Iraq: Improved, but still dangerous

Image courtesy: Chief Petty Officer Michael Heckman

I recently had the privilege of interviewing retired 1st Lt. Jim Kirchner for a recent USO piece. During our conversation, I was struck by the vast differences between Kirchner's 2005 combat tour and his late 2009 return with Operation Proper Exit, which is funded by the USO and executed by the Troops First Foundation. The wounded veteran explained that Iraq is a much safer place because of the sacrifices of U.S. troops, and also a change in mindset among many Iraqis. Many are sick of violence and division, and are coming together to make their country a better place.

Of course, thousands of Americans are still serving there and face danger on a daily basis ahead of the March 7 national elections. The Pentagon has announced two casualties from Operation Iraqi Freedom, which is being renamed Operation New Dawn, over the past 24 hours:

Sgt. William C. Spencer, 40, Tacoma, Washington
Cpl. Daniel O'Leary, 23, Youngsville, North Carolina

The two soldiers were killed in separate incidents. Sgt. Spencer died Thursday at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany after being wounded at Combat Outpost Marez on February 20. Cpl. O'Leary was killed Tuesday in a Fallujah vehicle crash. We thank both of these brave American warriors for their service.

'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.

Respecting sacrifice

The solemn voyage to Delaware's Dover Air Force Base is one no military family ever wants to make. Dignified transfer ceremonies for U.S. troops killed in action overseas are held at Dover, and are probably the most delicate moments, along with military funerals, that loved ones can experience in war.

This site is honored to be friendly with the USO, which kindly published an article I wrote about Operation Proper Exit last week. There is no better example of the organization's compassionate mission than its two USO centers at Dover, which are set up to give families a quiet atmosphere to reflect and grieve, before and after witnessing the return of their fallen heroes to American soil.



While we all wish these centers weren't necessary, it is encouraging to know an organization is thinking ahead about how to support relatives dealing with devastating news. As the video notes, volunteers are present whenever a dignified transfer ceremony takes place, which can sometimes be at 3 or 4 a.m. This selfless sacrifice on the homefront is what our troops and their families deserve. Thank you, USO.

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."

Stolen memories: Suspect arrested, second at large

The Unknown Soldiers has been following the story of Senior Airman Bradley Smith since the hero was killed in Afghanistan on January 3. Unfortunately, this important story of battlefield sacrifice took an unthinkable turn the day before SrA Smith's Fort Carson memorial service, when his dog tags and other irreplaceable items were stolen from his wife and mother's shared rental car outside a Colorado restaurant.

Thanks to attention from newspapers, local TV stations, and blogs, police have announced an arrest in the case. While this news is certainly positive, another suspect is on the run, and the stolen mementos have still not been returned to grieving widow Tiffany Smith. KRDO-TV reports that Denard Thompson, 29, is accused of trespassing and conspiracy to commit theft. According to the article, alleged accomplice Dwain Boyd, 22, is wanted by police on charges of felony theft, first degree criminal trespass and conspiracy. Anyone with information is urged to call 719-390-5555.

Let's all pray the dog tags Senior Airman Bradley Smith wore while he gave his life for his country are returned to his mourning family, especially so his young daughter, Chloe, can hold them in the palm of her hand as she grows up.

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?'"

USO, Troops First Foundation bring peace to aching heart

Editor's note: This is a reprint of an article I wrote for the USO, which was posted Friday. Please click on the article, and support both the USO and Troops First Foundation with donations.

Finally back home after a difficult combat tour in Iraq, 1st Lt. Jim Kirchner sat in a busy TGI Friday's restaurant with his wife. While the wounded veteran was happy to be spending time with his family, something was clearly bothering him. Sissy Kirchner offered a penny for her husband's thoughts.

"I have to get healed up so I can get back over there," Jim responded.

Shocked by his answer, Sissy took a moment to regain composure. Why would her husband want to return to the war-torn country that he barely escaped alive? After all, Jim still carried a piece of Iraq with him, in the form of shrapnel embedded inside his heart. 1st Lt. Kirchner said that in order to be sure his ordeal had true meaning, he had to see it for himself.

"I wanted to leave the war back in Iraq and not bring it home with me," he said, while explaining his post-deployment mindset.

A few months later, Sissy read an online article about Operation Proper Exit, the new program funded by the USO and executed by the Troops First Foundation. The idea was both powerful and creative: give wounded heroes a chance at closure by taking them back to war zones that have left physical and emotional scars. She immediately forwarded the story to Jim, knowing he would jump at the opportunity. After speaking with Rick Kell, the program mastermind and Troops First Foundation president, Kirchner later found out he would be returning to Iraq in December 2009, with the third group of wounded veterans to make the emotional voyage.

A little over four years earlier, 1st Lt. Kirchner sat in a guard tower at Forward Operating Base St. Michael, during one of the most difficult periods of the Iraq war. He was in Mahmudiyah, an area south of Baghdad commonly referred to by troops serving there as the "triangle of death." There was intelligence indicating an imminent attack by terrorists, and the soldier was ready for action. Worried about his safety but driven by his sense of duty, Jim put his fears aside and manned his post.

