Up in the air

Images courtesy: Jim Beam

Operation Moshtarak, a critical coalition operation aimed at crushing insurgents and terrorists in southern Afghanistan, has been filled with heavy fighting, incredible heroism, and painful sacrifices. Many valiant Americans who should be household names, like Lance Cpl. Eric Ward and Lance Cpl. Christopher Rangel, have lost their lives while taking the fight to al Qaeda and the Taliban. That important fact is certainly not lost on Capt. Adam Campbell, a Marine pilot who supported his fellow volunteer warriors in combat from the sky.

"Those guys deserve all the credit," Capt. Campbell told The Unknown Soldiers. "Without them...they’re the ones living in the villages away from e-mail and images from home; they’re the ones making the ultimate sacrifice. They are truly the bravest individuals."

From November 2009 to June 2010, Campbell was stationed in Kandahar, perhaps the single most important strategic hotspot for America and its allies in Afghanistan.

"Our main mission was to provide close air support in combat situations," the Marine said. "We helped Soldiers and Marines on the ground, and our sensors helped them find IED's."

Campbell told me that flying daily missions in one of the world's most dangerous regions was "a dream come true," which might sound puzzling to some readers. Why would someone want to put their life on the line every day, and witness so much carnage on the ground below? For Adam Campbell, service had always been a lifelong goal, and the horrific events of September 11, 2001, cemented his resolve to fight for his country.

"9/11 hit close to home," Campbell, who was attending New Jersey's Monmouth University at the time, explained. "A bunch of my friends lost loved ones on 9/11, and that got the fire inside me going."

The three loves of Capt. Campbell's life are his spouse, flying, and horse racing, which he grew up enjoying on nearby Jersey Shore tracks. While he flew high above the Afghan mountains every day during his deployment, he missed his wife dearly, and frequently asked her to keep him up-to-date on all the big races. Unbeknownst to the Marine, Melanie Campbell would nominate him to be recognized by Jim Beam and Operation Homefront's "Salute Soldiers with the Spirit of America" program, which led to an experience every horse racing fan dreams of.

"Operation Homefront allowed me to go to the Breeders' Cup," Campbell said just a few days after returning from Louisville, Kentucky. "The whole weekend was first-class, they took care of everything."

Adam and Melanie Campbell witnessed a race for the ages, when previously undefeated Zenyatta's valiant comeback fell just short of Blame in a breathtaking photo finish. Even though the race was an unforgettable experience that he is deeply thankful for, Capt. Campbell couldn't help but reflect on more than seven months of tense moments up in the air, and fallen heroes who will never again get to enjoy time with family and friends at exciting sporting events.

"The first initial feeling I had was guilt, because everyone deserves this. There are other people more deserving than me, the people making the ultimate sacrifice," Campbell said. "I was humbled to be selected."

Simply put, Jim Beam and Operation Homefront support the troops. On September 11, 2010, I attended a Kid Rock concert at South Carolina's Fort Jackson that was free to everyone with a military ID. Thanks to these organizations, the thousands of troops in attendance had an incredible night, and Capt. Campbell's Breeders' Cup weekend is another example of their willingness to give back.

But at this very moment, there are about 200,000 Americans in war zones, unable to rock out at a concert or scream their lungs out at a horse race. They need our support, and Campbell has suggestions on how we can help.

"When I was over there, we got care packages, from family and people we have never met and never will meet," the Marine said. "That people are willing to send small things like deodorant, razors, or candy, it just meant the world to us."

Campbell also mentioned getting letters from schoolchildren over the holidays, which was also a big morale booster. If you have a son or daughter in school, perhaps you could ask their teachers to have classes write letters to our brave men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan this year. Few activities can better demonstrate the values of patriotism and selfless sacrifice to our youngest citizens, while also putting a smile on the faces of our heroes overseas.

After answering the call to serve when America was attacked, this Marine pilot saved many lives on the ground while navigating the uncertain Afghan skies. He is now stationed in Florida, giving flight instructions to aspiring aviators who will likely be called upon to protect the nation in combat. After having the honor of speaking with this war veteran, it is clear that he feels blessed to be fulfilling his dreams as a pilot, enjoying time with his wife, and watching the sport he loves. America is also blessed to have volunteer warriors like Capt. Adam Campbell protecting us from above.

