I've been a away for a few days, catching up on some much needed R and R, so today was my first chance to watch some 2012 Olympics coverage. Thanks to the Armed Forces Network we have access to coverage all day long. Tonight at dinner I watched as Sgt Vincent Hancock from the US Army Marksmanship school took the Gold Medal in a shooting event.
Duh!
I would be disappointed if he took anything less than gold. It would be one thing if he won less than gold in the long jump, soccer, or something of that nature...but he shoots for a living. Not only does he shoot for a living, he does it as a member of the greatest army in the history of warfare.
It's always a patriotic moment when an American proves to be the best in their sport. It was especially gratifying though when it was a fellow soldier taking home the gold. Listening to The Star Spangled Banner in Afghanistan, via London made me feel quite patriotic both as a fan of Sport and as a participant in this current war.
Until next time...
Chris
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Soldiering on in the face of War's challenges...
War is hell.
-William Tecumseh Sherman
In a job where every day is a new challenge, being a soldier has a surprising amount of routines. There was nothing routine about Wednesday.
For the men of Blackhawk Company's 2nd platoon, July 25 is going to stick in our memories as one of those life changing experiences. As important as it is for us to mourn, it is also important for us to "Charlie Mike", army verbiage for Continue Mission. In doing one, we can better do the other.
Without overstepping the Army's boundaries of operational security, I will just say that during two separate patrols on the morning of July 25, two of our men stepped on separate IED's. Their legs were blown off, and other injuries sustained...They were two of our most beloved soldiers--great leaders and friends of everyone. Although they survived, it has left a hole in our lines, and an even larger hole in our hearts.
The Mourning...
The loss of a friend whether to injury or death is always traumatic for soldiers. Unfortunately it is an all too common reality in the Infantry life. Here in Afghanistan we are living about 16 men to a tent. Although we often get on each others nerves, the tight living quarters require us to build close bonds. We have all been working together to prepare for this war for over a year. In that time we have become as close as brothers to each other, and in some ways more.
Mourning is a natural process for humans. We cannot emotionally handle adversities without the ability to release the emotional stress that it creates. Crying, talking, and personal reflection are perfectly normal, perfectly natural reactions for this process.
In the military that process becomes blurred. After the first incident yesterday everyone needed the opportunity to mourn. We never had that chance. The mission was not complete. There was work to be done. When the 2nd blast occurred and we were thrust right back into the exact same situation, it was like reliving a real life nightmare from just an hour earlier...a nightmare from which we had not yet awakened. It captured every terrible feeling in our bodies and gave them another jolt of horror.
The Comfort...
No human can emotionally stand the sight of their loved ones injured to the extent that we experienced. We witnessed our brothers literally torn apart, injured in the most horrible fashion imaginable. The scene will never leave my mind, or those that were present. The sights and sounds will remain a part of my Afghanistan memories forever. The time, the place. Everything is frozen forever.
However there is one single thought that keeps me strong, and feeling proud...
The shock of a massive explosion rattled our bones, but within seconds the remainder of our guys were back on their feet, attending to the injured. With both legs severed, the bodies of the injured could have bled out within a matter of minutes. Thanks to our incredible combat medics, and the combat life saver training of my fellow infantry soldiers, we were able to save our brothers from the strangle of death.
It's what we do. Back in Washington, while others type on computers or make phone calls we practice carrying each other. We practice applying tourniquets and other life saving medical procedures. We run hills and crawl through mud, because sometimes that is what it takes to save a life. All of that training that frustrates us at home came to two climactic moments in Southern Afghanistan on Wednesday. Every bit of that training was tested, and we passed with flying colors.
I have shed many tears in the last 24 hours. It's been an emotional mountain that is going to take a long time to conquer. However war does not stop. I have to train harder, get stronger, and make sure that I am prepared so just in case this happens again I am ready to do my part to be the solution.
As much as yesterday stings, I am doing my best to remain strong. I am more confident than ever that 2nd platoon is prepared for any challenge we face. My mother always told me that my optimism is my best quality. Given the situation at hand, I will rely on that more than ever to help get myself and my battle buddies though this difficult time.
Finally, if you would take just a moment to consider making a small donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, it would go a long way to helping so many wonderful men and women.
