Riding Shotgun

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— SEALofHonor (@SEALofHonor) April 26, 2013

Open Letter to the U.S. House of Representatives on Benghazi - We owe the truth to the American people and the families of the fallen.

Agreed on all points with my shipmates - Bravo Zulu to them on pursuing this issue as it matters.

We owe the truth to the American people and the families of the fallen.

Honor, courage and commitment was these warriors credo.  President Obama and Hillary Clinton have participated in a cover-up larger than Watergate.  4 good men died and no one has been held responsible for the failure to protect our people.

From Special Operations Speaks -

http://specialoperationsspeaks.com/articles/open-letter-to-the-us-house-of-representatives

Open Letter to the U.S. House of Representatives

April 8, 2013

To: Members of The U.S. House of Representatives

Subject: The Benghazi attacks on 9/11/ 2012

The undersigned are a representative group of some 700 retired Military Special Operations professionals who spent the majority of their careers preparing for and executing myriad operations to rescue or recover detained or threatened fellow Americans. In fact, many of us participated in both the Vietnam era POW rescue effort, The Son Tay Raid, as well as Operation Eagle Claw, the failed rescue attempt in April of 1980 in Iran, so we have been at this for many years and have a deep passion for seeking the truth about what happened during the national tragedy in Benghazi.

The purpose of this letter is to encourage all members of the US House of Representatives to support H.Res. 36, which will create a House Select Committee on the Terrorist Attack in Benghazi. It is essential that a full accounting of the events of September 11, 2012, be provided and that the American public be fully informed regarding this egregious terrorist attack on US diplomatic personnel and facilities. We owe that truth to the American people and the families of the fallen.

It appears that many of the facts and details surrounding the terrorist attack which resulted in four American deaths and an undetermined number of American casualties have not yet been ascertained by previous hearings and inquiries. Additional information is now slowly surfacing in the media, which makes a comprehensive bipartisan inquiry an imperative. Many questions have not been answered thus far. The House Select Committee should address, at a minimum, the following questions:

1. Why was there no military response to the events in Benghazi?

a. Were military assets in the region available? If not, why not?

b. If so, were they alerted?

c. Were assets deployed to any location in preparation for a rescue or recovery attempt?

d. Was military assistance requested by the Department of State? If so, what type?

e. Were any US Army/Naval/USMC assets available to support the US diplomats in Benghazi during the attack?

f. What, if any, recommendations for military action were made by DOD and the US Africa Command?

2. What, if any, non-military assistance was provided during the attack?

3. How many US personnel were injured in Benghazi?

4. Why have the survivors of the attack not been questioned?

5. Where are the survivors?

6. Who was in the White House Situation Room (WHSR) during the entire 8-hour period of the attacks, and was a senior US military officer present?

7. Where were Leon Panetta and General Martin Dempsey during the crisis, and what inputs and recommendations did they make?

8. Where were Tom Donilon, the National Security Advisor, Denis McDonough, his deputy, Valerie Jarrett and John Brennan during the attacks, and what (if any) recommendations or decisions did any of them make?

9. Why were F-16 fighter aircraft based in Aviano, Italy (less than two hours away) never considered a viable option for disruption (if not dispersal) of the attackers until “boots on the ground” (troop support--General Dempsey’s words) arrived?

10. Were any strike aircraft (such as an AC-130 gunship) in the area or possibly overhead that would cause former SEAL Tyrone Woods to laser-designate his attacker’s position and call for gunship fire support, thereby revealing his own location that led to his death?

11. Who gave the order to “STAND DOWN” that was heard repeatedly during the attacks?

12. What threat warnings existed before the attack, and what were the DOD and DOS responses to those warnings? What data (which will reveal exact timelines and command decisions) is contained within the various SITREPS, records, logs, videos and recordings maintained by the myriad of DOD, Intelligence Community and State Department Command Centers that were monitoring the events in Benghazi as they unfolded?

13. Why did the Commander-in Chief and Secretary of State never once check in during the night to find out the status of the crisis situation in Benghazi?

14. What was the nature of Ambassador Stevens’ business in Benghazi at the time of the attack?

15. What guidance has been provided to survivors and family members since the time of the attack, and who issued that guidance?

16. Why are so many agencies now requiring their personnel that were involved in or have access to information regarding the events that took place in Benghazi sign Non-Disclosure Agreements?

This was the most severe attack on American diplomatic facilities and personnel since the attacks on the US Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998. Thus far, it appears that there has been no serious effort to determine critical details of this attack. This is inexcusable and demands immediate attention by the Congress. Congress must show some leadership and provide answers to the public as to what actually occurred in Benghazi. Americans have a right to demand a full accounting on this issue.