"If it wasn't me in that tower, it would have been somebody else," Kirchner said. "You serve for the men or women beside you."

Jim was moderately surprised that there were no attacks, and retired to an Army tent to get some sleep before a patrol set to begin in a few hours. As he tossed and turned while trying to shake off the adrenaline that built up in the guard tower, the soldier flipped over his pillow and reversed his position on the bed. A few moments later, Kirchner heard a massive booming sound, then felt a strange numbness. He knew he had been hit.

Shrapnel from a mortar had torn into Jim's back, from his head all the way down to his knees. A shoulder and elbow were blown out, and he later found out a lung had collapsed. There was damage to his liver, pancreas, and heart, and prospects of survival seemed dim. Due to incredibly dangerous conditions on the ground, flying the badly injured soldier out of FOB St. Michael would be next to impossible, so a risky ambulance ride to the nearest hospital was the only option. Kirchner, knowing that terrorists would not hesitate to attack a medical caravan, thought he and everyone else in the ambulance would surely be killed.

When Jim miraculously arrived at Camp Anaconda, doctors told him he "probably wasn't going to make it." Before losing consciousness, he remembers being asked if he would like to be read his last rites, while "surrounded by guys pumping blood" into his weakening body. After pulling through in Iraq, Kirchner was flown to Germany, where he said the process was repeated all over again after his condition worsened. After several surgeries at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and then Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the wounded veteran was told he would survive. He was left with scars, no feeling in half an arm, constant pain, and a permanent reminder of his near-death experience whenever he saw an x-ray of his heart.

The way Rick Kell saw it, Kirchner was a perfect candidate for Operation Proper Exit. While retired from the Army and still struggling with the demons of war, Jim had demonstrated that he wanted to move forward as a husband, father, and private American citizen. Kell, his Troops First Foundation, the USO, and top military officials like Gen. Ray Odierno and Col. David Sutherland had worked tirelessly to give heroes like Jim this unique chance at closure.

"On these trips, I have seen 18 people change physically in front of my eyes," Kell said. "To simply tell you that does not do it justice."

1st Lt. Kirchner travelled back to Iraq along with retired Master Sgt. Tom Carpenter, retired Sgt. Bill Congleton, Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson, Sgt. 1st Class Mike Schlitz, and Capt. Sam Brown. Meeting Brown was a unique experience for Kirchner, who had his first face-to-face conversation with a severe burn victim. The two immediately developed a bond, and Capt. Brown, who was injured in Afghanistan in September 2008, would later get to spend time with his wife, Capt. Amy Brown, during the group's visit to a Baghdad palace, where the military rolled out the red carpet for the returning heroes.

Despite the serious nature of their wounds and the grief associated with visiting areas where comrades had fallen, the five combat veterans developed a friendly rapport. They joked around and even teased each other about their injuries.

"It may surprise people that wounded guys pick on each other," Kirchner said. "But it helps us all."

Everywhere the group traveled, U.S. troops of all ranks and backgrounds saluted them and wanted to hear their war stories. The conversations were positive not just for the participants of Operation Proper Exit, but for morale of the troops on the ground.

"It was phenomenal," Kirchner explained. "It didn't matter where we were, every branch was supporting us."

While the enthusiasm inside the military meant the world to Kirchner, seeing the changes to daily life in Iraq since he served there is what finally gave Jim's aching heart peace.

"Going back and being able to talk to the Iraqis had made a difference," Kirchner said. "The Iraqi people are now reporting al Qaeda. They don't want them there. That never would have happened back in 2005."

With his vastly different second trip to Iraq complete, Jim relaxed at home during a wintry day in Douglasville, Georgia. Now a health physicist for the CDC, Jim is helping Sissy raise their four children and watching his son, Pvt. Dustin Carney, finish training at Fort Gordon. Carney has made his dad proud, but Kirchner's real-life war experience has also left him concerned.

"I'm not sure if it's harder to be deployed yourself or see a loved one get sent overseas," Jim said. "I now realize what my wife was going through."

The chilly February weather makes Kirchner's constant pain a bit worse, and the shrapnel in his heart isn't going anywhere. But unlike many of his fellow wounded warriors, he was able to confront his past so he could have a brighter future, thanks to the Troops First Foundation, USO, and the United States military. Instead of dwelling on the past, Jim says he cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

"A lot of guys want to go back," Kirchner said. "I absolutely cherish that I got the chance."

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.

Three soldiers killed in Zhari province attack

The Pentagon just announced the deaths of three American troops in Zhari province, Afghanistan. The three men were killed when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists exploded near their patrol on Saturday. All were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. They were based out of Colorado's Fort Carson.

Staff Sgt. John Reiners, 24, Lakeland, Florida

Sgt. Jeremiah Wittman, 26, of Darby, Montana

Spc. Bobby Pagan, 23, of Austin, Texas

The Unknown Soldiers will have more on the lives of these three fallen heroes in the coming days. Please keep their families in your thoughts.

Image courtesy: The Colorado Connection