Soldiering on, until next time...
Chris
-William Tecumseh Sherman
In a job where every day is a new challenge, being a soldier has a surprising amount of routines. There was nothing routine about Wednesday.
For the men of Blackhawk Company's 2nd platoon, July 25 is going to stick in our memories as one of those life changing experiences. As important as it is for us to mourn, it is also important for us to "Charlie Mike", army verbiage for Continue Mission. In doing one, we can better do the other.
Without overstepping the Army's boundaries of operational security, I will just say that during two separate patrols on the morning of July 25, two of our men stepped on separate IED's. Their legs were blown off, and other injuries sustained...They were two of our most beloved soldiers--great leaders and friends of everyone. Although they survived, it has left a hole in our lines, and an even larger hole in our hearts.
The Mourning...
The loss of a friend whether to injury or death is always traumatic for soldiers. Unfortunately it is an all too common reality in the Infantry life. Here in Afghanistan we are living about 16 men to a tent. Although we often get on each others nerves, the tight living quarters require us to build close bonds. We have all been working together to prepare for this war for over a year. In that time we have become as close as brothers to each other, and in some ways more.
Mourning is a natural process for humans. We cannot emotionally handle adversities without the ability to release the emotional stress that it creates. Crying, talking, and personal reflection are perfectly normal, perfectly natural reactions for this process.
In the military that process becomes blurred. After the first incident yesterday everyone needed the opportunity to mourn. We never had that chance. The mission was not complete. There was work to be done. When the 2nd blast occurred and we were thrust right back into the exact same situation, it was like reliving a real life nightmare from just an hour earlier...a nightmare from which we had not yet awakened. It captured every terrible feeling in our bodies and gave them another jolt of horror.
The Comfort...
No human can emotionally stand the sight of their loved ones injured to the extent that we experienced. We witnessed our brothers literally torn apart, injured in the most horrible fashion imaginable. The scene will never leave my mind, or those that were present. The sights and sounds will remain a part of my Afghanistan memories forever. The time, the place. Everything is frozen forever.
However there is one single thought that keeps me strong, and feeling proud...
The shock of a massive explosion rattled our bones, but within seconds the remainder of our guys were back on their feet, attending to the injured. With both legs severed, the bodies of the injured could have bled out within a matter of minutes. Thanks to our incredible combat medics, and the combat life saver training of my fellow infantry soldiers, we were able to save our brothers from the strangle of death.
It's what we do. Back in Washington, while others type on computers or make phone calls we practice carrying each other. We practice applying tourniquets and other life saving medical procedures. We run hills and crawl through mud, because sometimes that is what it takes to save a life. All of that training that frustrates us at home came to two climactic moments in Southern Afghanistan on Wednesday. Every bit of that training was tested, and we passed with flying colors.
I have shed many tears in the last 24 hours. It's been an emotional mountain that is going to take a long time to conquer. However war does not stop. I have to train harder, get stronger, and make sure that I am prepared so just in case this happens again I am ready to do my part to be the solution.
As much as yesterday stings, I am doing my best to remain strong. I am more confident than ever that 2nd platoon is prepared for any challenge we face. My mother always told me that my optimism is my best quality. Given the situation at hand, I will rely on that more than ever to help get myself and my battle buddies though this difficult time.
Finally, if you would take just a moment to consider making a small donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, it would go a long way to helping so many wonderful men and women.
Soldiering on, until next time...
Chris
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Thoughts on Colorado, Guns...
Before I start, I want to say that my prayers go out to the families of the victims of this week's shooting in Colorado. My rant below has been thought out long before this event, but it has given me a platform for people to actually pay attention. Gun violence is a serious issue, but it is not a new one. In typical American fashion, people will care about this for a few weeks...then forget it. Think that sounds crazy...remember when everyone cared about that Kony12 thing? It is unfortunate that social media has become a place for "causes" to become fashionable. I hope that deep down people care about these issues beyond posting a photo or a "status" about it.
RANT:
I am in the Army. I like guns. I like to shoot them, I like to clean them, I like to modify them. I am trained to use them to kill enemies of the United States. That right there however is a key word...I am TRAINED. The events this weekend in Colorado once again have our nation in an uproar over gun laws. It is a debate that has gone on for more than 200 years.