The wave of the future

Image courtesy: Senior Airman Kenny Holston

Back in February, The Unknown Soldiers relayed reports of a late-2010 offensive aimed at destroying Taliban elements in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. According to Voice Of America and other news sources, the crucial mission will begin in June, with the goal of removing terrorists from the city before Ramadan begins in August.

As the above photo of Spc. Dawn Davis shows, U.S. troops are already bringing supplies to Afghan civilians in advance of the battle. Spc. Davis, a truck gunner in the 782nd Alpha Company, also provided security for the area, while U.S. forces met with Afghan troops to continue planning the Kandahar offensive.

Like Operation Moshtarak, protecting civilians, who are often used as human shields by the Taliban and al Qaeda, will be a top priority while winning this important battle. But the similarities will also be unfortunate, as the risks to American troops during this planned combat wave are real and tragic. As this site tries to convey to its readers, casualties are not just statistics or names routinely listed deep within a newspaper. They are real people with extraordinary stories, who sacrifice everything so children like the ones pictured above can have a chance at better lives. Many U.S. troops are also parents, who hope in the back of their minds that their children will never be asked to volunteer for war.

This site sends its sincere best wishes and prayers to all U.S. troops in harm's way, while also projecting complete confidence that their hard work will lead us to victory in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Taliban 'message' targets women, children

Most Americans know the enemy we face in Afghanistan is brutal, cowardly, and hypocritical. That's not internet muscle-flexing or empty rhetoric, it's my strongly-held opinion, based on analyzing facts gathered by people on the ground and reading the Taliban's own words.

The latest Taliban atrocity was committed yesterday in Kandahar, where at least 35 people were killed in five terrorist attacks. According to CNN, six women and three children are among the 22 civilians killed in the bombings. At least 40 more innocent civilians, as well as 17 Afghan police officers, were wounded. According to the CNN article, Taliban 'spokesman' Qari Yousef Ahmadi claims the 'operation' was a message to Gen. Stanley McChrystal and planners of the coming U.S.-led assault on Taliban and al Qaeda elements in Kandahar.

The contradictions embedded deep inside the enemy's ideology are again apparent when confronted with their statements and actions. The Taliban and al Qaeda claim to be protectors of Muslim lands, yet intentionally murder and maim defenseless Afghans in public areas. Saturday's attacks were reportedly aimed at a bus station, prison, police station, and house. Of course, this is not the only case where the enemy has used civilians as pawns for their twisted goals: author and former Green Beret Michael Yon reports from the ground that a U.S. intelligence officer recently told him that "Taliban had stationed kids on the roofs of some of the compounds they were fighting from."

What 'message' did the Taliban send Gen. McChrystal and the men and women he commands on Saturday? The only one I can think of is "come stop us from murdering innocent people to advance our ideology." The human and financial toll of securing Kandahar will be high, especially for U.S. servicemembers and military families. The tragic nature of that fact is not something any of us take lightly.

After another reminder that the enemy remains committed to its murderous agenda, how can America walk away from a country that was the breeding ground for the terrorist attacks in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania? While well-intentioned patriots can have honest disagreements with each other on that question, this blog believes America's cause is just. We must prevail. We also must play close attention to the volunteer warriors making extraordinary sacrifices every single day in a faraway land.

Moshtarak: The weeks ahead

Image courtesy: Cpl. Albert Hunt

The combat phase of Operation Moshtarak could be over in about ten days, but insurgents still pose a major threat to coalition troops who worked so diligently to secure Marja. That's the view of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, offered in the below military video, produced by Petty Officer 1st Class Mark Schultz.

While pleased by how quickly his highly-trained units were able to secure the city, Gen. McChrystal expects the Taliban and al Qaeda to 'test' the new security structure in the coming weeks. As the above photo shows, Americans are still in danger, digging beneath the ancient sand to clear the area of roadside bombs planted by terrorist groups. The exceptional bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who helped seize this area from the Taliban should never be taken for granted.



