shot down just as they were getting ready to fast rope down onto the mountain. As the helicopter tilted back for the insert and the ropes fell away for the climbdown, a rocket propelled grenade was shot through the open ramp of the MH-47 helicopter. It hit the fuel tanks, which turned the helicopter into an inferno and blew many of them out, where they fell to their deaths.

Nothing remained except scattered debris. No survivors.

The lost warriors are: (click on their names to read their stories.)

US Army 160th SOAR

Major Steve Reich

Chief Warrant Officer Chris Scherkenback

Chief Warrant Officer Corey Goodnature

Master Sergeant James Ponder

Sergeant First Class Marcus Muralles

Sergeant First Class Michael Russell

Staff Sergeant Shamus Goare

Sergeant Kip Jacoby

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1

Senior Chief Daniel Healy

Petty Officer Second Class James Suh

Petty Officer Second Class Shane Patton

SEAL Team 10

Lieutenant Commander Eric Kristensen

Lieutenant Michael McGreevy

Chief Petty Officer Jacques Fontan

Petty Officer Jeff Lucas

Petty Officer First Class Jeff Taylor

To Read the Review of Lone Survivor, Click Here.

Major Steve Reich ~ Night Stalker

Major Steve Reich

Major Stephen C. Reich died June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan when his MH-47D Helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations. He was a member of the Army 160th SOAR team.

He was born May 22, 1971 in Ohio, and was raised in Washington, Connecticut. He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Arabic and Spanish, and received his commission in 1993. In 1994, he attended the Aviation Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry Rotary Wing training.

In 1995, Steve was assigned to the University of Kentucky ROTC program, and played professional baseball in the Baltimore Orioles organization.

After receiving a UH-60 Blackhawk transition in 1996, he was ordered to Germany where he served as Platoon Leader in Company A, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment. During his subsequent tour with the 12th Aviation Brigade he served in Operation ALLIED FORCE deploying to Hungary, Bosnia, Albania, and Kosovo. Returning from Germany in 2000, Major Reich attended the Infantry Captain's Career Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia, followed by the Combined Arms Services Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Upon arrival to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, he attended the Special Operations Training Course and then deployed with 2nd Battalion to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as Battle Captain in support of Task Force Dagger. In December 2001, he served as Operations Officer for 2nd Battalion's detachment of MH-47E aircraft in Afghanistan. He commanded Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion from February 2002 through May 2003. Major Reich recently completed a one year assignment to Taegu, Republic of Korea as the Operations Officer for E Company, 160th SOAR (A). Steve took command of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia on 5 August 2004.

Major Reich's military schools include: Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Level-C Course, the Special Operations Training Course, the Airborne School, and Air Assault Course.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Senior Army Aviator Badge, and the Airborne and Air Assault Badges. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with “V” device, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Major Reich is survived by his wife, Jill, of Panama City, Florida.

Tribute from the Night Stalker site.

To read all of the tributes, please click here.

CW4 Chris Scherkenback ~ Night Stalker

CW4 Chris Scherkenbach

Night Stalker

Chief Warrant Officer Four Chris Scherkenbach died June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan when his MH-47D Helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations.

He was born on Nov. 3, 1964 in Illinois. Chief Warrant Officer Four Scherkenbach originally enlisted in the Army as a communication specialist in April of 1987. His first duty station was Germany. He was accepted into the Warrant Officer entry program in 1990, and graduated from the Warrant Officer Program at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1990. Also during 1991, he attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry Rotary Wing training.

After completing his CH-47D aircraft qualifications at Fort Rucker, Chief Warrant Officer Four Scherkenbach was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. He was then assigned to Camp Humphreys, Korea as a CH-47D Chinook pilot. After completing his tour in Korea, he returned to the 159th Aviation Regiment. He was assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia.

Chief Warrant Officer Four Scherkenbach's military schools include the Survival Evasion Resistance Escape Level-C course, the Aviation Safety Officer Course, the Electronic Warfare Officer Course, the Special Operations Training Course, and the Warrant Officer Advanced Course.

His awards and decorations include the Air Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Senior Army Aviator Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with “V” device, Meritorious Service Medal, Master Army Aviator Badge, and Combat Action Badge.

Chief Warrant Officer Four Scherkenbach is survived by his wife Michelle and daughter Sarah Grace Xiaomei, of Jacksonville, Florida.

Tribute from the Night Stalkers site.

CW4 Scherkenback is buried at Arlington National Cemetery:

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/cjscherkenbach.htm

To read all of the tributes, please click here.

CW3 Corey J Goodnature ~ Night Stalker

CW3 Corey J. Goodnature

Chief Warrant Officer Three Corey J. Goodnature died June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan when his MH-47D Helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations.

He was born Feb. 13, 1970 in Minnesota. Chief Warrant Officer Three Goodnature graduated from the University of Minnesota with an Associate's Degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1991, and joined the Army in October of 1991. He served as a parachute rigger at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Upon graduation from Flight School in 1995, Chief Warrant Officer Three Goodnature’s first assignment was flying UH-1s in Korea. In 1996 he was assigned to Camp Wheeler, Hawaii. He assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in 1998 and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia as an MH-47D Chinook pilot.

Chief Warrant Officer Three Goodnature's military schools include: the U.S. Army Rigger’s Course, Warrant Officer Advanced Course, U.S. Army Instrument Examiners Course, the Electronic Warfare Officers Course, the CH-47D Aircraft Qualification Course, the Special Operations Training Course, Airborne School, the Air Assault Course, and Survival Evasion Resistance Escape Course and the CH-47D Instructor Pilot Course.

His awards and decorations include: the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Airborne Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Rigger Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with “V” device, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife Lori of Savannah, Georgia; and two sons, Shea and Brennan, of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.


Tribute from the Night Stalker site.

To read all of the tributes, please click here.