Today ....
 

..... I stood on the ramp of Bagram airfield in the searing Afghan sun with several hundred of my fellow Americans, a few dozen Brits and Aussies, a smattering of other nation's military represented. Dozens of Special Forces operators there, lean, hard looking young men in full beards and shaggy hair. Older operators join them, retired SF, Marines, a SEAL or two. Defense contractors now, but still hard and harder looking, some in military fatigues, others in "corporate tactical". Weapons, everywhere are weapons carried by men and women who know when, where and how to employ them. We wait in military formation. Quietly, reverently. Out on the perimeter, helicopter gunships are seen and heard, hovering, moving slowly, angrily ready to deal with any armed intrusion to this sacred gathering. Minutes before, a flight of F-16's has roared into the skies, evidence of their lethal intent clearly visible beneath their wings. They too can now be heard, circling high in the distance. Ready. For. Anything. There is a sudden rustle of activity. The Leadership has arrived, Ambassador, General Officers, notables. The Honor Guard moves into place, the Bugler at the ready. The engine rumble of heavy, armored gun trucks, three to be exact, announce the arrival of our Guests of Honor. We are all there to honor our fellow warriors, killed in action in Afghanistan this week, Two Special Forces operators, one retired SF operator, serving our Nation. Warriors all. I know the retired SF Operator. A small man, diminutive even, a lion in the fight. Gone now. The Chaplain prays for the living and the dead. Stout young Soldiers move now with purpose to the armored trucks. They bear the remains of our fallen Warriors. Orders barked, Attention! Hand Salute! The Honor Guard leads the procession, battling the stiff breeze, the Fallen carried now by the Living, follow in trace. The Bugler bids Farewell with the playing of Taps, every note perfect, crisp, clear. Up the ramp and into the waiting aircraft go our fellow warriors for their final flight home to the United States. Today in Afghanistan....

https://www.newsweek.com/us-death-afghanistan-christian-mccoy-special-forces-veteran-1446279

Thank you for representing the folks of Pelican, and thank you for your service.

It is a sad day indeed to have a member of the Armed services die for the country and the citizens of the USA to protect our freedoms.

Sam, you and all that have served should never have to pay for a meal out as a thank you for your service.

Best, Sir.

Come back down when you folks feel the need...we’ll be here.

Hooah!

Times like this I almost wish I had served so I could simply give a proper salute.

Instead, I will raise my beer and then call the facilities people - the house keepers need to do a better job of dusting around here...

Thanks for serving Sam and everyone else who has or is still serving. These somber reminders are good for everyone.

Thank-you, Sam for your service. Thank-you for your words that every American should take to heart.

Thank you and salute!

Thanks for your service

Thank you, SamC to you and your fellow soldiers.
Thanks for your service and thanks for your moving and reverential words.

May God bless you and ALL the men and women that serve our great nation. Thank you Sam.

Centurions in the American Legions.