A longstanding American ethos was breached during the terrorist attack in Benghazi. America failed to provide adequate security to personnel deployed into harm’s way and then failed to respond when they were viciously attacked. Clearly, this is unacceptable and requires accountability. America has always held to the notion that no American will be left behind and that every effort will be made to respond when US personnel are threatened. Given our backgrounds, we are concerned that this sends a very negative message to future military and diplomatic personnel who may be deployed into dangerous environments. That message is that they will be left to their own devices when attacked. That is an unacceptable message.

The House Select Committee should focus on getting a detailed account of the events in Benghazi as soon as possible. H. Res. 36 will provide a structure for the conduct of a thorough inquiry of Benghazi and should be convened immediately.

We ask that you fulfill your responsibilities to the American people and take appropriate action regarding Benghazi. With over sixty members of the US House of Representatives calling for this Select Committee already, it seems that the time is right to take appropriate action on Benghazi.

Sign the Petition - http://specialoperationsspeaks.com/petition/benghazigate-petition

Signed:

Lt Gen Leroy J. Manor, USAF (Ret)
Commanding General, Son Tay POW Raid

LTG William G. (Jerry) Boykin, USA (Ret)
Special Forces/Ranger

Larry W. Bailey, CAPT, USN (Ret.)
SOS Founder & SEAL Coordinator

Richard F. (Dick) Brauer, Col, USAF (Ret)
SOS Founder & Air Commando Coordinator

Michael Thornton, LT, USN SEAL (Ret.)
Medal of Honor

Thomas R. Norris, LT, USNR SEAL (Ret.)
Medal of Honor

LTG Bruce Fister, USAF (Ret) AFSOC Commanding General

LTG Michael F. Spigelmire, USA (Ret) Sp Forces, former CG USASOC

LTG Dell Dailey, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTG David P. Fridovich, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MG Robert Patterson, USAF (Ret) Air Commando, former CG, 23AF

MG James Guest, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MG Jim Hobson, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

MG John K. "Jack" Singlaub, USA (Ret), OSS and MACV-SOG

MG David A. Morris, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MG John M. McBroom, USAF (Ret) Fighter Pilot

MG Sid Shachnow, USA (Ret), Special Forces

MG Richard "Dick" Scholtes, USA (Ret) CG, JSOC

MG Joe Boyersmith, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MG David Baratto, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MG Ed Scholes, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MG Paul E. Vallely , USA (Ret) Ranger/PSYOP/Commander SOF

BG Joe Stringham, USA (Ret) SF/Ranger

RADM George Worthington, USN SEAL (Ret.)

BG Samuel Thompson III, USA (Ret) Special Forces

BG George Gaspard Jr. USA (Ret) Special Forces

BG Stuart Pike, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Col Tom Bradley, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Loren A. Rodway, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Jim Kyle, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col George Ferkes USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col John Harbison, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Ken Poole, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Mike Flynt, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Don Panzenhagen, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

COL George R. Randy" Givens, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Jack Peevy, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Rodger Slaughter, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Darrell W. Katz, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Thomas Hoyt Davis III, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Robert W. Lockridge, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Wylie W. Johnson, USAR, (Ret) Special Forces

COL John P. McMullen, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Kevin B. Rue, USAR (Ret) Ranger

COL Lawrence Draper, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Clyde Wadsworth, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Col Steve (Mac) McIsaac, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

COL John P. Dolan, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Allen F. Fleming Jr., USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

COL John Corley, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Bill Duesberry, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Edward R. Ager Jr., USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Sully DeFontaine, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Jack Farr, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Aviation/PSYOP/CA

COL Allen L. Bucknell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CAPT Ted Hammond, USNR/SEAL (Ret.)

CAPT Frank Butler, USN SEAL (Ret.)CAPT Ron Yeaw, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

Col John Gargus, USAF (Ret) Air Commando/Son Tay Raider

COL Bob Morris, USA (Ret) Ranger

COL Stan Shaneyfelt, USA (Ret) Ranger

Col Roland Guidry, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Ron Jones, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

COL Nick Hubbell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Col Forrest M. Kimsey, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col John Harbison, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col John Arnold, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Phillip E. Glenn, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col J. Briggs Diuguid, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col John "Pappy" Gallagher, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

COL Lance E. Booth, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Hawk Holloway, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Donald W. Drasheff, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Gordon Arabian, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Max F. Newman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Jack Farr, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Rodger Slaughter, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Tom Rendall, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

