...number ONE from the bog. This not just a tribute to a group of Special Operations Teams. This is a tribute to all the men and women standing watch on the walls of freedom. It is a tribute to all of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, friends and comrades that have gone before us in the preservation of the Republic...
I lack the eloquence of Mark Devine.
Warrior Souls – In Memory of our Fallen MatesWritten by Mark Divine
Friday July 1, 2005
We imagine the reconnaissance team getting over-run on the ground in a hail of bullets after being compromised by a goat, or dog. It is bitter cold and snowing on the Afghanistan – Pakistan border. The four man team has been there for 3 days after intelligence indicated a gathering of Al-Queda and Taliban fighters in the region. The team scampers out of their hide site when spotted and scrambles with all they have in them up the side of the rugged mountain. The OIC grabs the handset of the radio and keys his mike…”Bravo One, Bravo One, this is Bravo Three, over. Bravo Three, this is Bravo One, send your traffic. Bravo One we are taking effective fire, I say again, we are taking effective fire. Request immediate support. Over.” The voice is tense, but controlled. The distinct sound of incoming rounds – like branches of a tree snapping – is heard. Then nothing more.
The Quick Reaction Force (QRF) is launched – comprised of US Navy SEALs from an East Coast SEAL Team and an Army Special Operations transport Helo Squadron (MH-47’s). Three birds are launched. 45 minutes after the call they are nearing the drop zone and start taking fire themselves. One bird is hit with a shoulder fired RPG. Lucky hit. The helo limps for a mile, then collides into the side of the unforgiving mountain. It slides, end-over end, to the bottom of the ravine. 17 of America’s finest SEAL and Air commandos are gone, forever.
It could have been me, I think. But then, that was years ago. But I play it over and over in my mind – what it must have felt like – to each man.
The fear. The pain. The intense anger at this injustice. Their families will miss them terribly. It was not supposed to happen to them – not here, not now. NOT ME! Their thoughts spin out of control along with the dying helicopter. Then it is over.
Soon…17 warrior souls are seeing each other for the first time – with questioning eyes…whoa. What now? They see their physical bodies in the wreckage – but they are still here. Is this what death is? They are motionless, unsure, seeking answers. A light shines above them, and an angel comes down to them – beckoning them to come. The angel is dressed in a WWI style infantryman’s uniform. He tells them, without words, not to worry. Warriors take care of their own in Heaven, he says. They have been expected, and there is a big reception planned. He asks if they would like to visit their loved one’s before going to Heaven. They all say yes. The angel takes them instantly to their homes – where word of the tragedy has not yet reached. They see their wives and children sleeping, playing. They see their parents, friends, and teammates. They tell them not to worry, for they are going to a safe place. They pray that their loved ones will understand that life is fleeting, and that death is part of the warrior’s path. Do not grieve us they say…we died an honorable death. Honor our memory. Tell our story. Teach our children how to live with dignity and honor. Teach our teammates how to live well, and die honorably. Mourn us for a time, but then celebrate our lives.
The words settle into the hearts of their loved ones, providing comfort. An uncanny feeling comes over them that they are not alone. Later, the loved ones smile through their tears – knowing intuitively that their warrior is in a good place.
Tears also run down my cheek as I write these words. So sad. So many young men and women dying for a cause they do not understand fully. But they are not alone. Every generation and every culture has warriors. It is the warrior souls that have given us the freedom to read these words, and live in comfort. We owe them a debt of gratitude that is almost indescribable. Warrior Souls - they do not question the why, but serve honorably, and die.
God Bless them all.
And God Bless all of you on the 4th of July.
Mark DivineNavySEALs.comMark Divine is a former Navy SEAL officer. He founded NavySEALs.com to provide news and information about the SEALs and other Special Operations Forces, as well as assist recruiting efforts. He is CEO of US Tactical, Inc., which provides products and training to military, law enforcement and others. Mark lives in North County, San Diego with his wife and 5 year old son.
