218th Inf Bde First Casualty

It is with great sadness that I write this entry into the blog. All of us know the danger we face every day, but even yet, the loss of life still has a devastating impact on not only the soldier's family, but the unit that he/she leaves behind. The mood changes, and getting back in the game takes constant effort by so many folks.... There are so many things that happens when you lose a soldier, from counseling, after action reviews, safety investigations, to AR 15-6 investigation as well. All of these are a part of the system, including a Ramp Ceremony for soldiers to pay their final respects to a fallen comrade before departing theatre . The Army does well in this process, what does not happen is time to grieve. Soldiers have to keep their heads in the game, "Stay on the 360" This is also the time that leaders are challenged even more, as we try to ensure that everyone remains focused, but understanding that emotions are quite evident. I simply pray. When I heard of what happened, I went straight to the chapel for some quality time with God.

As most of you know, the loss that I am speaking of is Sgt. Edward O. Philpot, 38, of Latta, S.C., died October 23rd 2007 in Afghanistan, from a non-combat related Humvee rollover accident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 263rd Armor Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, Dillon, S.C. SGT Philpot was two months from completing his tour here in Afghanistan. He is also the first combat casualty for the 218th Infantry Brigade supporting Operation Enduring Freedom VI.

Not a day after we lost SGT Philpot, we were informed that we had another soldier severely injured during combat operations. This soldier was shot in the head, but not mortally wounded, he will require extensive reconstructive surgery, but should survive. These events reminds us all that we are not only here mentoring but we are in the line of fire and in many cases, fighting. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has been vigorously fighting to increase troop levels here and get our Coalition partners to pony-up and provide adequate forces to Afghanistan and take off these ridiculous caveats on how they can be used.... i.e. German forces are only deployed in the safer northern area, and do not patrol at night. I know the Taliban likes that...... There are several other nations with similar caveats that simply weaken our resolve to maximize our combat power.

The Taliban has seemingly better organized their attack and efforts in Afghanistan. This means a change in how we deal with this threat. When you have less than 40,000 troops for the entire country of Afghanistan and over 156,000 in Iraq, you can see why feel so less important. Bottom line is we desperately need more forces here to deal with a growing threat.

The picture above is of a Kuchi Tribe, (Nomads), whom have been very US friendly... They move from place to place, so they don't normally have time to establish relationships with the Taliban. You know it is very difficult to blame an entire race of people for what a few does. Most Afghans want peace, they want a better life, it is just going to take some time to get there. Rome was not built in a day, and the US cannot shoulder this burden alone. We should do all we can to assist them, but this is a UN issue and an Afghan leadership issue.

Many nations are paying a huge price here in Afghanistan, many families are torn apart, soldiers are wounded and lives are forever changed. But God has a plan. It becomes increasingly hard during times of death and injury, but I ask for your continued support of troops, especially the families of SGT Philpot and SPC Romano. We are sacrificing so much. I do believe that this is a noble cause, but it is definitely one that should be shared by more than the few countries that are shouldering this burden right now.