Across the nation

Image courtesy: U.S. Army

Moreland, Georgia, and Westlake Village, California, are more than 2,200 miles apart. At this hour, these communities, along with 16 other American neighborhoods, are joined together in grief. Since Sunday, August 29, the Pentagon has identified 18 fallen heroes from the post-9/11 struggle against terrorism in Afghanistan.

Petty Officer 3rd Class James Swink, 20, Yucca Valley, California
Master Sgt. Daniel Fedder, 34, Pine City, Minnesota
Staff Sgt. James Ide, 32, Festus, Missouri
Spc. James Robinson, 27, Lebanon, Ohio
Spc. Chad Coleman, 20, Moreland, Georgia
Pvt. Adam Novak, 20, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
Capt. Ellery Wallace, 33, Salt Lake City, Utah
Pfc. Bryn Raver, 20, Harrison, Arkansas
Gunnery Sgt. Floyd Holley, 36, Casselberry, Florida
Sgt. Patrick Durham, 24, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Spc. Andrew Castro, 20, Westlake Village, California
Capt. Dale Goetz, 43, White, South Dakota
Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, 30, Cypress, Texas
Staff Sgt. Kevin Kessler, 32, Canton, Ohio
Staff Sgt. Matthew West, 36, Conover, Wisconsin
Pfc. Chad Clements, 26, Huntington, Indiana
Sgt. Joseph Bovia, 24, Kenner, Louisiana
Lance Cpl. Cody Roberts, 22, Boise, Idaho

These departed warriors hail from 15 different states and span in age from 20 to 43. As their flag-draped caskets arrive in Dover, Delaware, and are led home with great care by family and military escorts, let's pause for a moment and reflect on what is being done for us in Afghanistan and Iraq on a daily basis. As we adjust our air conditioning, use our smartphones, and go to the movies, thousands of men and women are fighting hard and hoping to see their families again. By making their service an integral part of our national consciousness, we can show America's volunteer warriors that we are worth fighting for.

72 painful hours

Image courtesy: Staff Sgt. Sadie Bleistein

On Monday, America woke up to more solemn news from Afghanistan's southern front. According to NATO's International Security Assistance Force, seven coalition troops were killed in two improvised explosive device attacks. The Associated Press reports that all seven fallen service members are Americans.

The tragic developments come just hours after we learned that seven volunteer warriors, also Americans, were killed over the weekend in southern and eastern Afghanistan. After losing 14 American troops in the last three days, the unofficial August U.S. casualty total in Afghanistan now stands at 49.

Of course, the men and women we've lost this month are not statistics. Marines, soldiers, airmen, and sailors fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq signed up to defend our nation and are willing to give their lives for causes greater than themselves. While the national media often has more interest in prying into the lives of celebrities and sports figures, The Unknown Soldiers was created to tell the personal stories of these valiant warriors. As the last 72 hours show, the time to recognize and honor our heroes is now.

The guns of August

Image courtesy: Cpl. Skyler Tooker

During the course of this month, I have heard numerous cable news pundits say things like "it's August, there's nothing going on" or "it's a slow news month." I remember this myth being perpetuated during summer months inside newsrooms, where some producers trying to fill show rundowns would lament over the lack of Washington speeches while politicians took vacations. When appropriate, I would politely remind those colleagues that America is at war. Therefore, a "slow news month" is impossible.

This summer, there are almost 200,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. As their families know all too well, these men and women are not on vacation. They are facing difficult missions full of danger, tragedy, and (as noted earlier this month) extreme heat. Despite these challenges, our men and women in uniform have spent August capturing and killing terrorists, opening schools, providing medical care, and protecting Afghans and Iraqis. That is important news that should be on our televisions and computer screens every single day, not just when dates set by politicians arrive on the calendar.

The high volume of Pentagon casualty updates over the last 36 hours is tragic evidence of an especially urgent period in Afghanistan. Coalition troops are fighting hard, particularly in the south, and trying to prevail in battles that the world cannot afford to lose. Across the United States and around the world, families, friends, and fellow service members are mourning the loss of fine Americans tragically lost on the battlefield.

Spc. Christopher Wright, 23, Tollesboro, Kentucky
Pfc. Alexis Maldonado, 20, Wichita Falls, Texas
Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Schultz, 19, Safety Harbor, Florida
Sgt. Steven Deluzio, 25, South Glastonbury, Connecticut
Spc. Tristan Southworth, 21, West Danville, Vermont
Spc. Pedro Millet Meletiche, 20, Elizabeth, New Jersey
Sgt. Jason Calo, 23, Lexington, Kentucky
Sgt. Ronald Rodriguez, 26, Falls Church, Virginia
Lance Cpl. Robert Newton, 21, Creve Coeur, Illinois

America has been at war for almost nine years. The national media may be used to it, but for hundreds of thousands of Americans with loved ones in combat, every single waking moment is clouded by the reality of war. Despite some scattered examples of good reporting in August, many journalists in national newsrooms are still asleep at the wheel, using the quest for Nielsen ratings as an excuse for choosing celebrity gossip over real news. 30 years from now, Lindsay Lohan will be a 54-year-old woman who contributed little to society. "Jersey Shore" and its cast will be forgotten. Yet the nine volunteer warriors listed above will still be remembered for living and dying for a cause bigger than themselves. That's the power of service and sacrifice.