Let's go over some facts before we get into this debate...
1. The 2nd amendment to the United States Constitution gives citizens the right to own firearms. Further laws give certain people the right to carry certain weapons in public places. Federal, state, and local laws mandate who can carry what gun, in what place.
2. The US murder rate has dropped significantly in the last 30 years, and most sharply in the last 15. Gun related murders are down nearly 30% according to the department of justice.
3. Video games and movies that glorify killing, MAY have an impact on how certain people view weapons, both positively and negatively.
My take based on history...
You all know I'm obsessed with history, so let me give you a little lesson...In 1800 Aaron Burr, Vice President of the United States participated in a "duel", a situation in which two men walked away from each other, turned and fired their guns at each other to settle a dispute. He shot and fatally wounded Alexander Hamilton, the former Secretary of the Treasury. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? You want to argue that gun crimes are a new thing in the United States? Back in the day, a higher percentage of people carried guns, and more freely used them to settle arguments and disputes. But for some reason NOW people care more than ever about what people are doing with guns?
People that think gun control laws will prevent crimes are sadly mistaken. The majority of crimes committed with guns are performed by a person other than the person that weapon was issued to (Department of Justice). Are you going to try to tell me that your typical criminal is going to go through the gun-buying process, legally, so they can rob a liquor store? You are out of your mind.
GUN CONTROL LAWS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM--PEOPLE ARE THE PROBLEM
We need to do a better job of educating people about guns, and gun safety. Our streets would be safer with EDUCATED people concealed carrying. As a criminal I would be more afraid of committing a crime if I knew John and Nancy walking down the street had the training to take me out if I tried to rob them on their nightly walk around the block.
In 1993 there were about 14,000 homicides in the US from handguns. In 2004 there were about 8,000 (Department of Justice). Yet in that span of time people have tried to argue that video games are making us more violent. They have tried to argue that movies are polluting the minds of children. Sure these games/movies glorify murder, but so does our news media. They turn you into a front page news headline for doing something bad. This cannot be avoided, no matter how much you limit who has a gun. Attention was part of the goal behind the murders at Columbine High School. It has mad school shootings the quick way to get attention. The fact is...
CRAZY PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS COMMIT CRIMES WITH GUNS
Gun crimes cannot be avoided. They have been happening in every civilized country around the world for hundreds of years. It is something that we will never be able to completely avoid. However, some countries such as Germany and Switzerland are using guns to stop gun violence. In the 1970's Switzerland was having an issue with gun related violence. Now they have a program that issues every qualified adult a handgun, and give them a free course on proper use for defensive purposes. Switzerland now has the lowest gun crime rate of the civilized world (homicide and below) over the last 13 years, since the revamp of gun control acts in 1999. Germany is currently using the Swiss model, and the early results show a gun violence drop of about 20% over 3 years.
Just like any power, responsibility comes into play. Firearms responsibility can save lives. Responsible citizens carrying firearms have the ability to prevent crimes and protect themselves and others.
I am not saying every person should carry a weapon, but to argue that people owning guns is a bad thing is completely without reason. Education is the answer. Teach people to protect themselves. Empower them with the knowledge about how to protect themselves.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject...
Until next time,
Chris
RANT:
I am in the Army. I like guns. I like to shoot them, I like to clean them, I like to modify them. I am trained to use them to kill enemies of the United States. That right there however is a key word...I am TRAINED. The events this weekend in Colorado once again have our nation in an uproar over gun laws. It is a debate that has gone on for more than 200 years.
Let's go over some facts before we get into this debate...
1. The 2nd amendment to the United States Constitution gives citizens the right to own firearms. Further laws give certain people the right to carry certain weapons in public places. Federal, state, and local laws mandate who can carry what gun, in what place.
2. The US murder rate has dropped significantly in the last 30 years, and most sharply in the last 15. Gun related murders are down nearly 30% according to the department of justice.
3. Video games and movies that glorify killing, MAY have an impact on how certain people view weapons, both positively and negatively.
My take based on history...
