[Vision2020] The Human Toll

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the February 27, 2012 edition of the Army Times –

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The following U.S. service members died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom combat operations in Afghanistan, confirmed by the Defense Department from February 10, 2012 through February 16, 2012:

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada, 21, of Maricopa, Arizona; assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit based at Camp Pendleton, California.

Air Force Capt. Ryan P. Hall, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; assigned to the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida

Army Sgt. Jerry D. Reed II, 30, of Russellville, Arkansas; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany. 

Air Force Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten, 26, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; assigned to the 25th Intelligence Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Air Force Capt. Nicholas S. Whitlock, 29, of Newnan, Georgia; assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Air Force 1st Lt. Justin J. Wilkens, 26, of Bend, Oregon; assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

February 10, 2012 – February 16, 2012
Killed: 6; Wounded in action: 21

October 10, 2001 – February 16, 2012
Killed: 1,884; Wounded in action: 15,340

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National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated
(as of February 14, 2012)

http://www.defense.gov/news/d20120214ngr.pdf

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And the beat goes on . . .

“Bring 'em Home"
http://www.tomandrodna.com/Songs/Bring_em_Home.mp3

"If you love this land of the free
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring them back from overseas
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

It will make the politicians sad, I know
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
They wanna tangle with their foe
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

They wanna test their grand theories
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
With the blood of you and me
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

Now we'll give no more brave young lives
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
For the gleam in someone else's eyes
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

The men will cheer and the boys will shout
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Yeah and we will all turn out
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

The church bells will ring with joy
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
To welcome our darlin' girls and boys
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

We will lift our voice and sound
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Yeah, when Johnny comes marching home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home."

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Pro patria,

Tom Hansen
SFC, US Army (Retired)
Post Falls, Idaho

"Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

-- Adlai E. Stevenson