Into Thine Hand I Commit My Spirit
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Arghandab, Afghanistan
New Year's Eve, 2009
On this small base surrounded by a mixture of enemy and friendly territory, a memorial has been erected just next to the Chapel. Inside the tepee are 21 photos of 21 soldiers killed during the first months of a year-long tour of duty. The fallen will belong forever to the honor rolls of the 1-17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and they will join the sacred list of names of those who have given their lives in service of the United States of America.
The symbol of the 2nd Infantry Division is the Indian Head. At night, soldiers of the “Indian Head Division” can be seen passing by the tepee, sometimes stopping to peer inside before walking into the darkness.
Sometimes the soldiers walk by carrying lights that are red or green, or sometimes white. Tonight, Cobra Battery was firing illumination rounds from the cannons, which boom from the darkness, arcing a round into the night, where miles away a canister unsheathes, and the parachute opens, and brightness floats silently, shimmering over the valley where these soldiers died.
The firing is not done in remembrance, but to support ongoing combat operations.
Inside the tepee are the 21 photos, and a Bible. The book is opened to Psalm 31.
In front of each photo, electric candles flicker through the night.
Mostly there is silence.
Soldiers put cigarettes in front of each photo, though they say that many of the fallen did not smoke.
…for thou art my strength.
Only during such times are strong men and women of greatest importance. At all other times we have Hollywood.
Today we need soldiers who never forget their brothers, while they carry forward with devotion and strength.
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Michael
Comments
Please encourage our brave men and women in uniform that they are not forgotten. Even if we do not always post, we are thinking of them often in thought and prayer. Thanks again to them for their service and sacrifice.
Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen and to their comrades who love them. We continue to keep all of you in our prayers.
Thankyou Michael for telling their story.
"What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across
the grass and loses itself in the sunset."
-Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator 1830 - 1890
Michael, the photos are simply magnificent .... each photo accentuated the one before. I deeply felt the sacredness of the memorial. You put me right there. Thank you so much.
And, Tresho, thank you for sharing the ancient Indian custom. And, Kanani. for the poem of the Blackfoot Warrior.
Do they report on the primitive battle witnessed from above? Is such futility observed and later communicated - to waiting leaders on harsh worlds several galaxies distant?
- 'These are sentient beings, but they lack higher ability at resolving the difficult problems of coexistence.'
- 'Food and fuel abound, leaving open the question of why there is such strife - less it is their natural condition.'
Fellow readers: Would you like to feel as good as I occasionally do? Then set up a periodic donation to Michael Yon. Keep this great work going.
Happy New Year, Michael.
This is a political war on many levels. The fact that the prize does not include rich oil fields has a lot of bearing on whether or not we will hear much about the current conflict, and why we are still fighting a war there that began before Iraq even got started.
This administration has no vision (or stomach) for the fight in A'stan. The President's "commitment", apparently caught somewhere between his Nobel prize and campaign pledge, begins with a belated decision to send an additional 30K troops while simultaneously stating his intent to begin withdrawing those same assets before they've been fully deployed.
This politically correct "leadership" provides our ground commanders with only limited options, none of them very good given the constraints. Our brave marines and soldiers press on with little to look forward to except counting the days (and fallen comrades) until their tours are over or the withdrawal begins.
We look to you to document their plight. Your insightful writings are creating a lasting and honest record of their dedication in the face of daunting odds. Your words, augmented by the perceptive eye of your camera, capture the humanity of our warriors as never before.
Rest up in Hong Kong....but hurry back. The war fighters (and the American people) need you to tell their story.
You see a similar difference in night skies between Oahu and the saddle between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the big island. It's astonishing.
I am uplifted to know that in some small way I am related to such human beings as these. I am both humbled and pride-filled.
May the LORD give you peace as you grieve these brave soldiers.
"We don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future"
Regardless of who is currently in the Oval office, these soldiers did not die in vain.
the sacrifices of these young men will keep them from going, but, I know they will go if asked....
Thank you all....
And may there be no mourning of the bar, when I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep, too full for sand and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep turns again home.
Twighlight and evening bell, and after that the dark.
And may there be no sadness of farewell when I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place the flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot, face to face, when I have crossed the bar.
I sit at home sometimes, missing my husband as he works away from home, and think about all of the wives out there that won't see, smell, or feel their husbands again due to their sacrifice. It is then that I feel thankful, not depressed or sad, that he's not at my side that very moment, because I know he will be soon. God bless them all.
*sigh*
Once again, your writing and pictures transport us to the reality of the situation. This somber celebration of our fallen heroes is beautifully done.
Thank you.
Jim G.
I only hope that now, not as then, the American people stand firmly behind our military as they fight the fight we no longer are able to. God Bless and Keep Them Safe as they go forth in harms way.
I too will celebrate in silence tonight and pray for victory and a safe return home for you and our fighters one day soon.
