[Vision2020] The Human Toll

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the January 9, 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 December 23, 2011 through December 29, 2011:

Army Spc. Pernell J. Herrera, 33, of Espanola, New Mexico; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Navy Petty Officer Stacy O. Johnson, 35, of Rolling Fork, Mississippi; assigned to Naval Security Force Bahrain.

Army Spc. Kurt W. Kern, 24, of McAllen, Texas; assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Army Sgt. Noah M. Korte, 29, of Lake Elsinore, California; assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Army Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire, 20, of Easley, South Carolina; assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

December 23, 2011 – December 29, 2011
Killed: 5; Wounded in action: 19

October 10, 2001 – December 22, 2011
Killed: 1,848; Wounded in action: 15,152

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National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated
(as of December 27, 2011)

http://www.defense.gov/news/d20111227ngr.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)
Spokane, Washington

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

-- Adlai E. Stevenson