oh no...
adele | 06.29.05 - 2:51 pm | #

If true, the enemy scored a big one. I am sorry if the losses turn out to be closer than any are to all of us. Every loss is disheartening. But, losing 12 of the best is indeed devastating... for you especially.

Peace and prayers.
Mr.Atos | Homepage | 06.29.05 - 3:40 pm | #

The 17 service members included eight Navy SEALs, the sources added.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8391112/

I don't know how reliable this source is, but this is what they're saying.


Matt, Scott, and the rest of you (Julio, speak up, would you)... I'm so sorry.
adele | 06.29.05 - 4:11 pm | #

Question from a veritable neophyte. The helos seem to be a weakpoint for troop transport in combat zones. Does the Osprey offer a better alternative?
Mr.Atos | Homepage | 06.29.05 - 4:19 pm | #

We are all devastated. Our thoughts are with their families.

Carol Johnson
Carol Johnson | 06.29.05 - 4:24 pm | #

Everyone,
Losing any American Sailor, Solider or Airman’s life in battle is truly sad day, but when I hear that we may have lost fellow frogmen tends to take my breath away. One of the hard things is waiting to see who has passed on. I have already received e-mails from some of my brother-in-arms wife’s to let me know that there husbands that are currently deployed in Afghanistan are OK, but they did not say they knew anything else. I shall pray for them and there families.

Julio

P.S. Thank you Adele
Julio | 06.29.05 - 4:25 pm | #

I'm so glad you're okay, Julio. Jeez... the waiting is terrible and I don't even know you all personally. I'm not waiting to hear about anyone in particular but I know YOU know them.

Prayers, thoughts, remembering real sacrifices and contributions, and no petty crappola in moments like this.


Godspeed.
adele | 06.29.05 - 4:33 pm | #

This is the video of your review of Pres. Bush's speech being mentioned on CNN.

Best,

Trey
Trey | Homepage | 06.29.05 - 5:08 pm | #

Oh God! I am so sorry! My condolences to their families and Team mates. They will be in my prayers.
Barbara | 06.29.05 - 5:21 pm | #

My deepest sympathy for their families, and my most profound gratitude for these men who gave all for us. God be with us all, and especially to all SEALS right now.
Lisa | 06.29.05 - 5:32 pm | #

This is devastating. My heart goes out to the immediate and extended families of these men, as well as the recovery team.

Godspeed.
MaryAnn | 06.29.05 - 6:00 pm | #

Matt, Scott, Julio (and any other SEALs out there) - I am so sorry. This is devastating and words fail me. My deepest sympathies also to all the families, friends, and the close-knit community that I know makes up the SEALs community.

God Bless them all.
Peg C. | 06.29.05 - 6:03 pm | #

RIP brothers...
thebronze | 06.29.05 - 6:16 pm | #

A devastating loss. My heart goes out to these men, their families and the entire NSW community. Godspeed to those will bring them home.
JenC. | 06.29.05 - 6:23 pm | #

My heart could not be sadder to hear this. I also add them and their families to my prayers for this terrible loss of so many heros.
On side note: I couldn't open the link for "160th Soar".
Chevy Rose | Homepage | 06.29.05 - 6:40 pm | #

WOW THIS JUST SUCKS!!!! I hope at least a few of them are able to E and E back to our own lines. I heard the rescue effort was still going on. RIP to the fallen!! True Warriors and Heros they all are!!
82ndAirborne Ranger | 06.29.05 - 7:06 pm | #

Froggy,

One "bit" of gossip I got was that Team members of Dev Group may have been onboard.

We too are patiently awaiting for the names involved......sick to our stomachs.
frogsister | 06.29.05 - 7:57 pm | #

my thoughts are with those brave men.
Carson Wilcox | 06.29.05 - 7:58 pm | #

frogsister,
My sources indicate that it wasn't DEVGRU. I think that I have a pretty good idea about what happened, but my source wants me to hold off for a little while.
Froggy | Homepage | 06.29.05 - 8:06 pm | #

Understandable. My sis told me of another group as well that it could be, but I for the life of me cannot remember what she said. Waiting patiently to hear from "R" who is in Iraq working with Team 10 right now. Probably won't till tomorrow, but can sure hope!

The SEAL community, being as small as it is, everyone will more than likely know someone who was on that helo. So sad! My prayers go out to the families, Team Members, and friends of those involved. Like I said before, we are just sick to the stomach waiting to hear names.
frogsister | 06.29.05 - 8:14 pm | #

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your fallen comrades, and their families.
Cary | 06.29.05 - 10:23 pm | #

Even though no one is believed to have survived the downing of the MH-47, the site has not been reached.

In what must have been a horrific incident, it is very possible there are survivors, that's what these guys do. I am praying for that possibilty and will not give up hope until confirmation of the unthinkable.

