Grateful for the Opportunity
Reflections on Nation-building
Remember the turbines we provided security for on our fateful mission? They didn’t fit. Troops from at least three nations were killed and wounded on a mission that was destined to fail before it even started. The turbines sat in the desert rusting away for years — a sad reminder of the failed attempts to nation-build. As I watched the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan this past summer, I worried about my fellow veterans and all who wear our nation’s uniforms. Many of us have lost trust and faith in our elected officials and leaders at the Pentagon. As young officers, they were our role models; but for many, they now represent lies and betrayal. Still, most of us remain proud of our service. We were dedicated to a mission, providing security and hope to people living in desperate and terrible situations. It was our duty and we did it to the best of our ability.
Duty First.