COL David E. Stark, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL James P. Nelson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Michael Kershner, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Mark D. Boyatt, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Richard N. Helfer, USA (Ret) Special Forces

COL Lincoln (Linc) German, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

COL Carlos A. Burgos, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Col Robert "Bob" Brenci, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Herman (Bubber) Youngblood, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Col Lee Hess, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

COL James T. Laroe, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Col Ray Turczynski, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

COL Richard T. Dillon, USA (Ret), Aviation

COL Duncan M. "Pete" Thompson Sr, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Col Dave Blizzard, USMC (Ret) Force Recon

CAPT Joseph R. John, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CAPT Norman Olson, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CAPT Richard W. Hoff, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LTC Jim Horris, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Richard Pack, USA (Ret) Ranger

LTC Raymond Morris, USA Special Forces (Ret.)

LTC Ben Prater, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC S. "West" Summers Jr., USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Robert Kolpien, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Michael O'Byrne, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Harvey M. Johnson III, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Dreher Kinney III, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC C.R. "Rex" Crigger, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

LTC Michael Lyons, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Kevin Dragnett, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Bill Behrens, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Robert Closson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Charles Zimmerman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Robert L. Leites, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Charles Revie, USA (Ret) Ranger

LTC Donald L. Briere, USA (Ret) Special Forces/SFOD-D

LTC Brett A. Francis, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Jeffrey S. Prough, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC John Armstrong, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Civil Affairs

LTC Joseph Jacobowski, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

LTC Pete Cafaro, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Edward Wolcoff, USA (Ret), Special Forces

LTC Geoff Barker, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

LTC Stephen Muskett, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC David S. Keith, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Kevin Reece, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Mark Grdovic, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Richard A. Evans, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Phillip B. Wyllie, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Daniel M. Ward, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Michael A. Cruz, US ARMY Special Forces

Lt Col JVO Weaver, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

LTC Ben Morris, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Allen D. Butler, USA (Ret), Aviation

Lt Col Percy Dunagin, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Lt Col John Anderson, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

LTC Arnold W. Peterman Jr, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Peter Marceau, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Michael D. "Mick" Colgan, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Mark A. Beattie, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Lt Col Emil "Max" Friedauer, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

CDR Paul Evancoe, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LTC Ken Benway, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Ray T. Oden, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Michael Babb, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Gary Danley, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Alex R. Lizardo, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Steven K. (Kelly) Snapp, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC A. Dwayne Aaron, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Larry Little, USA (Ret) Aviation

LTC Fred Lindsey, USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

LTC John F. Downey, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC Cecil Bailey, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LTC John L. "Dusty" Deryck, USA (Ret) Aviation

Lt Col Jim Lawrence, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

LtCol William Cowan, USMC Recon (Ret.)

LTC Jimmie D. Sullivan, USAR (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Clifford Andersen, USAR (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Daniel L. "Danny" Harrington, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Maj Steve James, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

Maj Bob Krueger, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

MAJ Gene R. Bacon, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Bill Patton, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Patrick Desmond,USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Julian P. Turner, USA (Ret) Ranger

MAJ George Gaspard III, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ R. V. Giroux, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Anthony M. Jones,USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Robert A. Mathews, USMC (Ret) Force Recon

Maj Doug Ulery, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

MAJ James T. Soper, USA (Ret), Ranger

MAJ Joel Rieman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CDR Kevin C. Walters, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

MAJ Roy Sayer, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Timothy Howle, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Nelson Bernard "Beny" Neff II, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Mark A. Smith, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MAJ Kevin N. Knapp, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Kent M. Elliot, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Clifford Barber, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Jim Grimshaw, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MAJ Chris Brewer, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Charles J. Watts, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Maj William "Bill" Morrell, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

MAJ Dave Morehouse, USA (Ret) Ranger

MAJ Charles Gallagher, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Thomas Humphus, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Jerry L. Cooper, USA, (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MAJ Mike Linnane, USA Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Thomas A. Person, USA (Ret) Ranger

MAJ Fred Karnes, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Tom Greer, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MAJ Pat W. Mitchel, USA (Ret) Special Forces

LCDR Samuel Miess, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

LCDR Bill Langley, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

LCDR William T. "Bill" Davis, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LCDR Thomas R. Truxell, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

LCDR Bill Bentley, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LCDR Joe Hunt, USN/SEAL/USCG (Ret.)