You all know I'm obsessed with history, so let me give you a little lesson...In 1800 Aaron Burr, Vice President of the United States participated in a "duel", a situation in which two men walked away from each other, turned and fired their guns at each other to settle a dispute. He shot and fatally wounded Alexander Hamilton, the former Secretary of the Treasury. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? You want to argue that gun crimes are a new thing in the United States? Back in the day, a higher percentage of people carried guns, and more freely used them to settle arguments and disputes. But for some reason NOW people care more than ever about what people are doing with guns?
People that think gun control laws will prevent crimes are sadly mistaken. The majority of crimes committed with guns are performed by a person other than the person that weapon was issued to (Department of Justice). Are you going to try to tell me that your typical criminal is going to go through the gun-buying process, legally, so they can rob a liquor store? You are out of your mind.
GUN CONTROL LAWS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM--PEOPLE ARE THE PROBLEM
We need to do a better job of educating people about guns, and gun safety. Our streets would be safer with EDUCATED people concealed carrying. As a criminal I would be more afraid of committing a crime if I knew John and Nancy walking down the street had the training to take me out if I tried to rob them on their nightly walk around the block.
In 1993 there were about 14,000 homicides in the US from handguns. In 2004 there were about 8,000 (Department of Justice). Yet in that span of time people have tried to argue that video games are making us more violent. They have tried to argue that movies are polluting the minds of children. Sure these games/movies glorify murder, but so does our news media. They turn you into a front page news headline for doing something bad. This cannot be avoided, no matter how much you limit who has a gun. Attention was part of the goal behind the murders at Columbine High School. It has mad school shootings the quick way to get attention. The fact is...
CRAZY PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS COMMIT CRIMES WITH GUNS
Gun crimes cannot be avoided. They have been happening in every civilized country around the world for hundreds of years. It is something that we will never be able to completely avoid. However, some countries such as Germany and Switzerland are using guns to stop gun violence. In the 1970's Switzerland was having an issue with gun related violence. Now they have a program that issues every qualified adult a handgun, and give them a free course on proper use for defensive purposes. Switzerland now has the lowest gun crime rate of the civilized world (homicide and below) over the last 13 years, since the revamp of gun control acts in 1999. Germany is currently using the Swiss model, and the early results show a gun violence drop of about 20% over 3 years.
Just like any power, responsibility comes into play. Firearms responsibility can save lives. Responsible citizens carrying firearms have the ability to prevent crimes and protect themselves and others.
I am not saying every person should carry a weapon, but to argue that people owning guns is a bad thing is completely without reason. Education is the answer. Teach people to protect themselves. Empower them with the knowledge about how to protect themselves.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject...
Until next time,
Chris
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Job Description...
I must apologize for the lack of updates. I've been very busy the last couple of weeks. The next week will include some time for rest and relaxation for the first time in 4 months. It's going to be much appreciated. I recently got an email asking what exactly I do. Although I have explained the mission of my unit, I never really discussed my place within the platoon.
I have three jobs within my platoon. First, I am a vehicle commander for my squad's stryker. The stryker is an eight wheel armored infantry carrier. It's the most popular vehicle in the Army right now due to it's mobility and durability. My job is to maintain communication with other vehicles, track movement on the battlefield using electronic mapping and communication systems, and direct my driver where we need to go. My primary weapon is a remote controlled MK19 grenade launcher. I am working two pay grades above my own, but I really feel comfortable in this role and think I am doing a good job so far. Each day on the job I feel more comfortable with what I am doing. Anyone who says the military is not like Call of Duty or those types of video games should see the toys I get to play with on a daily basis!
When I am on the ground, my 2nd job, I am in charge of biometrics. I enroll people in a database that collects iris and fingerprints for referencing with coalition forces across Afghanistan. As an infantryman, I belong on the ground. This is where I feel I have the most direct impact on our mission. I am also the anti-armor person. In addition to my M4 rifle, when I'm on the ground I carry an AT4, an 84mm shoulder fired rocket used against armor and fortified buildings or the smaller M72 LAW (Light Antitank Weapon).
Back at our base, and back home my 3rd job is the platoon armorer. I maintain records of weapons and accessories assigned to 2nd platoon, help fix broken equipment, and make sure everyone has what they need. Here my primary weapon is an ink pen. My favorite pen so far is the standard skilkraft (recylcled), black ink, retractable tip, ball point.
