The Fallen

I don’t really know how else to put it. I guess I will just say it straight. Today was a messed up day. It is with a heavy heart that I write the following lines, and I don’t even know if they should be written. I don’t even feel like writing them, but the experience must be somewhat shared.

Eleven miles from FOB Salerno a 101st Airborne Division patrol hit an IED and took indirect fire. The Apaches were scrambled to intercept the enemy, but upon arrival the cowards fled. After some time, the Apaches, not able to engage, departed and returned to base. As soon as the aircraft left, the indirect fire returned. Medevac units and an Apache chase aircraft were sent to pick up the casualties. Without giving specific numbers, there were several American KIA.

Today I saw things that I wish I hadn’t. It would be disrespectful to the fallen if I described that which fell upon my eyes, so I will leave it at that. All you may know is that before one of the Medevac Blackhawks went back out, they power washed the blood from the floor of the aircraft; crimson water splashed endlessly upon the pavement.

Shortly after, an emergency blood drive was announced over the loudspeaker. Anyone who had O positive blood needed to report to the field hospital immediately. Having that blood type, some buddies and I rushed to the clinic to find a line already forming. At least 70 people showed up to donate their blood to those who lay injured and dying in that very building. Before we could donate, we had to quickly fill out paperwork and have our vitals taken. The officer who took my blood pressure and body temperature had her right boot covered in fresh blood; those of the fallen. For some damned reason National Geographic was filming the entire process for a documentary. That, among many other visuals, are burned into my memory permanently.

I don’t know how much blood they took from my body, but it filled up a good sized bag. Hopefully it was able to sustain life, and give our soldiers a chance at survival.

Afterwards, I slowly walked back to our shop, mulling over all that I had witnessed in such a short period of time. It’s difficult to just go about your day when such things happen. My mind wonders, and my emotions jump around the spectrum from rage to sadness.

Some time after dark, it was announced that the “hero flight” would begin in 20 minutes. A hero flight is something that occurs when soldiers give the ultimate sacrifice. We all went out to the air strip, where a C-130 sat with idling engines. Medevac humvees drove past, carrying the fallen inside. Following, in a column, marched the soldiers who survived the same attack that took their buddies. Caskets draped with American flags were moved from the vehicles to the aircraft, while onlookers stood and watched solemnly. Surrounded by darkness, we watched the C-130 taxi down the dirt strip, turn around, and take off with engines blaring. As they passed all soldiers went to attention and saluted the fallen. They disappeared into the night, and the loudspeakers announced another emergency blood drive.

Ironically, after all of this, some Muslim prayer began to play over a loudspeaker in the distance around Khost. They should pray hard. Rest assured that someone will pay for what has happened. I feel that we are about the unleash an unholy hell upon those responsible for today’s events. We will not falter.

I do not think that anyone can understand the true cost of war until they experience it for themselves. I know what those families are going to go through when they first learn of their loss. Memories of similar experiences have been flooding my mind all day. We must learn to trudge through the grimness of war, as there is still a job to be done. How do the comrades of the fallen carry on? They cannot just stop. They may go out again tomorrow. I only wonder if these sacrifices are worth it. I pray that I do not relive this day in my dreams.

Today is the 7th of May, 10:32 pm...I do not know when this will post because when something like this happens all phones and internet are shut down for operational security purposes. Word cannot get out to the families before it is officially supposed to. Do not be worried, we are ok. I will call when I can.

12:20 am: A report of rockets falling on Salerno. I didn’t hear anything.

Another day, another dollar.

-J