Scenes from a forgotten war

[NCTexan]

The MSM has chosen to virtually ignore the War in Afghanistan since it might negatively affect public opinion of "The One".

Well, it's a real war that's heated up and lots of our soldiers are fighting and dying along with our allies.

Michael Yon is a former Green Beret who is operating as a journalist in a very hot battle zone of the Helmand Provence. I urge you to read the entire article from the link. Incredible photos, science of "the halo effect", and battle field descriptions!

Michael Yon: The Kopp-Etchells Effect

First the "halos"!
Unbelievable! Fascinating! This one reminds me of those Bible passages that talk about the flying beasts in Revelations especially:

What is this halo phenomenon called? None of the American or British helicopter pilots seemed to have a name for the effect. They provide only descriptions and circumscriptions. I asked many people, and finally reached out to Command Sergeant Major Jeff Mellinger (one of my "break glass only if" sources whom I ask when other means have failed). Jeff asked pilots, and came back with an excellent description from one pilot:

"Basically it is a result of static electricity created by friction as materials of dissimilar material strike against each other. In this case titanium/nickel blades moving through the air and dust. It occurs on the ground as well, but you don't usually see it as much unless the aircraft is landing or taking off. The most common time is when fuel is being pumped. When large tankers are being fueled they must be grounded to prevent static electricity from discharging and creating explosions."

But still no name. How can the helicopter halos, so majestic and indeed dangerous at times, be devoid of a fitting name?

The British medical staff treats many wounded Afghans who often show up at the gate. In the photo above, Dr. Rhiannon Dart (right) observes as an Afghan patient is medically evacuated to the trauma center at Camp Bastion. The medics and Dr. Dart are especially respected for the risks they equally share here. The medical staff walks into combat just like the other soldiers—frequently side by side in close combat. Numerous times per week, their battlefield work, often under intense pressure in hot and filthy conditions, is the deciding factor on whether soldiers or civilians survive or die. I asked Dr. Dart if Afghan men have any reservations when being treated by a woman. She answered that when men are seriously wounded—which is about the only time she sees Afghans as patients—they don't care if she is a man or a woman. During a mission last week, I saw an Afghan soldier walk by with a bandage on his hand. Dr. Dart stopped the soldier, asking him to remove the bandage. Contrary to harboring reservations, the soldier appeared relieved that she wanted—actually sort of politely demanded—to examine his injury.

Joseph Etchells and Benjamin Kopp were both Corporals in different armies. Both had served three combat tours. Ben was 21, Etch was 22, and they both fought their last battles in Helmand Province. The names of these British and American warriors are listed consecutively in a roster chronicling our sacrifices in Afghanistan.

Last month there had been a large service here for Etch, but I witnessed a much smaller service where those closer to him came together to pay final respects. This service in Sangin occurred on the same day that a final ceremony was being held back in the United Kingdom. About twenty soldiers attended. The event was quiet and respectful and I wanted to be back in the United Kingdom to salute the rocket launch as it carried away the payload of Joey's ashes, and exploded over the park. Here in Sangin, the bugler played and his buddies tossed their cap feathers into the Helmand River. The red and white feathers drifted away in the same waters where Etch used to swim after missions, down into the desert. Here they call it the "Dashti Margo," the Desert of Death.

Then this final comment:

Since 9/11/01 I knew this. I'm convinced this is a Good fight fought by Good people against an Enemy that is fighting an Eternal struggle to control the World (given the reality of todays' World, this is en ever-expanding definition). The common West doesn't get this, instead focusing on political expediency and trivial temporal concerns. I say perplexed because we (the West) are losing the best we have and the initiative while being too preoccupied with BS (bullsh*t), political or otherwise. Men like Joe Etchells are gone while the rest of the World will never give a flying leap. It's going to take a lot more before the West masses wake up. Meanwhile, more guys like Etchells will disappear. It makes me sick that these great people sacrifice for a populace that is so ungrateful/ignorant.

SO VERY, VERY SAD!

 

[red14]

"so very, very sad!"

""Since 9/11/01 I knew this. I'm convinced this is a Good fight fought by Good people against an Enemy that is fighting an Eternal struggle to control the World (given the reality of todays' World, this is en ever-expanding definition). The common West doesn't get this, instead focusing on political expediency and trivial temporal concerns. I say perplexed because we (the West) are losing the best we have and the initiative while being too preoccupied with BS (bullsh*t), political or otherwise. Men like Joe Etchells are gone while the rest of the World will never give a flying leap. It's going to take a lot more before the West masses wake up. Meanwhile, more guys like Etchells will disappear. It makes me sick that these great people sacrifice for a populace that is so ungrateful/ignorant. It makes me sick that these great people sacrifice for a populace that is so ungrateful/ignorant.""


Haunting words.

I thought Obama was going to concentrate on Afganistan? Does he ever tell the truth?

Empty promises, this transparent administration never ceases to amaze me.

 

[afriqueart]

Could it be eddy current?

 

[Belwolf]

awesome pictures

 

[Spotteddog]

Another one forgotten about, only in Washington...

 

[peyton]

What is sad is there is a tremedous sized force in Iraq, mostly sitting on backside waiting for orders to go home. I know this because I see them everyday and a lot wonder what were the supposed to do versus what they actually ARE DOING. A few units have transferred to the STAN but not many. I have witnessed the "halo" effect and it is impressive.

 

[bshepherd]

Things are interesting here right now, had a rocket land in our camp a couple of days ago. Dud, no one hurt but it hit a building close to where we all stay.

 

[USAF385]

The MSM has chosen to virtually ignore the War in Afghanistan since it might negatively affect public opinion of "The One".

First of all.. you don't need to tell me about it... been there done that.

However, I'm going to do a little Obama support (just a little) and remind everyone that he DID lift the ban on showing deceased Servicemen returning home (if the family permits). I must say, that was one thing I really supported him on.