Multiple sources indicate that Operation Moshtarak could be a prelude to an invasion of Kandahar later this year. Without the heroic efforts of Pfc. Kyle Coutu and his fellow warriors, the coalition would have an even tougher fight ahead. Our country is fortunate that so many of our brothers and sisters volunteer to do this crucial work.

'Good luck'

Image courtesy: Pfc. Nathan Booth

While Operation Moshtarak has been difficult and costly, the hard-earned battlefield victories by American and coalition forces are already producing clear results. However, the battle for Marja does not mark the end of American's post-9/11 struggle in Afghanistan.

CBS News reports that President Obama is working with the military to plan a major offensive in Kandahar, which many call "the Taliban capital," later this year. The report also says the administration's Afghanistan policy will be reviewed again in December.

For loved ones of troops currently stationed in Afghanistan, news of another dangerous mission will undoubtedly cause some anxiety. But in every encounter I've had with military families, I continue to believe they are among the most resilient people on the planet. They will come together and endure, and all Americans must prepare themselves for the difficult months ahead. While sensationalism, tabloid journalism, and political bickering continue to dominate national airwaves, ordinary Americans can do their part to support the troops and military families by staying focused on what they are going through. The men and women performing these seemingly impossible tasks overseas aren't statistics, they are our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives.

Perhaps they will be inspired by these immortal words written by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, shortly before the allied invasion of Europe.

The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.

The famous letter concluded:

Good Luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

While it is important to note that not everyone supports the escalation of the current war in Afghanistan, and that responsible dissent is the hallmark of a free society, we can all put aside our political views to wish our troops the best of luck.

More heroes of Helmand identified

Image courtesy: Sgt. Aubree Rundle

The Pentagon has announced new casualties from the fighting in Helmand province. All six are fallen Marines.



Lance Cpl. Eric Ward, 19, Redmond, Washington
Lance Cpl. Matthias Hanson, 20, Buffalo, Kentucky
Cpl. Gregory Stultz, 22, Brazil, Indiana
Lance Cpl. Adam Peak, 25, Florence, Kentucky
Staff Sgt. Christopher Eckard, 30, Hickory, North Carolina

As Gen. David Petraeus said, Operation Moshtarak will be difficult and the loss of life almost too much to bear. Regardless of how you feel about the war in Afghanistan, it is clear that the troops fighting it need our support at home more than ever. You can volunteer at your local USO outlet, get on board with your church, school, or community center to send letters to soldiers, or even just shake a passing servicemember's hand and say thanks. During a time of war, everything counts.

Moshtarak: Petraeus warns of 'tough fight'

Image courtesy: Senior Airman Brian Ybarbo

Gen. David Petraeus, Iraq war hero and now the head of U.S. Central Command, does not seem to be spinning Operation Moshtarak or the war in Afghanistan. The general, who says he is a "realist," predicts another 12 to 18 months of difficult fighting to clear Helmand province of Taliban and other terrorists. But make no mistake, Petraeus told NBC's Meet The Press that the American public should brace for heavy casualties.

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We already know that Petraeus' somber words ring true, as a high volume of new casualties have been released by the Pentagon. Yet as the general reminds us, we all must remember why we are in Afghanistan, and that Osama bin Laden, Mullah Omar, and other terrorists who threaten the world still may be there.

"We're in Afghanistan to ensure it cannot once again be a sanctuary for the kinds of attacks that were carried out on 9/11."

Moshtarak: The darkness

Image courtesy: Sgt. Aubree Rundle

Since Tuesday, when the Pentagon announced the death of Marine Cpl. Jacob Turbett, notices of military casualties in Afghanistan's Helmand province have been released at an alarming rate. Since I first subscribed to the Pentagon e-mail list while working at CNN, I cannot remember a volume of e-mails this high in one short period, all from Afghanistan, in the same province.

