Ok those of you who know me are well aware of my ex-wife collection and the effect that has had on my traveling ability. Well I got some excellent news yesterday and a trip I have been trying to do for a while is going to happen. I have wanted to get back out in the field and eat some dust and sleep on the ground for a while. You all know I love that.
I will be going to Afghanistan along with my buddy Kev and my old unit. It just got approved by DoD and since their mission changed from Iraq to Afghanistan we had to wait until that could be announced as well. It will be a three month embed and we will be working on a combination of infantry COIN and some UAV ops. Kev has been training on a new UAV system that is the first weaponized platform deployed at the Brigade level and we will be producing a lot of content about this. It took a tremendous amount of work to get this approved and it should be pretty amazing. I think you will all enjoy it.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen.
William B. Garrett III, commander of U.S. Army Africa, speaks with Spc.
Jeffrey Scantlin after presenting him with the Silver Star during a
March 20, 2009, ceremony in Vicenza, Italy. Also pictured from left:
Sgt. 1st Class Erich Phillips and Sgt. John Hayes, who also earned
their Silver Stars. First Lt. Aaron Thurman, right, recieved the Bronze
Star Medal for valor. U.S. Army photo by Barbara Romano
VICENZA, Italy - In the early morning hours of July 13, 2008, Soldiers
from Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment were not
thinking about medals as they fought off roughly 200 insurgents
attacking their vehicle patrol base in Afghanistan.
No Soldier in combat does.
The Army, however, takes pause afterward to honor those who distinguish
themselves in battle and recognizes them before their peers.
Six Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company received medals of valor
for combat actions that morning in Wanat, a village in northeast
Afghanistan. Nine of their comrades lost their lives during the fight.
Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III, commander of U.S. Army Africa,
presented medals to the Soldiers during a March 20 ceremony held at
Caserma Ederle.
Receiving the Silver Star was bittersweet, said Spc. Jeffrey Scantlin, 24, of Anchorage, Alaska.
"It's a big deal. But brings back a lot of memories of people who
should be here, but aren't," Scantlin said. "For me the medal is more
of a group achievement, something I wear to remind me of those who
didn't come back."
The Silver Star Medal was also presented to Sgt. 1st Class Erich
Phillips and Sgt. John Hayes. Bronze Star Medals with "V" device for
valor were awarded to 1st Lt. Aaron Thurman, Sgt. Hector Chavez and
Spc. Tyler Hanson.
As the ceremony began, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team stood
silent to remember those who died. Then, Garrett spoke about the
bravery Soldiers displayed during the battle.
"Their courage under fire, valor, and loyalty to each other was absolutely astounding," Garrett said.
The platoon was near the end of a long deployment to Afghanistan,
enduring many firefights along the way. Yet, when faced with enemy fire
near Wanat, outnumbered and in some cases wounded, these paratroopers
fought desperately for each other, overcoming fear and willingly
risking their lives to save others.
"Incredible acts of courage and valor were commonplace on the
battlefield that day," Garrett said. "Today, we recognize these six
Soldiers for their courage - and we are thankful for the opportunity to
serve with such men."
Garrett stepped forward and orders were read detailing each of their
actions. The six paratroopers paused for photos, the bright ribbons and
shining stars standing out against their gray digital fatigues.
In that quiet moment, each Soldier felt mixed emotions. Rows of
paratroopers in maroon berets stood before them -many who have their
own combat experiences from Afghanistan.
Scantlin, like most of those awarded, knew they had been put in for a
medal. Some knew that same day. But it meant little to them at the
time, still reeling from the combat they had endured.
"We just lost nine guys - everyone was still in shock, it was surreal.
It still is," Scantlin said. "The guys that died there were my friends."
Along with McQ, who did a great write up of the event, I attended the celebration in Snellville GA to award the Silver Star to the family of CPL Jon Ayers. The weekend began when COL Ostlund, the former BN. Cdr of 2nd of the 503rd held a party at his house on Ft. Benning. About 40 or 50 current and former 173 ABN paratroopers were there and it was great to see them all re-connect. When we pulled into the high school in Snellville the next day the parking lot was lined with Patriot Guard Riders holding flags. The gymnasium was packed and as McQ mentioned the parents has asked for a celebration, not a wake and they got it. Here is some video from the event and some pictures below the fold. Also got to meet commenter Jarhead Dad and his Jarhead, good to see you.