LT James Tyrie, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

LT Keen Bradley, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

Capt James Brenci, USAFR, Air Commando

CPT Robert J. Fair, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Jeffrey C. Long, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Gary Honold, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Don Bendell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Robert L. Woodfork,USA (Ret) Special Forces

Capt Paul D. Copher Jr., USAF (Ret) Air Commando

CPT "Cork" Motsett, USA (Hon Med Discharge), USA, Special Forces

CPT Brett Patron, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT W. F. "Walt" Emerson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Dale R. Simmons, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Charles Sands, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Stuart K. Weber, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Bryan L. Brooks, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Capt Rogers Stevens, USAF, (Ret) Air Commando

CPT Lewis Arnold, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Fred Iacobelli, USA (Veteran) Vietnam

CPT Dennis Murphy, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Michael Hawkeye, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Robert J. Van Hoof, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Garth S. Estadt, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT John Hammack, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Richard Pait, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Robert D. Hickson Jr., USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Gregory Miller, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Russell E. Cummings, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT J. "Jay" Paton Dellow, USAR (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Jon B. Wang, USA (Veteran), Special Forces

CPT Doug Mason, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

CPT Tommy Shook, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

CPT Richard L. Harvey, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Patrick M. Kinsey, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Robert L. Noe, USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

1LT Michael Ash, USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

1 Lt Mark Austin Byrd, USMC (Ret) Aviation/MACV-SOG

CMSgt Nicholas "Nick" Kiraly, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

SMSgt Johnny Pantages, USAF (Ret) Air Commando/Special Tactics

SMSgt Donald R. Williams, USAF (Ret) MACV-SOG

CSM GARY l. Baura, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Anthony J Doldo, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Dennis "Denny" Baum, USA, Recondo

SFC S. West Summers III, USA, KIA 2/8/09, Special Forces

SSG Craig J. Rutherford, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Michael Roth, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Ken Bradshaw, USAR (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Jon S. White, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Cuitahuac Weber, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Kenneth Potter, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Robert L. Selmer II, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Glenn O. Ulman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Chris Crain, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG John D. Morris, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Jorge Reyes, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Miles Lee White, USA (Veteran) Special Forces

SGT Stephen M. Goth, USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

SGT Alan N. Kelley, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Lanny Lucero, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Stephen M. Thayer, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SOC Douglas Norway, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

CW4 Jeffrey Mallette, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Robert K. "Bobby" Parker, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Lou Faulkner, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Carlos Westling, USA (Ret) Special Forces/SFOD-D

CW4 Jim (Hoverin Hud) Hudson, USA (Ret) Aviation/160SOAR

1SG James E. McDougal, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Rex Crawford, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW4 John "Chet" Hayward, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

1SG Clete Sinyard, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG Walter R. Anderson, USA (Veteran) Special Forces

MSG Ronnie L. Raikes, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Michael Birky, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Michael D. De Rosa, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Kevin R. C. O'Brien, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Jay M. Massey, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Theodore D. Aslund USA (Veteran) Special Forces

SFC Kerry Alzner, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Dennis M. Foy, USA (Ret) Special Forces

BM2 Wallace D. Whitley, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

SSgt Eric Roberts, USAF, (Ret) Aviation

MSG Larry M. Busbee, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG David J. Lamorte, USA (Ret) Special Forces/CIA

SGT Frank Maiorano, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Robert Allard, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Thomas B. Jackson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Bob Seifert, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Timothy A. Dedie, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Leo Joseph Van Deusen I, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Leo Van Deusen II, USA (Veteran) Special Forces

SGM Donald Weichold, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Adolph G. Reyes, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Robert S. Domina, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG James Vaughn, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Mike Maricle, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Clarence Page, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SOCS David R. Havens II, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

SGT Keith Hendricks, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 William Arrot Jr. USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Bradley Adair, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Kirk A. Pope Jr. USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Scott K. Fagan, USA (Ret) Special Forces

1SG Ronald C. Wilson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Robert W. Ramsey, USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

SFC David Diaz, USA (Ret) Special Forces

TSgt David P. Jones, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

SFC Harry B. Whidden, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Dave Noyes, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW2 Kevin A. Marnell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG Jim Stoddard, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG John McCort, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Terry J. Dagnon, USA (Ret) Special Forces

1SG Dean M. McBride, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Robert D. Leonard, USA (Ret) Special Forces

1SG Tracy R. Hickman, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MSG Thomas Olden, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John Bash, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Steven M. Williams, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SFC Stephen Aden (Veteran) Special Forces

SFC Andrew G. Wilbur, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Nick Freitas, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM William F. Cronin III, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Melvin L. Wick, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Gary L. Melchi, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SP5 Roger F. Lockshier, USA (Veteran) Aviation