With Operation Moshtarak well underway in the region, a spike in coalition casualties was inevitable. This is not to say the anti-Taliban offensive is going poorly from a military standpoint; most analysts say it has been very successful, and one cannot evaluate an armed conflict based only on casualty figures.

But the below names are not statistics. They are real people with families, friends, and futures that will never be realized. We mourn these American patriots, as well as British, Canadian, Afghan, and other coalition forces who have bled alongside them. No matter how long it takes, this website will make every effort to bring all these important stories to you in the coming weeks and months.

Sgt. Jeremy McQueary, 27, Columbus, Indiana
Lance Cpl. Kielin Dunn, 19, Chesapeake, Virginia
Lance Cpl. Larry Johnson, 19, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Pfc. Kyle Coutu, 20, Providence, Rhode Island
Pfc. Eric Currier, 21, Londonderry, New Hampshire
Lance Cpl. Alejandro Yazzie, 23, Rock Point, Arizona
Lance Cpl. Noah Pier, 25, Charlotte, North Carolina
Pfc. Jason Estopinal, 21, Dallas, Georgia

During World War II and beyond, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt carried a prayer in her purse.

"Dear Lord, lest I continue in my complacent ways, help me to remember that someone died for me today. And if there be war, help me to remember to ask and to answer, 'am I worth dying for?'"

Moshtarak: Quietly doing their duty

Image courtesy: Lance Cpl. James Clark

The American media won't be talking very much about Operation Moshtarak the next 36 hours. That's because Tiger Woods is holding an 'apology' news conference on Friday, which many news executives see as ratings gold. U.S. troops, who are busy fighting terrorists and helping Afghans like the little boy pictured above, will once again take a back seat to the celebrity flavor of the week.

Across the pond, the BBC has a very helpful map and timeline to help its readers keep track of the day-by-day events of this crucial joint mission. Today's report says U.S. Marines are facing stiff challenges, like heavy machine gun fire and a brutal enemy that uses civilians as human shields. Yet despite the resistance, U.S., British, and Afghan forces continue to advance in Marja and Nad Ali.

The below video, produced by Tech Sgt. Rodolfo Castro, shows soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, Bravo Company, First Platoon in Helmand province. Seeing this raw footage from the ground, which includes the unit taking machine gun fire, yields valuable perspective. No matter what Tiger Woods says to America, the war to protect it won't pause.

'You're going to write the next chapter of our history'

Image courtesy: Lance Cpl. Walter Marino

While much of America is shoveling snow or watching the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics, a key chapter in the war on terror is beginning to unfold.

At 2 a.m. in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, or 4:30 p.m. at New York's Ground Zero, 15,000 American, Canadian, British, French, and Afghan troops launched a significant offensive that you may have read about before on this blog, Operation Moshtarak. Coalition forces plan to overwhelm the southern city of Marja, which has a population of about 125,000 and is flooded with terrorists and Taliban forces.

The Army and Marines did not keep this key operation a secret, as they strategically tried to scare insurgents away from civilians, hoping they would then funnel into areas already controlled by the United States and our allies. The enemy fighters who stayed will be brought to justice. Military commanders have said repeatedly that this mission is to protect innocent people who live in Marja, who have been advised to stay inside during the intense battles that are now taking place.

A major concern, of course, is the bombs the terrorists have been planting before and after they learned of the planned invasion of Marja. Top commanders, while confident in the mission, have said they are extremely concerned about the IED threat the troops face. Yet once Helmand Province is under complete coalition control, which will be accomplished after Marja falls, hopefully there will be fewer and fewer posts on this site about U.S. servicemembers being killed by roadside bombs, and Afghan civilians being kidnapped, murdered, or enslaved.

Gen. James Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps, flew into Helmand Province to address Marines before they put their lives on the line for Americans, Afghans, and each other during this critical operation. His speech begins about two minutes into the below video. Yet the most compelling aspect of the footage, which was produced by Cpl. Jenn Calaway, are the shots of Afghan troops listening to an American general's speech. We are helping this country rid itself of terrorists who have endlessly attacked them, as well as America and its global interests. Operation Moshtarak must succeed. As Gen. Conway assures us, it will.