Yesterday I had the distinct honor and privilege of attending the ceremony honoring the valor of Cpl Jonathan Ayers and the presentation of the posthumous award of the Silver Star to his family.
I expected a somber event. But it was instead, by direction of Cpl Ayers mother Suzanne, a celebration of his life. Cpl Ayers served with Chosen Company, 2nd Bn, (Airborne) 503rd Infantry Regiment of the 173rd ABCT in Afghanistan.
That company compiled an impressive combat record there, but at a cost. Over 60 of the Chosen were awarded Purple Hearts, 16 of them posthumously. Cpl Jonathan Ayers was killed in action in the battle of Wanat, where 9 Sky Soldiers lost their lives. According to those who witnessed Cpl Ayers heroics, he epitomized the nickname by which the regiment is known: The Rock.
At another spot on the observation post, Spc. Jonathan Ayers laid down continuous fire from an M-240 machine gun, despite drawing huge volumes of small-arms and RPG fire from the enemy.
At least 5 or 6 RPGs exploded all around him and he never even flinched. Those that saw what he did said, "He just kept rocking on that 240."
The survivors said it was the most heroic thing they'd ever seen. Like a movie. They feel he saved their lives.He kept the enemy from getting anywhere near COP.
One of the things I was most impressed with during yesterday's ceremony was the level of support from the community.
Snellville is a suburban Atlanta town, and, as we all know, life sometimes seems too busy for things like this. But that wasn't the case yesterday. The auditorium at Shiloh High School, where Jon graduated, was packed. The Patriot Guard lined the walls with flags. There were dignitaries from state government (who announced the State Legislature had unanimously voted to name an intersection in Snellville the "Cpl Jonathan Ayers Intersection"), the Mayor of Snellville (who declared yesterday "Cpl Jonathan Ayers Day" in Snellville) and, of course, the military community.
Members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association were there. And the entire Shiloh High JROTC detachment was there acting as escorts and ushers.
The Major in charge of the ceremony said he'd contacted the 173rd ABCT to see if they would like to send a letter from the commander or some pictures for the ceremony. Instead, they sent Cpl Ayer's entire platoon. Additionally his former battalion commander was on hand to read the Silver Star citation and his former company commander there to honor his memory.
During the presentation of the award, the entire platoon was on stage with the family. You could really feel the closeness of the bonds between those who had survived Wanat and the family of Cpl Ayers. It was heartwarming to say the least.
Probably the most gratifying moment for me, besides the award, took place as everyone was leaving. The family had been escorted off the stage, and other members of the family in the audience were allowed to leave before anyone else left. Then Cpl Ayer's platoon mates stood and began to file out from the front of the auditorium. The entire crowd, unbidden, stood and gave them a standing ovation as they left, many patting them on the back and shoulders as they passed by. I saw a few glistening eyes in both the crowd and among the platoon members.
Cpl Jon Ayers would have been very proud of both his comrades and his hometown.
One of the reasons I like the Face of America bicycle ride is that pretty much anyone who wants to participate can do so. The funds raised go to getting bikes and providing transportation for the wounded. When people promise to cover transportation, it means that more can go into adaptive bikes, into improving the quality of food provided, and doing more of the nice things for the riders at this and other rides supported by World TEAM Sports.
This year, we have a problem. Short version (go read full post here), American Airlines has backed out on providing the transportation they promised. We need to come up with roughly $7,500.00 to cover the costs of transportation already promised to participants based on AA's (non) commitment.
If you know a company or someone willing to help, let me know and I will get you in touch with the right people. You can also donate here (note that it is for airfare if you like) or you can donate the funds via Team Chuck Z.
If you are an airline who wants to score some tax deductible brownie points at the expense of American, contact me and we will make it happen. I will even sweeten the deal and donate up to 20 hours of my consulting time to help you milk it for all it is worth.