God Bless you and the work you do...
Mike
Again another wonderful post. A picture truly does say a thousand words. You express so much with so few words and pictures. It never ceases to amaze me how well your pictures and words tell so very much with so little. Nothing can compare to our brave and dedicated men and women that take the fight to our enemy. Thank God that someone like you are there to record their stories. I never pass a chance to stop and shake hands with anybody that I meet wearing the uniform of any branch of our armed services, and tell them, " Thank You" for the sacrifice that they have volunteered to make, no matter where it may be or how much I have to go out of my way to do it. Please let them know that they are always in my prayers and thoughts.
As for you, please be careful, as much as it is possible, where there are no real safe areas to start with. We need you as much as we need the troops so their stories will get told. Big media and the networks have no interest in telling the true stories of courage and personal suffering plus the sometimes humorous events that will always take place even in the worst of conditions. I can't afford to make a regular donation, but still manage to send something as often as I can. I always forward your posts on to my friends and give your website URL to anyone who has never heard about your work. May God bless and watch over you in 2010 and far into the future. You are truly a special person.
Thank You,
P.M.G.
I have so much respect for our guys. They are THE BEST!!! Sometimes I wonder if losing such quality men is worth it. I am reminded, however, that we are the last bastion of freedom-loving, self-sacrificin g people on the planet. If we don't lead in the fight against despotism, evil, and hate...who will?
May God bless our guys in the field and the ones who have fallen for our country AND to liberate another country. I pray for you all. Be safe, boys, we here in the States are praying for you. These prayers also go out to all of the courageous guys from Canada, Lithuania, Poland, Britain, Australia, the Frenchies, and everybody else who fights for peace and freedom.
God bless, boys! And God God bless you, Michael.
I was fortunate to be accepted in the Yakima Warriors association when I was in central washington, and I very much appreciate the link to all Americans, from the ones that got here first to the latest to arrive--we are Americans all--and the only lapel pin I wear anymore is that of the Yakima Warriors--
Thanks for a brillant and most moving post.
This appeared to happen in your neighborhood. Any information?
"Also Wednesday, NATO said four Canadian troops and one journalist from Canada were killed when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb on a patrol a few miles outside the southern city of Kandahar. The journalist, Michelle Lang of the Calgary Herald, was on assignment covering Canadian military operations, said Major Steven Cole, a spokesman with the NATO-led forces."
May God bless you and keep you, for all that you give to your job. Your photos and essays touches me deeply. I truly believe God put you here for this very special work. Safe journeys, Michael.
Victoria Hudgins
San Diego, CA
" Thankyou Michael, and thank you to the soldiers I now call my brothers in the 1-17. I am smiling through the tears..."
When I read the tag, I remembered the photo Michael took of the names on the memorial to the fallen, and the name of Aaron Aamot your loved one at the end of the list. (I make it a point to read every name on all such lists...it is my way of honoring them and showing respect to those who go where I would not, to do a job that I cannot)
Your courage and kindness in posting your message in the face of such a devastating time for you and your family, is a testament to the American heart, and one of the very reasons your brothers, and ours, are now in Afghanistan.
Thank You, Matthew.
Again, Michael, please... tell our brothers and sisters there, ALL of them, thank you from us. That we love them, miss them and stand or fall, we are with them in spirit.
Well done.
Steve W.,
Why? The human brain retains the last word and does not retain the "not" before "forget." We need to remember these guys, it's that simple.
Thank you!!!
First off, you are doing a magnificent job with your blog/post. Make sure the troops know about David's Psalm # 91. It is the timeless soldier's Psalm of Protection.
I LIVED that one during the combat phase in the largest tank battle of Desert Storm. Send me an address and I will send you a copy of my latest CD.
The website for free MP3 downloads is > www.yankeemedicrecords.com.
Keep up this badly needed communication for all of us back in the States praying for you every day.
you should read the book given to men by the God whom you make reference to.
God has a history of choosing sides. When the Israelites entered the land promised by God to them, there followed many battles. It is written that God gave them the battles, and when they disobeyed him, as in the example of the account of the battle of Ai, in Joshua chapter 7, they lost his favor and thus the battle as well. Obviously, God does choose sides.
In regard to your statement: "Death is not sacred. Men do not fight "the good fight". War is futile" I'm afraid I must differ again. If death were not sacred, why then would the death of his son have meaning to anyone at all?
Your reporting is superb and photography drives the words home. We are honored to have you as a scribe for our team.
As long as the people support us - and our leaders don't fail us - we will fight to keep the United States and all her allies in this effort free and safe.
Again, thank you for your great work.