These men will return.
Indigo Red | Homepage | 06.29.05 - 10:29 pm | #

America mourns the loss of our very best and brightest Fighting Men, I am sure they will be sorely missed by all those who came before them and honoured by all those yet to serve.

I will pray for their families and loved ones tonight, and for America as well. Men such as these are not easily replaced.
Billy Budd | Homepage | 06.29.05 - 10:30 pm | #

Why the mourning? I haven't given up hope, if somebody can survive a crash and live it's a SEAL. My Prayers are for extraction from area.
SIR MIKE OF NEW MILFORD | 06.29.05 - 10:51 pm | #

I am so sorry to hear about this. Let's hope that they find some survivors.

That being said- I don't think I'd want to be a member of the Taliban right about now.
dillene | 06.29.05 - 10:54 pm | #

I posted to quick, Just take it easy and God Bless evey Seal Team Family and friends.
SIR MIKE OF NEW MILFORD | 06.29.05 - 11:00 pm | #

I am in prayer for these fine men-bsk
brian | 06.30.05 - 12:15 am | #

This is very sad news if true. Donation to the Special Operations Warfare Foundation is on the way. It's great organization. It's too bad ABC news doesn't know the difference between a seal and a SEAL.
Scott | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 12:32 am | #

I'm a SEAL spouse and want to thank my husband's command for the late night call I got telling me my husband is okay. Even though I had already received an e-mail from him, that was the thing I needed, realization that the command was looking out for me.

It's been a day from hell for the community. I don't think that can be stressed enough.

My heart is with the families who gave suffered such great losses.

I'm beside myself with shock and am pretty numb right now, so I apologize for any rambling on my first post.
KJ | 06.30.05 - 1:52 am | #

I am numb, I don't know what to say. God bless
America, and God bless these brave souls who fought for our freedom and ideals.
I pray for the families left behind from these brave soldiers in the GWOT. I can only say that these brave souls will be rewarded in the next life, and hope their families will take comfort from that.
Godspeed.
libbydiby | 06.30.05 - 3:47 am | #

I normally check this website numerous times during the day, to find out what new comments have been made, or what new posts. Today I am coming here to "be" with you in an online way, to offer condolences, to tell you that although you are the only ones I know in this community I am thinking about you constantly, have tried to imagine what the families are going through, hoping they bear it okay because we know they will do it with grace. My own catharsis last night was buying and packing stuff for two soldiers whose names I just got, to make sure they know the country is behind them, and to say thanks, and to make sure they aren't going without just because they have the decency to do work on behalf of us all. I'll send a contribution to NSWF, too. Probably a smaller one to each of the two foundations. Thanks for the info.

To all who serve in one-way or another: please know your work is appreciated. Not a single day goes by that someone isn't thinking of you, your efforts, your units, your families, our collective mission, and hoping for you to come out fine. I'm very grateful to all of you who do this kind of work, in whatever form it takes. This is the time of the newest "greatest generation" and every day people rise to that challenge. In our society with all of its quirks, its celebrity preening, and real and imagined therapeutic problems it seems like there doesn't exist anyone who does the right thing for the sake of it being done, who does it without expecting a lot of applause or compensation, or who does something truly noble with their life. There are; in all the branches of the military. To say thanks doesn't seem like enough. Each of us in our own way drives that point home to those around us and it's days like this that fuel the determination that NO ONE will blight our military's honor; not a U.S. politician, not some guy living in a cave, not a dictator, nor our acquaintances.
adele | 06.30.05 - 8:10 am | #

I normally check this website numerous times during the day, to find out what new comments have been made, or what new posts. Today I am coming here to "be" with you in an online way, to offer condolences, to tell you that although you are the only ones I know in this community I am thinking about you constantly, have tried to imagine what the families are going through, hoping they bear it okay because we know they will do it with grace. My own catharsis last night was buying and packing stuff for two soldiers whose names I just got, to make sure they know the country is behind them, and to say thanks, and to make sure they aren't going without just because they have the decency to do work on behalf of us all. I'll send a contribution to NSWF, too. Probably a smaller one to each of the two foundations. Thanks for the info.

To all who serve in one-way or another: please know your work is appreciated. Not a single day goes by that someone isn't thinking of you, your efforts, your units, your families, our collective mission, and hoping for you to come out fine. I'm very grateful to all of you who do this kind of work, in whatever form it takes. This is the time of the newest "greatest generation" and every day people rise to that challenge. In our society with all of its quirks, its celebrity preening, and real and imagined therapeutic problems it seems like there doesn't exist anyone who does the right thing for the sake of it being done, who does it without expecting a lot of applause or compensation, or who does something truly noble with their life. There are; in all the branches of the military. To say thanks doesn't seem like enough. Each of us in our own way drive that point home to those around us and it's days like this that fuel the determination that NO ONE will blight our military's honor; not a U.S. politician, not some guy living in a cave, not a dictator, nor our acquaintances.
adele | 06.30.05 - 8:13 am | #