This really is a fun job. Once I get past a lot of the hogwash that goes along with working for the largest department in the federal government...once I am on the ground, this is the most exciting job in the world...sometimes. I equate it to golf...a lot of walking and a lot of thinking, all for 10-15 seconds of really awesome excitement.
Until next time...
Chris
I have three jobs within my platoon. First, I am a vehicle commander for my squad's stryker. The stryker is an eight wheel armored infantry carrier. It's the most popular vehicle in the Army right now due to it's mobility and durability. My job is to maintain communication with other vehicles, track movement on the battlefield using electronic mapping and communication systems, and direct my driver where we need to go. My primary weapon is a remote controlled MK19 grenade launcher. I am working two pay grades above my own, but I really feel comfortable in this role and think I am doing a good job so far. Each day on the job I feel more comfortable with what I am doing. Anyone who says the military is not like Call of Duty or those types of video games should see the toys I get to play with on a daily basis!
When I am on the ground, my 2nd job, I am in charge of biometrics. I enroll people in a database that collects iris and fingerprints for referencing with coalition forces across Afghanistan. As an infantryman, I belong on the ground. This is where I feel I have the most direct impact on our mission. I am also the anti-armor person. In addition to my M4 rifle, when I'm on the ground I carry an AT4, an 84mm shoulder fired rocket used against armor and fortified buildings or the smaller M72 LAW (Light Antitank Weapon).
Back at our base, and back home my 3rd job is the platoon armorer. I maintain records of weapons and accessories assigned to 2nd platoon, help fix broken equipment, and make sure everyone has what they need. Here my primary weapon is an ink pen. My favorite pen so far is the standard skilkraft (recylcled), black ink, retractable tip, ball point.
This really is a fun job. Once I get past a lot of the hogwash that goes along with working for the largest department in the federal government...once I am on the ground, this is the most exciting job in the world...sometimes. I equate it to golf...a lot of walking and a lot of thinking, all for 10-15 seconds of really awesome excitement.
Until next time...
Chris
Monday, July 9, 2012
IED Alley
This post is NOT meant to scare mothers, fathers, wives, etc...It is to show just how protective our vehicles are, and how well trained our Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams are at their job. They take care of us every day.
IED's are a real threat, and are the #1 killer of ISAF soldiers in Afghanistan. However, in my area we have become pretty good at finding them before they find us.
Yesterday we were called up to recover a vehicle hit by an IED in our area. The vehicle ran over a pressure plate. A typical pressure plate has two boards with wires running across them-when the boards are pressed together and the wires touch the circuit is complete and the explosion follows.
The following picture is what happened to a M-ATV. Please take a look at just how in tact the crew compartment remained. The amount of technology and armor around the crew made sure that the worst injury sustained was a bad headache.
The insurgents had set 2 charges on the road. The truck above hit the first one. Our EOD team detonated the 2nd one.I shot the video below of our EOD crew detonating the 2nd charge. Thanks to good ol' American engineering, we are relatively safe from blasts like these.
Until next time...
Chris
IED's are a real threat, and are the #1 killer of ISAF soldiers in Afghanistan. However, in my area we have become pretty good at finding them before they find us.
Yesterday we were called up to recover a vehicle hit by an IED in our area. The vehicle ran over a pressure plate. A typical pressure plate has two boards with wires running across them-when the boards are pressed together and the wires touch the circuit is complete and the explosion follows.
The following picture is what happened to a M-ATV. Please take a look at just how in tact the crew compartment remained. The amount of technology and armor around the crew made sure that the worst injury sustained was a bad headache.
The insurgents had set 2 charges on the road. The truck above hit the first one. Our EOD team detonated the 2nd one.I shot the video below of our EOD crew detonating the 2nd charge. Thanks to good ol' American engineering, we are relatively safe from blasts like these.
Until next time...
Chris
Thursday, July 5, 2012
How B Co celebrated the 4th of July...
It was business as usual in Panjawai, on July 4. I did my 2am to 10am guard shift. After that I did a load of laundry and spent a couple hours at the gym.
Then "it got real" as we say.
