A Story About Me Meeting An American Hero Who was Rcently Mordered

Started by tallerguy68, February 04, 2013, 02:09:40 AM

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tallerguy68

This was a true American Hero. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Iraq while living at JSS Sadr City in 2008. I did not know who he actually was at the time, all I knew is him and 4 other guys suddenly got on our net and asked if they could come in and get some hot chow and refit. Of course my commander (1 of 3 people on the JSS who knew they were in the AO prior to them calling) said yes. About 30 min latter these 5 guys came strolling in the gate with long beards (some thing regular soldiers are not allowed to have), heavy fire power including two guys with the new M110 sniper rifle, and large very full packs. Any one who follows the news knows that Sadr city was nasty and let me tell you we had a hard time there. We knew they were SEALS but we were still amazed that these guys had the balls to go into Sadr City with only 5 guys. We gave them ammo, a hot meal, MRE's, and water. They also went into our TOC made some calls and sent some stuff up. These guys were gods to me as a 20 year old PFC. My buddies and I grabbed our balls and sat down to eat with them (granted on the small COP there was no where else to eat). We asked how they were doing out their and asked how they thought our big mission the following day would go. This very large man with what looked like a 2 weeks beard turned and said "It is chill time now bud, don't talk work" then he asked "Were are you three from?" we responded appropriately and then proceeded to BS. When my buddy Stroble referred to me as "Doc" the same man with that had first spoke said "So you are the medic huh? Let me tell you that is a hell of a job bud. I have the up most respect for you guys and the way your plt speaks to you it looks as if you are a good one". At the time not wanting to show that he had made my day I responded with a witty comment "What? this job sucks! Do you know how many of these guys ass holes I have seen? do you know how bad these guys stink when I check their feet?" I really regretted not just saying thanks latter that night.



After Dinner and little before they left, three of them were up on the roof enjoying cigars and looking out at the AO. I went up there with my buddies for a cigarette (something I only do deployed). We started BSing with them again and expressing our worries about the next days mission what we called a "stupid mission that a jackass drew up". A few of my buddies being typical 11Bang bangs started in with the "I am going out for SF when I get home", and "it must be nice to be in SOCOM because all your missions tend to make sense and you get all the good support". One of the SEALS the smallest of the group and the man with the biggest beard said to us "what are you talking about? Do you think I want to be in Sadr City gathering intel and hunting a couple guys?" Then he said "And guess what kids? We are gathering intel for your mission, your BDE full bird commander drew up our mission, and we are staying to do recon and sniper over watch for you guys tomorrow. We are your support bud and you are ours, your commander was in contact with us and made sure you guys were ready at a moments notice if we got in trouble and we will be there for you tomorrow."



Only someone who has been in combat and done it day in and day out can understand what those words meant to a bunch of 18-22 year old grunts about to do a mission they were scared to death of. To us these guys were like NFL players and we were high school football players. That gave us confidence and showed us that, even though we may not know every thing about every mission we never know who may have our backs. It showed us that we are not alone and we are not just IED catchers. We are just as valuable to the mission as every one else.



The mission was a success and although we got shot at a little bit nobody was hurt or killed (other then a jackass that fell down the stairs coming out of a house and broke his ankle). A few weeks latter rumors started going around that one of the SEALS that came by was the famous "Devil of Ramadi". I had no idea who that was, but when I heard the stories about him I thought it was pretty cool. I found out he was the guy with HUGE ARMS and a short beard. The one that had told me medics were awesome. I was very humbled by that man saying that to me long before I knew who he was, after that I started following him. When I read that he had written a book I ordered it online and read it. He kinda talked about his visit to our COP but nothing to detailed. It was still pretty cool for me though.



I cried a little today when I found out about his death via Facebook. I can not believe how he died and I have been a hunting to find out more but nothing is available yet accept vague details. Christopher Scott Kyle lifted my spirts when I was I scared 20 year old medic caught in the middle of Iraq and for that I will always be grateful. I hope he rests in peace and I wish his family strength to deal with this horrible thing.



I know this War Story sounds crazy but it is true. It was a very bad time for me in Sadr city but I wouldn't trade it for the world the men who were there with me are like my brothers. I love them all. I ask you out of respect for this fallen hero that if you only wish to write comments calling me a liar please keep them to your self, and ask your self this question. You know combat vets from Iraq and Afghan are real we have been at war for ten years, is it possible that maybe one is political and maybe one posts on this forum? Although I will say with all the liars out there and the fact that every vet I meet says he/she was "in the [excrement]" your suspicions are warranted. None the less no need to ruin a memorial thread.



Thanks for giving this a read and please tell other people about this hero so he can be remembered.

tallerguy68

I guess I put this in the wrong place I am sorry. These stories are both very true however of course on a forum suspicion is warranted. Take them for what they are and nothing more. I had posted these on a liberal forum and they were not appreciated and most reply's consisted of "your full of it" and "See, guns are bad"

The Stranger

"Every man is like the company he keeps."
"Show me your friends and I'll show you your Future"

JustKari

Thank you for your story and your service.  I am sorry for the loss of a man who probably would not consider himself a hero, but is.

Turks

Quote from: The Stranger on February 04, 2013, 04:25:39 AM
Conspiracy or fact? What do you think?




I find myself saying this quite often these days...nothing surprises me any longer.