Sorry that comment appeared twice; I posted it, it didn't come up even after a while, and now it appears out of order.
adele | 06.30.05 - 8:16 am | #

I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and comrades of those who have fallen.
Joe Schmoe | 06.30.05 - 9:08 am | #

All I can say is how grateful I am to each and every member of the Armed Services for their role in keeping me and my family safe. I spent four years in the Navy, but had no involvement in the current War on Terror. I got out 6 months before 9/11. I have even more gratitude for those of you that are there, in harms way. You men are special people, and our country is better off simply by your existence as American first, fighters second. Thank you all for your sacrifices, you are not forgotten or taken for granted in my home.
Justin Felix | 06.30.05 - 9:56 am | #

Rescue teams reached the crash site this morning, but no word from the Pentagon as to the condition of the SEAL team and helo crew.
Indigo Red | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 10:13 am | #

I find this blog very interesting, and tend to read it every morning when I get to work...However, I usually leave the comments to my clever brother. Given the recent tragedy, I wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers to the entire SEAL community.
Julio's lil sis | 06.30.05 - 11:03 am | #

BBC is reporting that 13 bodies have been recovered, and that 7, including some 'soldiers' that were on the ground are still missing. We will miss you all brothers.
Andrew | 06.30.05 - 11:30 am | #

Regarding BBC report: American command in Kabul can not confirm what the BBC is reporting. Rescue teams have yet to report.
Indigo Red | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 12:33 pm | #

I'm so sorry for the loss of your team mates and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and rescue teams. Thanks for the Foundation information.

I'm glad to hear you are alright, Julio.
CTG | 06.30.05 - 12:48 pm | #

This is horrible news. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the SEAL team friends and family. You guys are America's finest. I'm still holding out hope for some survivors.
Allan Bartlett | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 12:58 pm | #

I am sorry for all of you within the various special forces communities. The bonds that have been severed are truly painful, no doubt. From all of us in the non-military community, I thank you for your bravery and service in the face of danger.

God Bless all,
Rod
roddy | 06.30.05 - 1:46 pm | #

First post after much reading of your site.

Extremely sorry about the MH-47 news. God speed to all the lost. Condolences to their families.

My prayers are with you every day.

Great and good people like these are now with their team mates in Heaven.

FAL
FAL | 06.30.05 - 1:48 pm | #

I am very sorry about the loss, my prayers are with y'all, the family and the friends of the fallen. I too will keep hoping for survivors.
WNM | 06.30.05 - 2:15 pm | #

Prayers are with you all.
W. | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 2:21 pm | #

Matt, It is your feeling that some have been captured?
adele | 06.30.05 - 2:27 pm | #

NBC: All 16 bodies from chopper recovered
Previous reports said that 17 were killed in Afghanistan crash

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8391112/

Again, not sure if this is reliable info.

This may be a little out of place and inappropriate, but I'm sure glad they didn't capture our guys. There was not gonna be any sleep for a lot of people if that had happened (not that there's gonna be much now, anyway). There would have been no raising a cold one this weekend. More like lighting candles. I cannot even imagine.

Again, Godspeed.
adele | 06.30.05 - 2:55 pm | #

I'm not suggesting I'm relieved this happened, only that they didn't get captured.
adele | 06.30.05 - 3:08 pm | #

ABCNEWS is also reporting the Pentagon announcement of the lose of all on board the downed helo. Eight SEALS and 8 Army airmen were lost.

My God. THe families of those brave warriors must be totally devastated.

My thoughts and prayers go with the families. We are all so sorry for the loss.
Indigo Red | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 3:30 pm | #

I have no words.

God bless their families, loved ones, and fellow warriors. May He wrap them in His loving arms, and give them comfort and peace in this time of overwhelming sadness.
Karen | 06.30.05 - 3:37 pm | #

we're thinking of you Matt, and of them and their families.

I'm so sorry.
Dr. Zubov | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 3:57 pm | #

More warriors to help guard the gates of Heaven. I hope you guys get to kick as much ass in the next life as you did in this one.
Gunhaver | 06.30.05 - 4:36 pm | #

adele -

You said it well. Please God that the reports are correct. My heart goes out to their families, colleagues and friends.
Barbara | 06.30.05 - 4:41 pm | #

I would ask that those of you who are able, will donate to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for the benefit of these families.


... asked and answered. Prayers for them and for those they left behind.
Carole Sussman | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 4:41 pm | #

Adele, you wrote truly lovely words. I have been consumed with thoughts of this all day at work with no time to find out anything new. I, too, was praying all were recovered.

All I can think is there is going to be some bigtime kicking of ass all over Afghanistan now as punishment is meted out, God willing!

I am thinking of and praying for the families and loved ones of the fallen. These truly are the best of the best and I am so proud of them. And unutterably sad.
Peg C. | 06.30.05 - 4:58 pm | #

Wishing Fair Winds and Following Seas for the Fallen Warriors.
anon | 06.30.05 - 5:17 pm | #

Recognize that every one of these men know that if captured, they will be peeled like an onion by the savage heathen scumbags that it is their job to annihilate. Think about that.