A new hope

Image courtesy: 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion

As reporters chase a JetBlue flight attendant and even debate whether he is a "hero," another worthy story from Afghanistan has been ignored by the mainstream press. On August 10, the U.S. Army joined with Afghan military and government officials to dedicate a new school building that will give over 9,000 young Afghans a chance at better lives. Despite being surrounded by the chaos of war, American soldiers and Afghan officials completed The Mehrabudin School project in Kabul province in less than six months.

Soldiers from Camp Phoenix, which is located on the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital city, teamed up with Operation Outreach Afghanistan, an organization made up of U.S. troops volunteering their time to help civilians in local villages. Judith's Reading Room also jumped on board to help The Mehrabudin School, donating dozens of boxes of books to help create the learning center's first-ever library.

It is tragic that the children of Afghanistan have grown up in a war zone for the past nine years. While Al Qaeda's evil ideology and the Taliban's efforts to harbor terrorists gave the U.S. no choice but to act after the September 11 attacks, kids like the ones pictured below did nothing wrong. As an American, it makes me immensely proud to know our troops are working hard to build schools and provide humanitarian assistance, even as their lives remain on the line in these villages at every moment. It's a big story, regardless of whether the American media chooses to notice.

Image courtesy: Capt. Chris Neeley

Flashes of freedom

Image courtesy: Staff Sgt. Gary Witte

American troops in Afghanistan are busy manning observation posts, sweeping for roadside bombs, digging canals, hunting terrorists, and coordinating with local officials. For instance, over the weekend, NATO said coalition forces dismantled a key tunnel system, destroyed numerous improvised explosive devices, and killed insurgents near Diwar in Zharay District. The area is known as a staging ground for terrorists fighting our troops and murdering civilians in Kandahar, where the overall success of the war in Afghanistan may be determined.

It is sometimes difficult for Americans at home to recognize the progress being made on the ground. But while painful, it is also essential to appreciate the sacrifices of our fallen troops and the needs of their families. Over the past 24 hours, the Pentagon has released the names of six volunteer warriors killed while supporting combat operations around the war zone.

Lance Cpl. Kevin Cornelius, 20, Ashtabula, Ohio
Pfc. Vincent Gammone III, 19, Christiana, Tennessee
Pfc. Paul Cuzzupe, 23, Plant City, Florida
Sgt. Andrew Nicol, 23, Kensington, New Hampshire
Pfc. Bradley Rappuhn, 24, Grand Ledge, Michigan
Cpl. Max Donahue, 23, Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Fox News reports that two U.S. Marines were killed over the weekend when a terrorist tried to escape from an undisclosed prison in southern Afghanistan. NATO said the prisoner was being given time to pray when he seized a guard's rifle and began firing. The Marines were killed in the ensuing chaos before the terrorist was shot dead. It is not clear if Lance Cpl. Cornelius and Pfc. Gammone, who both died in Helmand province on Saturday, were the Marines killed in the prison.

Soldiers and Marines who served with these departed warriors will always remember their accomplishments on the battlefield and treasure their friendship for years to come. The Unknown Soldiers will continue to relay the personal stories of our nation's true heroes in the difficult weeks and months ahead, while also noting the extraordinary accomplishments of our brave forces in harm's way. Thank you to all the brave men and women in uniform serving around the world with honor, dignity, and patriotism.

Note: This post was edited several times to reflect new casualty reports.

Missing sailor found dead

Image courtesy: Chief Petty Officer Julian Carroll

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown since disappearing with a shipmate on July 23, was found dead on Wednesday by coalition forces, according to the Pentagon.

The news release said Petty Officer 3rd Class Newlove, 25, died from wounds sustained in Logar province on Friday. The body of Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, 30, was recovered on Sunday. Officials said he died from injuries suffered in the same incident.

While reports conflicted as this sad story unfolded, the ending is dreadful for the Newlove and McNeley families. While the exact circumstances of the sailors' deaths remain unclear, we pray for their loved ones and thank the service members who worked tirelessly to recover their remains. This is also a difficult evening for the United States Navy, which continues to investigate both deaths.

The Unknown Soldiers will continue to follow this tragic saga in the days and weeks ahead.

Air Force mourns tragic accident

Image courtesy: Tech Sgt. Cohen Young

Four airmen are dead after a C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane crashed Wednesday evening at Alaska's Elmendorf Air Force Base.

