“Troops in contact” are words heard over a tactical radio that always make the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. This night would prove no different. Coalition forces operate under extremely dangerous circumstances on a daily basis in Afghanistan. Every time troops venture “outside the wire” there is strong possibility that they will come under attack from insurgent forces striving to keep this nation entrenched in a cloak of intimidation and brutality. The Coalition forces fighting the Taliban take this risk and are determined to pursue their goal of freedom for the citizens of Afghanistan. I have heard it said in the mainstream media that the war in Afghanistan is a forgotten war which in my opinion is an absolute travesty. On this Memorial Day it is only fitting to honor those who have fallen in years gone by and those who only recently have made the ultimate sacrifice. I will never forget the events which I am about to describe involving an American soldier who lost his life in the defense of freedom.

The heavily armored patrol made its way through the cover of darkness to a waiting enemy. Hours of preparation and rehearsal had been performed leaving nothing to chance. As in all tactical patrols there were clearly stated objectives and courses of action to take depending upon the possible scenarios. Each man knew his job and was more than adequately prepared to accomplish the specific taskings to complete the mission. They worked as a team. Back in the rear a command post was in place monitoring the patrol’s movement and was ready to assist with requests for close-air support, ammunition re-supply and medical evacuation if necessary.

The tactical radio beside me had been seemingly quiet when it suddenly came to life. “Troops in contact” was the initial message followed by “man down.” An American soldier had been shot in the head by a Taliban sniper. “Medic Up” could be heard over the radio along with the discernible crack and pop-pop-pop of machine gun fire. While still receiving enemy fire the medic quickly made his way to the injured trooper and began initiating critical life saving medical treatment. Sitting in the command post and listening to the events as they were taking place filled me with an emotion I cannot begin to describe. Someone’s family member was shot and he quite possibly was going to die.

The medical evacuation process worked flawlessly, returning the injured soldier to our medical center. Life saving resuscitative measures were performed immediately.

Traumatic Brain Injury was the diagnosis. The soldier was now in a deliberately prescribed drug-induced coma due to the extensive nature of his irreversible injuries.

As he was awaiting an additional medevac flight to Germany, two high ranking officers arrived at the hospital critical care unit and presented the Purple Heart to this critically wounded hero. The injured soldier’s family was notified of the seriousness of their son’s injuries and quickly boarded a flight to Germany in order to see their son before he died. They did not arrive in time to be present when their son passed. They had given their son, he had given his life.

This May 26, 2008- Memorial Day is now personal for me, and for many of us. It is not a “day off” but, a compelling reminder of both past and PRESENT sacrifices that have been made by countless men and women in uniform to protect and defend our great nation. I would ask that each American take a moment to reflect on our heroes and honor those who have lost their lives in defense of our freedom. Please post an American flag outside your house today and let Old Glory fly in the breeze serve as a symbolic reminder to all of us of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

E-mail me at: greg.laffitte@gmail.com