The downing of that helicopter and the death of those 17 men is horrible. It's an unspeakable loss for their families and everyone who loved them.

I read your entire post and was actually quite moved by your feeling for these men and your grief for them. You were doing great, Matthew. Until you got to the sentence I pasted above. I suppose it would be impossible to believe in war and to support any given war if you DIDN'T think of the people on the other side as "savage, heathen scumbags." I suppose the reason I am so opposed to war is that I can never manage to convince myself that an entire group of people I have never met and know not the first thing about are all "savage, heathen scumbags." You cannot believe in war or support war if you view the people on the other side as being just as human as we are. They're fighting for something, too. You don't have to like or agree with what they're fighting for, but there's no reason to believe that they are not just as committed to defending their way of life as our men are to defending ours. And truth be told, you don't even KNOW what they're fighting for, because you don't know THEM, and you haven't met them or talked to them. Also, one really important point: Those "savage, heathen scumbags" that American Special Forces are in Afghanistan to "annihilate" are in their OWN country. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe they view themselves as defending THEIR country from US? Afghanistan is THEIR country. American soldiers are in someone else's country? If you can imagine that for one moment, how would you feel if you were them?
Kathy | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 6:02 pm | #

Kathy,

Speaking as a regular poster on this board, and as Liberal, I have to say this is a poor post to voice your political views on. Anger is a step in mourning, as I am sure you know, and the anger is justified. These guys are open to hearing dissent, but this is not the post.
Cary | 06.30.05 - 6:38 pm | #

Okay Kathy, I'm not even going to try to be gentle. How dare you, you freaking lefty, attack Froggy and this site at this time and in this manner. You prove how the left has no pride, no honor. So you don't think our guys would be tortured and then killed? What planet are you living on, dear? Do you think our guys would get three squares and a backrub? And the Taliban - yes, what glorious Afghan patriots they are. We really do need to UNDERSTAND them, don't we? Why, that would solve everything! I'm sure that the women in Kabul resent the presence of American fighters - they were rerally looking forward to the next stoning.

Karen, I refrain from using the profanity that wants to escape my mouth but I think you know what the words are. Those of us who have a direct interest in the SEAL community will, I believe, speak with one voice - I'm sorry, go to hell.
SEAL Dad | 06.30.05 - 6:51 pm | #

I just posted, but it's not showing up, so forgive me if there is a double post....

Kathy,

I've started to come and read Froggy's blog regulary for about a month or so now, and I have yet to agree with him on pretty much anything. But this is Froggy's blog, and he has never asked me not to comment and has been gracious to hear my views.

With that said, he may have just lost 17 of his brothers. This is not a time to engage him or anyone here in political or philosophical debate. It's a time to let him and others mourn and grieve, and offer our support as fellow Americans and human beings.

Please show the same sensitivity you are asking them to.

May God be with all the fallen soldiers, their families, and their comrades.
Cary | 06.30.05 - 6:54 pm | #

One more thing...
(since a debate has started anyway...)

"Afghanistan is THEIR country. American soldiers are in someone else's country? "

And it was THEIR country which gave a safe haven to those who brutally murdered 3000+ of our people in OUR country. We have every right to be in that particular country, and our forces have succeed in overthrowing the terrorist government there. They have liberated people, including women, from unspeakable oppression. The terrorists they are fighting are not even NATIVE to that country, it's no more their country than it is ours.

Speaking as a fellow liberal, I encourage you to read a book.

Sorry guys, but I needed to say that.
Cary | 06.30.05 - 7:03 pm | #

The MH-47D was out of the 160th 3rd Battalion, Hunter AAF, Savannah, GA.

All aboard are some of the best and bravest Americans. I don't know how they do it. God bless their families.
sammy small | 06.30.05 - 7:12 pm | #

Brave men have given their lives in defense of our country. Thank God for their dedication. The men and women who stand in harm’s way on our behalf and the families that support them are always in my prayers. Godspeed.
Joe | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 7:18 pm | #

God bless and take them Home.

htom
htom | 06.30.05 - 7:20 pm | #

SEAL dad,

Thank you so much for saying what others just think! I'm sure you have the same heart sick feelings that the rest of us SEAL families do. My sister cannot even call some of the other wives for fear that these women may not have gotten the telephone call that she did last night. Her husband's CO's wife, called all the wives of the Team to let them know that their husbands were ok, but yet wanted to get them all together very soon. In all the years my sister has been a wife of a SEAL, she has not once ever received a call like that. Even though she knows her husband is ok (although he knows all of those killed), she is sick with the thought of those who perished.

