Today’s headlines aren’t all that great for the home side in the War on Terror. I have to say, the most prominent and the first of the headlines is the most worrisome. Apparently, General McChrystal isn’t all that pleased with his support from the executive branch. Not to mention the politiking of the man who should be assisting him as an equal in the Afghan war effort, Karl Eikenberry. I’m not sure why the general is surprised, the dude is a diplomat. My surprise? The article seems to paint Biden as a fool, Obama ill prepared, Eikenberry as “covering his flanks,” with the general left to figure it all out. I hope you sense the sarcasm, I’m not really surprised. Sounds like the opportunity that only a general would get.
Here’s one that’s just as interesting…..we’re training the Afghan Air Force here in the states, Lackland AFB to be exact. The only problem is, they don’t want to go back. So they don’t. Hell, would you? I’d take that free plane ticket any day. I’m sure there’s plenty of people south of the border signing up for the Afghan Air Force these days… To be honest though, this isn’t anything new. The Iraqis pulled this trick all the time. I think these politicians are just trying to get their name in the news. I’d like to see more articles on the friendship between McChrystal and Eikenberry.
Now, knowing that there are 10 random Afghans roaming America I’m sure it’s comforting to see that this American kid who tried to blow up Times Square describes himself as a “Muslim Soldier” after one trip to the Afghan region. Brilliant.
Look’s like we’ll be ready to pull out by July, 2011.
To Go Beyond
Last night I received the above as a text message from James Thomas, “Rage 2 Actual.” Sergeant Peter Kastner was one of his squad leaders.
At the moment, I’m still speechless. However, there are a few things I have to say to Peter:
It feels like yesterday that you were sitting in my state-room aboard the USS Dubuque, discussing your squad’s affairs with Lieutenant Thomas. You were a strong, disciplined leader, with a John Wayne presence. When other’s would have lost their cool, you were calm, relaying your intent in a soft and resolute voice. You always went beyond the expectation.
Even when things started to go wrong.
After taking two IED blasts your memory began to erode. Doubt set in.
Days later, you watched Clint die. And you collected his remains.
I still remember how it affected you. The confidence and strength were visibly removed. And I didn’t know what to say.
Things didn’t get any better after the deployment. You left the Corps, became a civilian, and began a new war with PTSD. I’m sorry I let you fight it alone.
I let you fall off my radar. I let you down. I failed you. Because, alone, you went into Yellowstone to face your enemy. You won’t be coming back. You’re beyond this life.
I’m not sure if you ever read the book, as you went missing not long after it was published. It was my attempt to capture what you, one of the best damn Marines I’ve had the pleasure to serve with, accomplished in life. I only wish I could have told you that in person.
You may be beyond my reach, but you are not forgotten.
Semper Fi Sergeant.