U.S. Army soldiers wait to be picked up by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters south of Balad Ruz, Iraq, March 22, 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter J. Pels
When you engage someone openly with "white" information operations, i.e. IO where your identity is clear and explicit, you imply that they are roughly your equal. By speaking to or of them directly, you point up that they are important enough to demand your attention and your reply.
The President doesn't do IO precisely -- as a civilian and the chief executive, he is not bound by the limits of the law dividing IO from PAO work -- but the lesson is nevertheless explicit here.
President Obama and the Democrats should wave the white flag in their strawman war on Rush Limbaugh. The Media Research Center delivered the grim casualty figures for the Democrats. Since January, the top talk show gabber's ratings have soared off the charts. Radio affiliates that carry Limbaugh's syndicated show call the ratings boost he's gotten from the Democrat's orchestrated attack on him a "dramatic surge." This writer predicted as much when President Obama cracked to Congressional Republicans in late January that they should knock off listening to Limbaugh if they expected to get anything done in Congress and with his administration.
I don't mention this to take sides in the immediate dispute -- I haven't spent enough time in the USA lately to know just what they were arguing about, and the last time I can recall having heard any part of an episode of Rush Limbaugh's show was 1996.
As a lesson for IO practitioners in the audience, though, it's a good one. The increased focus on IO in the military is healthy and something I am glad to see. It is also good that the IO field is becoming considered less a collateral duty and more of a professional fighting field in its own right.
Just as with other forms of strategic effects, however -- as with artillery, say -- you have to remember that there are potential negative effects to employing the weapon. We are very good at making sure that we don't drop shells that will negatively impact our position on the battlefield and improve our foe's. IO can have the same effect, and just as with artillery, there are times when it is better left unused.
Posted By Uber Pig
Infantrymen, something about this question struck a chord in me. Perhaps you know someone like this. Perhaps you were this guy when you were 20. I know I was:
ACADEMIC OVERACHIEVER FEELS HE'S SOCIALLY BEHIND THE CURVE
DEAR ABBY: I am a 20-year-old male living what appears to be "the dream." I have completed my bachelor's degree, and I'm starting what will more than likely be a prosperous career. Still, something important is missing.
All my life I have always felt very isolated. Although I have been able to develop "friendships," the more I progress in life the more these friendships slip away.
I have been unsuccessful in finding a mate, and I am embarrassed to still be a virgin. Is there something horribly wrong with me that drives people away? -- LONELY GUY, MONTREAL, CANADA
Your advice for LONELY GUY in the comments below, please. Also, it's time for a new round of questions from the Blackfive and/or military community, so please email them to me at enlistedswine at the G.
"Grab it before the Pentagon orders it burned..." - Vanity Fair
"...nonpartisan patriotism is the common thread tying together these reflections, love letters and stories of combat. They make for riveting reading." - The Washington Post
Winner of the 2006 Gold Medal for Anthologies - Military Writer's Society of America
"This collection is an excellent introduction to an emerging form of war reporting." - Booklist
"...there is much to tell, and celebrate, in the tough, day-to-day work that our soldiers are doing in one of the most challenging environments any army has ever faced..." - The Philadelphia Inquirer
"...the collection is riveting...a worthy tribute." - The American Prospect
Click here
for more information and list of blogger/authors
Former Paratrooper and Army Officer, "Blackfive" started this blog upon learning of the valorous sacrifice of a friend that was not reported by the journalist whose life he saved. Email: blackfive AT gmail DOT com
Retired Special Operations Master Sergeant, Jim Hanson ("Uncle Jimbo") is now focused on writing about the military, politics, intelligence operations and foreign policy. Email: jimbo AT unclejimbo DOT com
Writer, photographer, and raconteur C. Blake Powers is the Laughing Wolf. He is independent in politics and covers topics including journalism, military, weapons, preparedness, space, science, cooking, food and wine, product and book reviews, and even spirituality. Email: wolf1 AT laughingwolf DOT net Laughing Wolf's Amazon Wish List
Grim -- an Old Norse name that means 'one who wears a mask' -- blogs on issues of intelligence, information operations, and foreign relations. Email: grimbeornr AT yahoo DOT com
Instapinch
Bill Paisley, otherwise known as Pinch, is a 22 year (ongoing) active and
reserve naval aviator. He blogs over at www.instapinch.com on a veritable
cornucopia of various and sundry items and will bring a tactical naval
aviator's perspective to Blackfive. Readers be warned: any comments of or
about the F-14 Tomcat will be reverential and spoken in low, hushed tones.