Toby Kieth, Rolling Stones, etc playing over a loudspeaker that is rated to send sound over 2KM, steak and lobster tail, and chocolate ice cream. A note about chocolate ice cream...it was 115 degrees yesterday. I would really like to thank the cooks here for hitting the spot with the food selections. Not only was it good tasting, but the ice cream was the perfect relief from heat that is so bad it takes out the generators that feed our air conditioners.
After the afternoon meal the guys from 2nd platoon decided to get busy at the ping pong tables. We played for nearly 4 hours as the sounds of CCR, Earth Wind and Fire and others blasted above us. It was as American as any BBQ in Texas, Michigan, or Virginia. The only thing missing was the beer.
As the afternoon turned to evening we did what infantrymen do best...make loud noises! It was a sight and scene that I will never forget. We used grenade launchers to throw colorful flares into the dark Afghan sky.
It was not the grand fireworks of Detroit, New York, or DC...but for guys that have not used a flushing toilet in nearly 4 months, it was an event in which we took much delight. I noticed a group of local Afghan citizens that work on our post watching our cheerful celebration. I can only imagine what they were thinking...here were a bunch of guys who live in a country free of all the terrible worries that go along with living in the 3rd world, who volunteered to come to Afghanistan with all the known risks associated with it. I can only hope it inspired them to be a part of the change in their country. Things have changed for the better here recently. I hope it continues into the 2nd half of our deployment.
Meanwhile, while celebrating with carefree exhilaration, my thoughts turned to the problems in America. Problems we choose to solve with hateful words and political banter. In this, there is something to be learned from the people of Afghanistan. I will write more about this next week, as I must first gather my often too moderate thoughts.
Until next time...
Chris
Then "it got real" as we say.
Toby Kieth, Rolling Stones, etc playing over a loudspeaker that is rated to send sound over 2KM, steak and lobster tail, and chocolate ice cream. A note about chocolate ice cream...it was 115 degrees yesterday. I would really like to thank the cooks here for hitting the spot with the food selections. Not only was it good tasting, but the ice cream was the perfect relief from heat that is so bad it takes out the generators that feed our air conditioners.
After the afternoon meal the guys from 2nd platoon decided to get busy at the ping pong tables. We played for nearly 4 hours as the sounds of CCR, Earth Wind and Fire and others blasted above us. It was as American as any BBQ in Texas, Michigan, or Virginia. The only thing missing was the beer.
As the afternoon turned to evening we did what infantrymen do best...make loud noises! It was a sight and scene that I will never forget. We used grenade launchers to throw colorful flares into the dark Afghan sky.
It was not the grand fireworks of Detroit, New York, or DC...but for guys that have not used a flushing toilet in nearly 4 months, it was an event in which we took much delight. I noticed a group of local Afghan citizens that work on our post watching our cheerful celebration. I can only imagine what they were thinking...here were a bunch of guys who live in a country free of all the terrible worries that go along with living in the 3rd world, who volunteered to come to Afghanistan with all the known risks associated with it. I can only hope it inspired them to be a part of the change in their country. Things have changed for the better here recently. I hope it continues into the 2nd half of our deployment.
Meanwhile, while celebrating with carefree exhilaration, my thoughts turned to the problems in America. Problems we choose to solve with hateful words and political banter. In this, there is something to be learned from the people of Afghanistan. I will write more about this next week, as I must first gather my often too moderate thoughts.
Until next time...
Chris
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Happy 4th of July..."Independence" Day
I promise I will not rant for 3,000 words about how July 4 is a pointless holiday. I will limit it to just a couple paragraphs, before moving on to my thoughts on independence.
Fact: On July 2, 1776 the Lee Resolution was passed by the Continental Congress. It declared:
"Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
It was a resolution that was debated for nearly a month, before it finally passed. During that time a committee was hard at work writing the Declaration of Independence. When the Declaration was finally passed on July 4, it was simply just a piece of paper working like an index to the Lee Resolution. John Adams is often misquoted about the events of this time. He is often quoted as saying the following about July 4, but it was really July 2...