Regardless of how anyone feels about these wars, we ALWAYS should remember to honor and respect those who are currently serving, and our wonderful Veterans! God Bless you, Michael for a God given talent of expressing in words the thoughts of many who have the same feelings. I have definitely bookmarked your site.
with a grateful heart, Margo
As a veteran I wonder when our politicians will let us obliviate an opponent into obsoletion, no mater who dies and end the war in two weeks... Nooo.. We have to drag this shit out forever and eventually lose, because we're too good to kill, while we're in a war.
I can't possibly see what General McChrystal would have to be 'displeased' about, much less start court martial proceedings against, in this memorial. I think you need to have your own heart examined! When our brave boys and girls DIE protecting YOUR right to be an idiot, and express that idiocy in idiotic ways, I believe their BROTHERS IN ARMS have the RIGHT to express their own Grief and sorrow, and show their respect for their fallen comrads in respectful ways. I think you are in a minority here.
Thank you for your beautiful post. If not for you, I would not have known about this memorial, and my husbands name is printed on that wall. May we all be brave enough to stand with these men and those who still fight.
"What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly. Tis dearness only that gives everything its value".
---Thomas Paine
The price for my freedom has never been more costly, so I cherish it all the more.
Mrs. Jenkins, Your husband will not be forgotten either! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I find it sickening that you would use the deaths of our fallen warriors to score some silly political points. For shame.
Michael, your reporting is perfection! God Bless You!
May they rest in peace.
Why all the name calling and disparaging remarks. Do you know the US Military's policiy on displaying the Bible in Iraq or Afghanistan? Perhaps you can enlighten me.
"Last May, dozens of Afghan language Bibles sent to a soldier in Afghanistan were confiscated and then destroyed by fire because the command believed the Bibles were intended to proselytize Muslims, which is a violation of military rules and Afghan law. A Pentagon spokesman said the act was a “force protection” measure to preclude Afghans from perceiving the U.S. military was trying to convert Muslims, which could lead to a violent anti-American reaction."
"Two weeks ago, the year-old Bible burning incident was resurrected by three journalists who corroborated to attack evangelical Christians for using the military to advance their religious views. This episode demonstrates four disturbing phenomena: a double standard, a one way cultural and religious bias, political correctness, and the antagonizing of many of our best albeit evangelical Christian soldiers."
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/05/bibles-destroye.html
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=32000
What ridiculous drivel you spout. The memorial is perfect. I suspect there is not an ounce of spirituality within you--and, by the way, the buffalo are doing fine. As for genocide, why, isn't that the fate the Taliban and Al Qaida have in mind for self-inflated "PC" minded fools like yourself? We are fighting the most moral war in a generation, against merciless child-roasting raping barbarians who only live to kill us by the millions (read Al Qaida's charter, you uneducated buffoon.) I, for one, hope to the heavens we ignore the fatuities of the Left and drive these swine into the ground before they kill any more innocents, whether Muslim or others.
This is one of those times, and those photo-essays, where I say, "Now, This is my new "Michael favorite." There are so many messages, within messages, and sentiments, and a blanket of honor around it all. This is, to me, a sacred glimpse into a most private, and yet, shared moment of grief. It is a blessing to show these images and share the names,....such that they may be remembered with love, and with honor......and such that, those of us 'here' may remember them in prayer. Never a bad thing,...always a good thing....and Psalm 31,...what an appropriate blessing an message. The backdrop of the stars, the lighting, the various lights on a random evening, so far away. It is all just poetic, and beautiful and sacred. Thank you for creating these 'mental snapshots,' that are incorporated into the tapestry of my life's memories. We will remember, and pray for them....as I will remember and pray for you, Michael. Be good....and if you can't be good....be careful!!!! One of my Dad's favorite 'send-offs.' Happy New Year....Stay safe,.....you are an extraordinary gift to families and soldiers alike. Lovin' you, Barb xo
I am glad that you can so willingly commit your very screen-name to something that you obviously know nothing about... responding with a reference to threats that have been posed to your own self-righteous ideology does nothing but confuse and divert the subject which has been addressed. This diversion is completely obsolete in regard to the egregious acts that Americans have committed and does nothing but confirm your own ignorance towards the history of this country. Also, the buffalo were massacred in the 19th century merely as an attack on the Native American nations that were a threat to the "Manifest Destiny" that consumed the United States in order to have some symbolic trophy in order to claim a semblance of control over the area that they stole to be their "territory". The massacre of the people who originally lived on the land that is the continent of North America is a travesty that should not be skewed in order to feign glory for an empire that assured their defeat and long-term submission to an invading culture. Your own delusion betrays the angry and dogmatic vocabulary which you utilize to defend your pathetic and short sighted opinions.
I don't know about the previous commenters but I have more than an ounce of spirituality. I am not self-inflated and believe that being PC means being POLITE. I am a Christian and Jesus is pretty clear about His feelings for war. We don't bring peace by murdering innocents. Call me a lefty liberal or whatever other silly names, you are not the one I'll have to answer to in the end.