Email: wpaisley AT comcast DOT net
Mr. Wolf has over 26 years in the Army, Army NG, and USAR. He’s Airborne with 5 years as an NCO, before becoming an officer. Mr. Wolf has had 4 company commands. Signal Corp is his basic branch, and Public Affairs is his functional area. He recently served 22 straight months in Kuwait and Iraq, in Intel, PA, and senior staff of MNF-I. Mr. Wolf is now an IT executive. He is currently working on a book on media and the Iraq war. Functional gearhead.
In Iraq, he received the moniker of Mr. Wolf after the Harvey Kietel character in Pulp Fiction, when "challenges" arose, they called on Mr. Wolf...
Email: TheDOTMrDOTWolfAT gmail DOT com
Deebow is a Staff Sergeant and a Military Police Squad Leader in the Army National Guard. In a previous life, he served in the US Navy. He has over 19 years of experience in both the Maritime and Land Warfare; including deployments to Southwest Asia, Thailand, the South Pacific, South America and Egypt. He has served as a Military Police Team Leader and Protective Services Team Leader and he has served on assignments with the US State Department, US Air Force Security Police, US Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. He recently spent time in Afghanistan working with, training and fighting alongside Afghan Soldiers and is now focused on putting his 4 year Political Science degree to work by writing about foreign policy, military security policy and politics.
McQ has 28 years active and reserve service. Retired. Infantry officer. Airborne and Ranger. Consider my 3 years with the 82nd as the most fun I ever had with my clothes on. Interests include military issues and policy and veteran's affairs.
Email: mcq51 -at - bellsouth -dot- net
Chris Carter is a former USAF firefighter and now civilian firefighter who covers military history, national security, and baseball. Find out more at his website.
Twitter: @CrushingChris EMAIL: crushnik AT yahoo DOT com
Tantor is a former USAF navigator/weapon system officer (WSO) in F-4E Phantoms who served in the US, Asia, and Europe. He is now a curmudgeonly computer geek in Washington, DC, picking the taxpayers pocket. His avocations are current events, aviation, history, and conservative politics.
Twenty-three years of Active and Reserve service in the US Army in SF (18B), Infantry and SOF Signal jobs with operational deployments to Bosnia and Africa. Since retiring he's worked as Senior Defense Analyst on SOF and Irregular Warfare projects and currently ensconced in the emerging world of Cyberspace.
Major Pain --
A Marine who began his blog in Iraq and reflects back on what he learned there and in Afghanistan. To the point opinions, ideas and thoughts on military, political and the media from One Marine’s View. Email: onemarinesview AT yahoo DOT com
Uber Pig was an Infantryman from late 1991 until early 1996, serving with Second Ranger Battalion, I Corps, and then 25th Infantry Division. At the time, the Army discriminated against enlisted soldiers who wanted use the "Green to Gold" program to become officers, so he left to attend Stanford University. There, he became expert in detecting, avoiding, and surviving L-shaped ambushes, before dropping out to be as entrepreneurial as he could be. He is now the founder of a software startup serving the insurance and construction industries, and splits time between Lake Tahoe, Boonville, and San Francisco, CA.
Uber Pig writes for Blackfive a) because he's the proud brother of an enlisted Civil Affairs Reservist who currently serves in Iraq, b) because he looks unkindly on people who make it harder for the military in general, and for his brother in particular, to succeed at their missions and come home in victory, and c) because the Blackfive readers and commenters help keep him sane.
COB6 spent 24 years in the active duty Army that included 5 combat tours with service in the 1st Ranger Battalion and 1st Special Forces Group . COB6 was enlisted (E-7) and took the OCS route to a commission. COB6 retired a few years back as a field grade Infantry officer.
Currently COB6 has a son in the 82nd Airborne that just returned from his third tour and has a newly commissioned daughter in the 4th Infantry Division.