John Adams wrote his wife Abigail on July 3 about the resolution of independence:
According to accounts from the time, from those who were there, the Declaration of Independence was only signed by 1 person on July 4 (John Hancock). By all accounts most of the 55 men signed the document on August 2, while others signed it months later...My point is that if our independence is such an important date to celebrate, we should at least understand what it is we are celebrating.
So I choose to celebrate "Independence Day" on July 2, July 4, and August 2.
MY THOUGHTS ON INDEPENDENCE
I get a handful of emails each week from people thanking me for my service to our country. They thank me for protecting our freedom. Once in a while the word "independence" is thrown in there. This word always strikes me strongly. Independence, to me, encapsulates not just the process by which we became free from the British, but the ever continuing fight to maintain it. We have battled for independence from invasion in 1812, treason in the civil war, and helped our allies fight for their independence in several other wars.
In the early 1960's President Kennedy's Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France. The French President, Charles DeGaulle decided to pull his nation out of NATO. DeGaulle said he wanted all US Military out of France as soon as possible. Rusk responded, "Does that include those who are buried here?" DeGaulle, in a moment of embarrassment and humility apologized for his quick judgement.
Since the late 1800's the United States has maintained involvement in foreign countries with a military presence. We are not there to occupy. We are not there to conquer. We are there to help those who have less. We are there to help some of them fight for their own independence.
I was not around 236 years ago to fight for America's independence, but I am proud to help the country of Afghanistan fight for theirs today. Much as the United States took several years to establish themselves as a stable and reliable country after the summer of 1776, the same is true here in Afghanistan. After all, without the French, it is quite possible that there would have been no independence for the American colonies.
When I'm old and gray I hope to look back to my experience here in Afghanistan and say "I helped fight for their independence." In the meantime I will proudly wear the Stars and Stripes on my shoulder, with an eye on where we come from, to help me see where we are going.
Happy Independence Day, whenever or wherever you celebrate it!
Until next time...
Chris
Fact: On July 2, 1776 the Lee Resolution was passed by the Continental Congress. It declared:
"Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
It was a resolution that was debated for nearly a month, before it finally passed. During that time a committee was hard at work writing the Declaration of Independence. When the Declaration was finally passed on July 4, it was simply just a piece of paper working like an index to the Lee Resolution. John Adams is often misquoted about the events of this time. He is often quoted as saying the following about July 4, but it was really July 2...
John Adams wrote his wife Abigail on July 3 about the resolution of independence:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
According to accounts from the time, from those who were there, the Declaration of Independence was only signed by 1 person on July 4 (John Hancock). By all accounts most of the 55 men signed the document on August 2, while others signed it months later...My point is that if our independence is such an important date to celebrate, we should at least understand what it is we are celebrating.
So I choose to celebrate "Independence Day" on July 2, July 4, and August 2.
MY THOUGHTS ON INDEPENDENCE
I get a handful of emails each week from people thanking me for my service to our country. They thank me for protecting our freedom. Once in a while the word "independence" is thrown in there. This word always strikes me strongly. Independence, to me, encapsulates not just the process by which we became free from the British, but the ever continuing fight to maintain it. We have battled for independence from invasion in 1812, treason in the civil war, and helped our allies fight for their independence in several other wars.
In the early 1960's President Kennedy's Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France. The French President, Charles DeGaulle decided to pull his nation out of NATO. DeGaulle said he wanted all US Military out of France as soon as possible. Rusk responded, "Does that include those who are buried here?" DeGaulle, in a moment of embarrassment and humility apologized for his quick judgement.
Since the late 1800's the United States has maintained involvement in foreign countries with a military presence. We are not there to occupy. We are not there to conquer. We are there to help those who have less. We are there to help some of them fight for their own independence.
I was not around 236 years ago to fight for America's independence, but I am proud to help the country of Afghanistan fight for theirs today. Much as the United States took several years to establish themselves as a stable and reliable country after the summer of 1776, the same is true here in Afghanistan. After all, without the French, it is quite possible that there would have been no independence for the American colonies.
When I'm old and gray I hope to look back to my experience here in Afghanistan and say "I helped fight for their independence." In the meantime I will proudly wear the Stars and Stripes on my shoulder, with an eye on where we come from, to help me see where we are going.
Happy Independence Day, whenever or wherever you celebrate it!
Until next time...
Chris
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