Again, thanks for your say!!
frogsister | 06.30.05 - 7:34 pm | #

All,

I'm devastated and saddened. I keep muttering that the Almighty owes us break. The forces of good shouldn't pay the same price as the evil. I can only offer the one thing that seemed to bring a modicum of comfort to those much more intimately touched by this horror...these were lives of purpose, lives that change history and the fate of the planet, lives that I will tell my two sons about...how many of us who die old in a bed will be able to say as much?

I leave to donate.


Kathy,

The ignorance in your post is appalling but, sadly, this is indicative of far too many Americans. Perhaps it is good that this ugly rise to the surface even at the most inappropriate time.

Your post included far too many inaccuracies to mention. You have embarrassed yourself. For your own sake, I encourage you to research the history of the Taliban and our nation's liberation of the millions in Afghanistan. It will save you (and us) much pain. Your argument was the stuff of school children...nay, worse.
Carolina | 06.30.05 - 7:56 pm | #

Is there any update on status the squad on the ground?
Carolina | 06.30.05 - 7:57 pm | #

None that I am aware of. That is the thought which is tormenting me now.
Froggy | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 8:07 pm | #

I can't believe someone would be so heartless as to come in here and post a political opinion at a time like this. Then again, I can believe it.

My heart is heavy. My sorrow deep. And I don't know any of them personally. But I know all of them as the brave heroes they are. May they rest in peace. Godspeed.
Suzanne | 06.30.05 - 8:17 pm | #

Cary, let me say those were some of the most moving posts I have read. Thank you for your eloquence and patriotism.
Peg C. | 06.30.05 - 8:23 pm | #

God Bless our fallen soldiers and their families.
Sean | 06.30.05 - 8:24 pm | #

I'm sure Kathy believes the guards at Gitmo are savages, but the Taliban are heroic freedom-fighters. Why are so many liberals in love with tyrants while they hate Americans?

Kathy please take your ignorance to Moveon.org
Grontin | 06.30.05 - 8:36 pm | #

To Cary,

The points you made in the first two of your posts, about timing, are fair. Perhaps you're right and this was not the right time for this particular post on this particular blog. And maybe Froggy's use of the term "savage heathen scumbags" comes from the overwhelming pain of the moment. That's understandable.

I'm sure if the situation were reversed and Afghan fighters had been killed by U.S. Special Forces, their loved ones would be overwhelmed with grief and calling Americans terrible names, too. Maybe "savage infidel scumbag."

If both sides could understand all that, though, war would not be possible.

I'll leave it at that.
Kathy | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 8:51 pm | #

I prayed for your Seal colleagues. Their fraternal commitment in risking everything to help brothers in arms in the harshest straits is something that I have thought of but never known.
They were my betters.
I am so sorry.
Ignacio Wenley Palacios | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 8:56 pm | #

As a mother of an 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan these have been long and heart wrenching days. I pray for all the families at this very weekend we celebrate our Independence. God Bless all our soldiers, without them there would be no US.
Mary G | 06.30.05 - 9:00 pm | #

Better men than I, by far.

We grieve for them, their wives, children, mothers and fathers.

May they rest in peace.

May their deaths be avenged.
Grumpy Old Man | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 9:10 pm | #

Kathy, you're an ass. And a thoughtless one at that, so you know what, you're not even worth debating. The people who died lived their lives so you have the privilege of opening your mouth and having crappola come of it, I would bet pretty regularly

Then again, I LIKE when someone like you talks cause you know what? People are starting to understand MANY on your side of the fence are MORONS. Go hang out by Strawberry Fields and chant about something mindless and mind numbing. The people here don't need to be reminded that there are decent people everywhere, but the wrong ASSumption on your part probably gets your look-at-the-world-through-rose-colored-glasses, too-lazy to-F'in-learn-something butt out of bed every day. Get lost, LOSER. Why don't you go threaten to be a human shield or something.

SEAL dad and Cary... nice posts. Sorry, SEAL dad, for such an ignoramus at a time like this. I know you guys have thick skins and all, but that was completely uncalled for. Never cease to amaze me, "freakin" idiots.

Sorry to you all... hang in there. My thoughts have been with you ALL DAY, and will remain so.
adele | 06.30.05 - 9:13 pm | #

Kathy,

After saying that you understood what I was saying, you continue with your philosophy, which is proof that you don't understand. If you would like to engage in debate, come to my blog or another post on this one. Leave these people to their grief.
Cary | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 9:17 pm | #

I am very sad to read such news. I made a donation to the SOWF because of you and Hugh's show tonight. It's such a small thing I could do. My thoughts & prayers are with their families and their friends whom I am sure are saddened beyond words.
Cheryllynn | 06.30.05 - 9:23 pm | #

I will be spending the 4th of July with my 84-year-old father who is a WWII veteran and proud of it. All my life when I was a kid growing up I didn't really know what that meant until I went into the service myself.

Now we have an entirely new generation of military and they are magnificent...Patriots! God Bless them all and their families who grieve.

I will celebrate their bravery. Thank you is not enough...words will not express...only time will heal.

