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Why We Fight
(May 28, 2011) | 
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (May
27, 2011) - As families across our great country gather this Memorial
Day weekend, the men and women serving in Afghanistan will also pause to
reflect on those who have gone before them. They will celebrate our
heroes, past and present. These men and women serving in southwest
Afghanistan are reminded daily that freedom and “justice for all”
doesn't exist everywhere, and that it comes at a cost.
Just a
few nights ago I was reminded of why we fight today when a young Marine
struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol in southern
Helmand. Gravely injured, the team's corpsman on scene stabilized him
and called for a medical evacuation helicopter. Weather was a problem,
however, and the evacuation helicopter could not reach the scene, though
the pilots refused to stop trying. An adjacent unit was contacted and,
without concern for themselves, a convoy of Light Armored Vehicles
rushed to aid the young Marine. They made it their mission to get to a
Marine in trouble. They pushed through driving wind and blowing sand to
link up with fellow Marines. After link-up, they wound up stuck in the
sand, now in desperate need to evacuate the wounded Marine.
Throughout their efforts the Army helicopter pilots were doing their
best to help as well. Convinced they could get through the weather, they
put the most experienced aviators in the cockpit. As Marines and Navy
corpsmen on the ground continued to provide critical care, the
helicopters launched again and a break in the weather allowed them to
evacuate the wounded to safety. |
Official photo of Brig. Gen. Lewis A.
Craparotta, commanding general, Task Force Leatherneck / 2nd Marine
Division (Forward), currently assigned to Helmand province, Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan. |
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This scenario encompassed more than five hours. With each passing
moment the urgency to evacuate the wounded increased. Coordination
at every level never stopped and there was never any thought of not
being able to help. Fighting against the odds, these soldiers,
sailors and Marines banded together to save one of their own. They
refused to give up, and their efforts kept one of America's sons
alive.
So as we pause to celebrate this Memorial Day, we
reflect on those who have gone before us. We reflect on their
service and their sacrifice on behalf of our great nation. We should
also remember those serving today who embody that same commitment of
service and sacrifice. They are committed to something greater than
themselves, and they muster the physical and moral courage to
accomplish extraordinary feats in battle. They do it for one another
and the country they love, asking little in return.
Sincerely,
Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta
Commanding General
Task Force Leatherneck/2nd Marine Division (Forward)
Helmand
province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan |
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