CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan
— As families across our great country gather this
Memorial Day weekend, the men and women serving in Afghanistan will also
pause to reflect on those who have gone before them. They will
celebrate our heroes, past and present. These men and women serving in
southwest Afghanistan are reminded daily that freedom and “justice for
all” doesn’t exist everywhere, and that it comes at a cost.
Just a few nights ago I was reminded of why we fight today when a
young Marine struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol in
southern Helmand. Gravely injured, the team’s corpsman on scene
stabilized him and called for a medical evacuation helicopter. Weather
was a problem, however, and the evacuation helicopter could not reach
the scene, though the pilots refused to stop trying. An adjacent unit
was contacted and, without concern for themselves, a convoy of Light
Armored Vehicles rushed to aid the young Marine. They made it their
mission to get to a Marine in trouble. They pushed through driving wind
and blowing sand to link up with fellow Marines. After link-up, they
wound up stuck in the sand, now in desperate need to evacuate the
wounded Marine.
Throughout their efforts the Army helicopter pilots were doing their
best to help as well. Convinced they could get through the weather,
they put the most experienced aviators in the cockpit. As Marines and
Navy corpsmen on the ground continued to provide critical care, the
helicopters launched again and a break in the weather allowed them to
evacuate the wounded to safety.
This scenario encompassed more than five hours. With each passing
moment the urgency to evacuate the wounded increased. Coordination at
every level never stopped and there was never any thought of not being
able to help. Fighting against the odds, these soldiers, sailors and
Marines banded together to save one of their own. They refused to give
up, and their efforts kept one of America’s sons alive.
So as we pause to celebrate this Memorial Day, we reflect on those
who have gone before us. We reflect on their service and their
sacrifice on behalf of our great nation. We should also remember those
serving today who embody that same commitment of service and sacrifice.
They are committed to something greater than themselves, and they
muster the physical and moral courage to accomplish extraordinary feats
in battle. They do it for one another and the country they love, asking
little in return.
Sincerely,
Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta
Task Force Leatherneck/2nd Marine Division (Forward)
Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
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