[NY65912]

My best bud through childhood, high school and college just retired from the Special Forces (bird colonel).

He spent four years in Afghanistan negotiating with warlords. He then spent two years in Pakistan negotiating with their bad guys and the government.

During Ranger training he opted the M60 as his weapon, more points. He had hundreds of jumps and was HALO qualified.

Not a badass. A very non-assuming type, and a Jew, but told everyone he was Italian because his last name ended with an O.

He is also the smartest person I have ever met. He is fluent in multiple Southeast Asian languages.

Before 911 he was the US Army liaison officer to Thailand. Years ago he was captured by remnants of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and got released by them by using his brain.

Most of the Ops were covert targeting missions. He was one of he first in Afghanistan before we went in officially. He's been pinned by GW Bush for service and valor.

After he retired he was working for a "private security consulting firm" in Pakistan.

The point is, what really makes these men special is their intelligence. Their brain is their best weapon.

I'll see him in July and hopefully get some insight as to what went down, but probably not.

He is my personal hero and a true hero to the nation. If you met him you would think he was a school teacher or a counselor.

I am very proud to say that he is my friend. I love him dearly.

Thanks.... "Murph" for your service and sacrifice.