KTUU-TV reports the crew, which included three members of the Alaska Air National Guard, was training for the Artic Thunder air show, which begins on Saturday. Col. John McMullen, the commander of the 3rd Wing, issued the following statement after the crash on his base.

"Our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of those airmen killed in this crash. Yesterday, we lost four members of our Arctic Warrior family and it's a loss felt across our entire joint installation. Right now, our immediate focus is on providing all possible support to the loved ones of our fallen aviators. We are also engaged in a deliberate investigative process."

Our thoughts are with the families of these fallen airmen.

Joining forces

The Unknown Soldiers is honored to announce an official partnership with Vets For Freedom, the largest Iraq and Afghanistan veterans organization in the United States. VFF's mission is to educate the American public about the importance of winning the war on terrorism. Gaining the unique perspective of men and women who risked their lives in both combat zones will be an invaluable resource not only for this website, but for the American public.

"Vets for Freedom is thrilled to partner with Tom Sileo and The Unknown Soldiers blog," Capt. Pete Hegseth, executive director of Vets For Freedom, said in a written statement. "Tom is a top-notch journalist who keeps the focus on the warfighter, telling the stories of service and sacrifice that the mainstream media often ignores. We look forward to amplifying his message, thereby honoring and supporting the troops and their mission."

The Unknown Soldiers will remain active in this web domain and continue to spotlight the bravery and heroism of American troops, veterans, and military families. However, as part of a content sharing agreement, you will also be able to find blog posts on the organization's website starting early next week. Donations to Vets For Freedom are greatly appreciated.

As this exciting new chapter unfolds, the cause remains the same. As I wrote on the day I left CNN, this site exists to spotlight stories of sacrifice from Afghanistan and Iraq that are too often missing from national media coverage. With America still fighting a war thrust upon us on September 11, 2001, the extraordinary accomplishments of our men and women in uniform deserve a more prominent place in our society. With the help of Vets For Freedom, I have never been more optimistic about the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Please keep American troops and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Dangerous hours

Moments ago, the Pentagon announced the identities of both U.S. service members involved in Friday's tragic incident in Afghanistan's Logar province. A confrontation with the enemy left one sailor dead and another missing.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, 30, of Wheatridge, Colorado, was killed in the July 23 attack. According to the Pentagon, coalition forces recovered his remains on Sunday after an exhaustive search. He was assigned to Assault Craft Unit One in San Diego, California.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, 25, of Renton, Washington, is listed as Whereabouts Unknown. Defense Department officials said search and recovery efforts are continuing at this hour. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead also issued the following statement.

"The deepest sympathy of the entire Navy is with the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, who died from wounds sustained in Logar Province, Afghanistan, Friday. We appreciate all the coalition forces have done to bring our shipmate home, and we know they continue to do everything they can in the search for Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, who remains missing. I remain extremely proud of the thousands of US Navy Sailors serving on the ground in Afghanistan today, and the tens of thousands who have deployed to Afghanistan during the past nine years."

May God comfort the McNeley family during this time of grief, and may He lend strength to Petty Officer 3rd Class Newlove and his loved ones during these uncertain, dangerous hours.

Among us

Image courtesy: Cpl. Ned Johnson

We see them in airports, often headed for destinations around the world. They stand in line with us at restaurants and movie theaters, or pass by on the jogging trail. Of course, U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq are not supermen and wonderwomen incapable of feeling pain. Many miss home, and all are affected by the unique emotions of war.

Losing a friend and fellow service member on the battlefield is difficult for a civilian like me to imagine. Saturday in Afghanistan, two units felt that extraordinary pain when five U.S. troops were killed in two incidents. The 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, lost four volunteer warriors when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists detonated in Qalat. The fifth fallen hero listed was serving in Helmand province with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Staff Sgt. Conrad Mora, 24, San Diego, California
Sgt. Daniel Lim, 23, Cypress, California
Spc. Joseph Bauer, 27, Cincinnati, Ohio
Spc. Andrew Hand, 25, Enterprise, Alabama
Lance Cpl. Frederik Vazquez, 20, Melrose Park, Illinois

Instead of filling airports, theaters, diners, and parks in the coming days, five families will grieve alongside hundreds of mourners in different cities around the country. If you live near any of these locations, check local newspapers for information about public processions and memorial services for your hometown heroes. As I discovered in April, joining together to personally honor a fallen warrior is an essential American experience.

Just moments ago, I watched several national media pundits debate whether we are 'losing' the war in Afghanistan. Had I been in the studio, I would have asked each panelist to recall how they felt on September 12, 2001. As an awakened, grieving nation yearning for justice after 24 hours of horror, we pledged to win this war, no matter how long it took. Fortunately, we still see citizens honoring that solemn vow, even though some were in elementary school when America was attacked. The men and women of the United States military will never give up.

Note: The above video is not posted as a product endorsement. The commercial aired only once, during the first post-9/11 Super Bowl on February 3, 2002.