Questions

My heart is heavy this morning. Last night before I went to bed, I watched a special on the National Geographic Channel. They followed around a group of Green Berets in Afghanistan. They showed what these guys do on a daily basis. It ended with conflict. They were supposed to camp on a hilltop but their bomb dogs picked up IED's (explosives) so they did a sweep and blew up 7. They thought that was all. The first hummer made it up and the part of the camera crew filmed the others behind them. All of the sudden there was a deafening explosion. 4 of their guys just tripped off an IED. They were on fire in the vehicle. They immediately (without a thought or care for themselves) went to their aid. The driver was killed on impact. They dragged the others out. One was on fire and burned over 90% of their body....he would die later. The guy that rescued him came away with severe burns on his forearms. The other two were scarred but would live. It was a real look into the lives of real soldiers. They even carried you through their grief process which honestly, had to be quick because they had to get back on duty. The sight of grown men crying over a flag draped coffin in their fatigues is an image that will stick with me forever.

I have watched these types of programs before but honestly, ever since the death of Tyler Parten, I really seem to respond with heavier emotions. These men are true heros. I mean they are amazing Americans. And the bravest, kindest, smartest, best, and brightest we have to offer. Fighting in a strange land, for what? I know they know and I support them 100%, but I cannot support this war. I realize they are just doing their jobs and they get paid, but the price they/we are paying is way too high. The soldier that died immediately happened to CHOOSE to become an American citizen (he wasn't born here) and was 1 credit away from obtaining his law degree but after 9/11 he enlisted. He left behind a wife and two small children. I refuse to believe any of the deaths in Afghanistan are in vain, but I also refuse to believe that we HAVE to stay there. Something's got to give.

I cannot imagine doing their jobs...EVER. Heck, I couldn't do them. Amazingly brave. Period. So today, just whenever you have the chance, say a prayer for our troops in Afghanistan. I know God listens. And add a request to find a way to bring them all home safely to their families. Thanks.

Later blog readers.