Carol Johnson
Carol Johnson | 06.30.05 - 9:28 pm | #

I'm new here, but I've seen this leftist behavior before. Please, ignore Kathy. She has no heart; she has no brain; she has no courage. The Yellow Brick Road is very real to her. She does have a therapist, though (I've seen her blog).



Sixteen brave men begin their final journey home today. The men they went to aid are still missing. They are probably the other half of the late SEAL team. One whole SEAL platoon may be gone. Please, let us focus on them and their families.
Indigo Red | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 9:29 pm | #

Oh, my God. PLEASE anyone with info keep putting it here. Froggy, Scott (can you speak up!!), Julio, all, hang in there!
adele | 06.30.05 - 9:33 pm | #

I"m so sad, and my family and I are praying for the families of those that were killed, and for all the service men and women from our counrty.
Dirk | 06.30.05 - 9:39 pm | #

Got the word today that a dear friend of mine was on board. Haven't spoken to his Mom and Dad yet but I can't imagine. Sadly, 15 more families (and thousands more) are going through the same grief right now. I won't say his name because it isn't out in the press yet but God is hearing it over and over today in my prayers.
G | 06.30.05 - 9:51 pm | #

Matt,

I heard you on radio's Hugh Hewitt show on the drive home this evening. You were very eloquent and informative. The interveiw made for a 'driveway moment' as I arrived home before the end.
Indigo Red | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 10:12 pm | #

Froggy,I was very sad about hearing this news,as I am when any of our troops loose their lives.But I do believe that their lives will never be in vain.It is great to now even in this time of sorrow,that we still have good men who will fight for something bigger than self.Kathy,old girl too bad you and the rest of the reactionaries on the left are too stupid and amoral to figure it out."They that can give up essential liberty to purchase to a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety".I believe you would fit this quote by Benjamin Franklin.You should have done the classy and sensible thing hear even if you do disagree with the war.And that is to offer sympathy to these good men who make your liberty and safety possible.You do need to go read some books and educate yourself about issues such as this instead of believing those panty waist schlamiels on your side of the isle you may actually learn something.Frankly these guys were better than you anyway,they did at least go down for something they truly believed in and that is something I respect in an individual.I bet if your mom or any member of your family was attacked you wouldn't do a damn thing to save em.!Sorry Froggy,I had to do that,but her post was maddening!but to you and your "Band of Brothers" and their families,I leave this verse to hopefully give you comfor and encouragement.Deuteronomy 33:27.and that you put your trust in God and he will see all of you through this.
Lisa Gilliam | 06.30.05 - 10:19 pm | #

I am so sorry. With great admiration and greater gratitude for all they do and have done for us, my deep condolences and deepest sympathies to their family and friends
Jill | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 10:25 pm | #

An article I just saw in the Army Times online has an update. The link is:

http://www.armytimes.com/story.p...2925- 948742.php


Part of what it says is:

"Four Navy SEALs remain missing in the mountains of Afghanistan after the deadly crash of a helicopter full of Special Operations troops sent in to rescue them.

All 16 servicemen aboard the Chinook were killed when it was shot down June 28 by a rocket-propelled grenade round in the rugged eastern region of the country.

More than two days after the event, details were still murky and many questions remained unanswered."
Peggy | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 10:42 pm | #

Froggy: Thanks for keeping us updated here. My Thoughts and Prayers are going out to all the Families and Friends of those Brave Warriors. We will Get Payback and Then SOME.
REST IN PEACE Warriors!!
Semper Fi.....Skyhawk...
Skyhawk691 | 06.30.05 - 10:43 pm | #

Quite a different Kathy here.

I have no close friend or relative in the military at present, although I am a Soldier's Angel. Yet this tragedy has brought me to tears more than once in the past 24 hours. I can not begin to imagine the suffering of the families, and the sadness of comrades like Matt.

This tragedy has also brought me to my knees, in prayer, not so much for the fallen heros--I know they are safe with God. But I pray for my country, that all of us may open our eyes and realize the blessings that have been showered upon us, and that are kept safe and secure by the courage and sacrifice of such giants among us as these lost warriors.

Matt, you did a beautiful job on Hugh's show tonight. I shed more tears as you spoke, but this is not about me.

This is about the inspiring nobility, amazing strength, and awesome courage of the fallen heroes taken from us. May we all, every American, live, speak, write, and act to be worthy of their imponderable sacrifice.

With profound sympathy,
Kathy Carroll
Kathy Carroll | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 10:59 pm | #

QUITE a different Kathy.