That being said, I believe that this memorial is good. Regardless of the state of the buffalo or the Bible in the tipi (many Native Americans are Christian nowadays) they are remembering their friends and fellow soldiers in a good way. It is sincere and from the heart.
And yes, this war is about American interests...bec ause (dah) national security is the government's primary, fundamental Constitutional obligation. Again, a little reading would do your worldview good, starting with http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed091809a.cfm.
Perhaps it would be nice if the USA had the wisdom and authority and resources to fight every just war. But it's curious that the folks who think we should resolve Sudan's problems are the same folks who complain that we arrogantly overstep anytime we do intervene in matters that don't directly concern us.
I'll come back in a few days to see if anyone has taken me up on my idea ....
For those who don't know, the 1-17th emblem includes a buffalo, in tribute to one of its commanders during the Korean War, Col. William W. "Buffalo Bill" Quinn. That is where the buffaloes come in. Again, my best wishes to the soldiers of the 1-17th who are still in Afghanistan and who may happen upon this post. We are thinking of you - we care about you - thank you for your service. "Truth and Courage!"
As always, great story and thanks for keeping us all informed on what really counts. Our thoughts are with the families of those 21 young men who gave the ultimate sacrifice and our prayers remain with the battalion as they continue to perform with great distinction. They are now and forever our "Buffalo Brothers"
"Truth and Courage"
Donald Shook
http://www.17thInfantry.com
1-17: Blog: http://117afghanistan.blogspot.com/
Some die stupidly doing drugs or alcohol or commiting a crime and they have their victims as well. No Greater Love than a man lay down his life for his friends(rough quote) means that whether you are defending with weapons or giving up your needs to meet the needs of others first, you are showing that love. When you find yourself in a backwater place where you risk your health and safety to improve that of others, and you do it because you love others more than yourself...you are in a good place and are showing 'love' and furthering peace. For the Utopian types who don't believe in God, you're in Bad Company... Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin, Adolph Hitler, Chairman Mao... (I have left off many names).
But, you have free speech and thanks to the people of the type being memorialized here, you will continue to have.
However, be sensitive to the theme of the writers and try not to open your mouth before engaging the your brain or consulting your heart. Thanks to those who clarified the Buffalo symbols on the Tee-Pee before we got to the point of reliving the 19th century. Without justifying what happened, if it had not happened, this country would be much like central Asia(tribal). African Americans would not be (here), Europe would be like Europe was for the previous 500 years or so...and Christianity would still be struggling against tyrants and despots of all type of Political order or religion. For those that missed it in History Class, the great men that framed our government and this Republic used democratic principles with the unshaken belief that the Judeo-Christian God gave us these rights. The separation Clause was to keep the sub-divisions of this great Faith from bickering themselves to a standstill over issues of tradition, practice or govermental control. Proof? Look around and see what other civilizations survived with or without democratic principles...no ne. As our western civilization, that has been based on Judeo-Christian - God-manifested rights, cedes that bulwark of our society to other cultures, religions, or atheist belief, in the name of separation of Church and state, we will see the slow collapse (currently in progress) of our country into either undefendable Anarchy, or a takeover by a religion or political culture that demands total compliance or death. Hmmm, have to think about that one a while. Where have I seen that before...?
e cigarette
I just don't see the point in writing such nasty articles about our dead countrymen. For shame appreciate the dead cause without them you wouldn't be here.
Say a prayer for their souls so that someone will say a prayer for you when you are gone.
Thank you to those, fallen and still fighting, for every day they serve with strength and committment.
Thank you to the families, for your loved ones' service and your support of them through out.
With gratitude..
C~
I placed a set of electric candles at the masoleum before New Year and well before I knew of the monument in Afghanistan. They are still there and still lit. Hs friend, Nick, just shared a cigarette with him, leaving the tobacco. He hasn't read the story yet. This is a confirmation of fatih that he is safe in God's arms. I will keep the light burning on this end of the world. I know the guys of the 1-17 5/2 will do the same. Thank you for being his friend and brother in arms. God Speed.
John G
I would hope that all back at home will also never forget and will do our fallen honor as well.
Your images speak volumes to those who would hear. god bless you.
May they all rest in peace.
G.M. Wemoff
I had not seen your work before tonight. My son was amongst those honored in the tee-pee. Without your work, we never would have know about this special New Years Eve. The stars in the sky were breathtaking. It was always important to us to stop and be in awe of the stars. I had no idea of the number of stars over there. I did not get to speak to him during this deployment.
Captain John Hallett's Mother
Mitakuye Oyasin
Mitakuye Oyasin
Kim
pfc. luce bco 1-17
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell…
The young dead soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts. They say: We were young. We have died. Remember us. They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done. They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave. They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours; they will mean what you make them. They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say, it is you who must say this. We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. We were young, they say. We have died. Remember us.
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