That was a beautiful post.
adele | 06.30.05 - 11:57 pm | #

"You cannot believe in war or support war if you view the people on the other side as being just as human as we are. They're fighting for something, too. You don't have to like or agree with what they're fighting for, but there's no reason to believe that they are not just as committed to defending their way of life as our men are to defending ours. And truth be told, you don't even KNOW what they're fighting for, because you don't know THEM, and you haven't met them or talked to them. Also, one really important point: "Those "savage, heathen scumbags" that American Special Forces are in Afghanistan to "annihilate" are in their OWN country. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe they view themselves as defending THEIR country from US? Afghanistan is THEIR country. American soldiers are in someone else's country? If you can imagine that for one moment, how would you feel if you were them?"

I don't know what has been said after these comments yet, so I'm shooting from the hip. After two days of pacing, wondering and worrying about who was on that helo and when I'll know. What I do know right now is that it's people that my husband calls friends, all of them. I still don't know who, but I know they are our friends. So everything I'm about to say is out of pure emotion. For my husband and his friends.

Our warriors do realize that the enemy is made up of real human beings just like they are. But they are the enemy. The people out to kill *you* and the people you care about. That is what happened to our guys two days ago and to argue about it now, to try to say that we should be politically correct and worry about their feelings or the reasons they did the things they did is such a terrible disservice to the guys that lost their lives.

The Nazis were also humans who believed in their cause. The Pol Pot regime. I could go on and on. The comparison is both wrong on so many basic levels and an insult to those of us who are in shock and trying to come to grips with this event.

And I think the Taliban is taking responsibility for this, right? Their not exactly the perfect example of treating their people well. So the argument that they were defending their 'country' falls very short with me when they tortured their people, ruined their historical relics and were tyrants to the population.

The last thing the community needs is the requirement to be politically correct when our members (both active and past) talk about their feelings about what has happened. Especially in times like this, when the community is reeling.

I try to not get emotionally involved in stuff I read on the internet about the Teams, but tonight I cannot help it. It's very close to home and I am stunned that a negative comment was posted on this blog entry. It's disheartening to those of us that are hurting tonight.

So you know.
KJ | 07.01.05 - 12:28 am | #

And now that I have read your last post I want to say thank you, Kathy.
KJ | 07.01.05 - 12:33 am | #

To all SEAL's and family know that all our prayers are with you all.

What can one say about a life?
Warriors, I didn't know you but I can feel your hearts passion for life,family,comrades and service.

You fell to young. My God, you fell to young.

Yes and that is what those brave warriors were doing, protecting each other and the USA.

God made no fine a warrior then these.

GOD SPEED YOU OUR FINEST AND LOVED.
SIR MIKE OF NEW MILFORD | 07.01.05 - 12:36 am | #

Matt,

Heard you discussing this on Hugh Hewitt while I drove home through Dallas late tonight.

When I got home and saw the stars on fire overhead, I took a moment to send my thoughts and prayers to the families of the dead as well as for the men engaged in operations half the world away.
red river | 07.01.05 - 12:36 am | #

KJ - The last "Kathy" (Kathy Carroll) who posted was not the same one whose comments were so offensive.

I went to the homepage she linked and found this quotation that she posted after the President's speech the other night. It is particularly appropriate today.

".... You ask, What is our policy? I will say; "It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy." You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory - victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival. ~ Sir Winston Churchill, 1940, first address as newly appointed Prime Minister"
Barbara | 07.01.05 - 12:44 am | #

I wanted to put the ARMY WARRIORS in the last post too. But I was getting to emotional.
SIR MIKE OF NEW MILFORD | 07.01.05 - 12:47 am | #

Kathy,

OBL is Saudi - Bedouin Arab actually, not Afghani - i.e. Pashtun - nor of the lesser ethnicities in Afghanistan that include Mongols as well as Tocharian remants.

Many of the Taliban fighters were and are foreigners.

Taliban ideology itself is an offshoot of Wahhabism. Its NOT a homegrown Afghani ideology.

Most of the funding for the Taliban came from outside Afghanistan.

And they systematically looted and vandalized the country as well as brutalized women and minorities.

So who was the invader in the first place? Who has moral and historical legitimacy here?

So not only are your remarks offensive to Matt and the Afghan people, but they are wrong as well.
red river | 07.01.05 - 12:55 am | #

and I would ask that those of you who are able, will donate to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for the benefit of these families.


done
marc | 07.01.05 - 3:05 am | #

For all of those suffering tonight, please remember that there is an entire country suffering with you.

When I was in the Navy, I was honored to meet a few SEALs. There are no better men on the planet then these amazing men.

Godspeed to you all.
Brett | 07.01.05 - 3:20 am | #

RIP.

f
Fred Schoeneman | Homepage | 07.01.05 - 3:31 am | #

Godspeed to the Rescue Forces searching for the missing ground team.

May you find our brothers safe...

Please pray for them.
thebronze | 07.01.05 - 3:48 am | #

Matthew/Scott,

Hate to add more sad history, but I
think a group of brave SEALs, maybe
six or more, died in a single helo crash during the Grenada conflict.
Kenneth B. Arnold | 07.01.05 - 6:47 am | #

Damn it, man. Our hearts and prayers are with the families, and with all the guys still at it over there.

Ernie, MJ & the girls
Ernie | 07.01.05 - 9:37 am | #

Kathy,

To add to red river's post: UBL is Saudi and Al-Zarqawi is Jordanian. Zarqawi was injured in the Afghanistan war in 2002 and fled to Saddam's Baghdad, Iraq for treatment. These are the men responsible for flying planes into the WTC and Pentagon on 9/11. THAT's why we are there...remember 9/11????
CTG | 07.01.05 - 11:09 am | #

People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to commit (and suffer) violence on their behalf. Thank God for all of you and may God bless you and your families. You are the best hope for my grandchildren.
Joe R. | 07.01.05 - 11:48 am | #

Hey, Doug, if you're logging in, I'm so sorry for the loss of your buddies.
Joe R. | 07.01.05 - 11:50 am | #

This incident reminds us how vulnerable your people are in those darn helos. We've known for forty years now how they were the weak spot in every military operation. The best of our fighting forces can't even do their jobs if they are sitting ducks on the way to the scene or stuck somewhere waiting for help. How do we get the planners and buyers in the DOD to get something done? They probably look at this as an acceptable risk--but no one can justify accepting it at such a high cost in people and failed missions. Come on, people, forty years is too long to put up with this when we're capable of so many techonological advances.
Joe R. | 07.01.05 - 12:31 pm | #

"This is a very sad day for the Naval Special Warfare Community, and I would ask that those of you who are able, will donate to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation for the benefit of these families."

DONE. It's the least I can do. Thanks for letting us know.

God, I wish there was something else I can do.
adele | 07.01.05 - 12:59 pm | #

Just one more voice in prayer and support of our troops. We grieve your loss, yet too we reap untold benefit from your sacrifice every day. For each morning I can take my son to school safe from the terror you must deal with -- you do so for him, I can never repay that.
btb | 07.01.05 - 1:29 pm | #

Kathy Carroll, that was breathtaking, and this sent shivers up my spine:

"This is about the inspiring nobility, amazing strength, and awesome courage of the fallen heroes taken from us. May we all, every American, live, speak, write, and act to be worthy of their imponderable sacrifice."

I could not put it better myself. It is truly humbling to try to imagine such courage, bravery, valor and sacrifice. I know these men do it because they love it, they are not selfless saints, but most of the rest of us do what we (hopefully) love with no thought of serving and protecting as we charge into the heart of evil. That is what these men do. That is what raises them above us.

For the other Kathy to get on her miserable little lefty moral equivalence high horse and equate the magnificent elites that America produces as SEALs with the disgusting, nihilistic Taliban murderers is shocking almost beyond words. Yet, having been a similar miserable little lefty in a former life, I know her and the hopeless black hole she lives in. She could recover but she will have to open her mind. THERE IS NO MORAL EQUIVALENCE TO BE MADE HERE.

Adele, you rock!

KJ, my heart goes out to your husband and all who knew these men. Please let him know we are thinking of him and praying for the whole community.
Peg C. | 07.01.05 - 1:30 pm | #

Just have to add, Matt, this is the place of solace for many of us in the blogosphere, now.
Peg C. | 07.01.05 - 1:32 pm | #

Godspeed.

Anyone wanting to assist with some real payback ... please feel free to visit AmericanSnipers.org.

BK
AmericanSnipers.org
Brian K. Sain | Homepage | 07.01.05 - 3:33 pm | #

Kathy
You and your ilk are the enemy within. I don't know which would be a better fate, to use you as target practice or drop you off in a Taliban camp so you could get to know first hand what loving, wonderful scum do with scum like you.

My prayers are with the families of our fallen heros.
Vaun | 07.02.05 - 12:15 am | #

That Google page is linking more and more stories about the men lost. What shines through above all else is what outstanding people they truly were, and how beloved.
Peg C. | 07.02.05 - 10:00 am | #

I send my deepest sympathy to the families of the men who have perished in combat in this tragic event. This loss affects all the families of military service men and women. We grieve with you and want you to know that your pain is shared. The sacrifice your loved one made for our country is never to be forgotten. Brave men in special forces in far away places do protect us from losing our way of life and we should let you know we deeply appreciate your devotion to our freedom.
Many of us are close to the dangers of the war we are engaged in against terrorists all over the world because we have family in the military or loved ones killed by terrorist actions. This is WAR and we know that we will have loss of life or serious injury for some of our brothers or sons. No Brother is left behind and our enemy knows we will keep going back until we get all our men out. Even in the face of heavy resistance and in the most rugged of mountains, special ops forces will get the job done. They will take out the Taliban and al Qaeda and all the fanatics there who do not value human life as we do. Terrorists are worse than scumbags and threaten all peace loving people. It takes brave men to put an end to terrorism. Thank God for the Navy SEALS and the 160th SOAR. Our SOF will win this war. We support you in your fight and we will continue to support your families when they are in need.
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