MSG Gerald Mierle, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Danny Fowler, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Edwin L. Simons Jr., USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Frank G. Duran, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SGM Harold (Jake) Jacobson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Walter J. Hooper, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SFC Phillip Carter, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Robert E. Hand, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Malcolm A. Howard, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC H. Deatherage, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Ernest Hartwig, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Mark T. Smith, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

1SG James B. Rawlinson, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MSG Clyde N. McMillan, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Michael w. Clark, USA (Veteran) Special Forces

SFC John Lemke, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Harold Johnson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW4 Shaun P. Driscoll, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SGT Alex Saunders, USA (Veteran), Special Forces/Recon

CW2 Ronald B. Piper, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Scott Herbert, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Brian Scott La Morte, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Robert S. Cox, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Selmer R. "Dick" Hyde, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MSG Allen W. Elks Jr, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG R. Jones, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SSG Nelson M. Parrish, USA (Ret) Special Forces

AOCS Paul Johnston, USNR (Ret.) EOD/ NAVSPECWAR

MSG W. N. "Nick" Ward, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Casey Standidge, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Benjamin Stochmal, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Rick Hodges, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Roderick Knight, USA (Ret) Special Forces

PRC Michael Morgan, USN/SVD (Ret.)

SSG David J. Hall, USA (Veteran) Ranger

MSgt Justin D. Hughes, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

SGM Ronald C. Knight, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Mark Popelka, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Scott Marbut, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Shawn Datres, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG Bernard Goggins, USA (Veteran) Special Forces

SGT Barry R. Crossfield, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Robert King, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Glenn Nickel, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC James D. Maxwell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Clarence Brangard, USA (Ret) Ranger

SGM Kevin Riley, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Jeffrey T. Oates, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MSG Peter N. Spagnalo, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Tony Cleveland, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG Arnold Ring, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Russ Baker, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John D. Johnson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG Michael E. Benish, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Gary M. Moston, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Kurt Weber, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Harry L. Coker, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Kenneth Wortman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Barry Hotle, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SP5 M.E. Jackson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Angel "Candy" Candelaria, USA (Ret) Spec Forces/Ranger/ SFOD-D

MSG Brian E. Gould, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Bruce V. Hanley, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John P. Mouyos, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Al Hunt Jr., USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Doug Fuhrmann, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Dan Farmer, USA (Ret) Special Forces

1SG Gary Myers, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Ted Aslund, USA (Veteran) Special Forces

1SG Wedell J. (Joe) Waters, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Dennis Foy, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CMSgt Gene Eller, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

CORP Harry Clafin, USMC (Veteran) Force Recon

CW4 Richard F. Balwanz, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SP4 Steve Costa, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Howard Massingill, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Lawrence A. Jordan, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SFC Phil Melcher, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Tim Guth, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Rocklyn (Rock) Shiffer, USA (Ret) Ranger

CW3 Todd D. Rinehart, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Phillip Stone, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Charles S. (Chuck) Simpson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

1SG Steven Mattoon, USA (Ret) Ranger

MSG Robert (Bob) James, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Timothy Mabe, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SP5 Harvey Cox, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Tim Ward, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Brian Rodriguez, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John Stepan, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Joseph S. Glazewski, Jr. USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG William E. Strobel, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Billy VanValkenburgh, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Arthur C. Tucker, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Juan A. Calderon, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSgt James H. Shorten Jr., USAF (Ret) Air Commando

SFC Dennis Holloway, Medic USN/USA Spec Forces/USAF Pararescue

SGT Grant M. "Marc" King, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Merritt H. Powell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Richard H. Garvey, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Larry R. Darras, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Herman "Chris" Reeves, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Anthony S. Altano, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MSG Laverne "Bing" Allar, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Jeffrey a. Yaro, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Tom Holschuh, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC David S. Surman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Joseph Tetreault, USA (Ret) Special Forces/SFOD-D

SFC Gerald Holt, USA (Ret) Ranger

SFC Jerald L. Petersen, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Rodolfo "Rudy" D. Rodrigues, USA (Ret) Special Forces/SFOD-D

MSG William "Todd" Black, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Larry L. Trimble, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SGM Kenneth C. Baschke, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Lawrence Cardassi, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Hank Luthy, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Willy Welsch, USA (Ret) Special Forces/SFOD-D

SFC Phillip Schulz, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John L. Leffler, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Pete B. Estrada, USA (Ret) Special Forces

A1C David "Mac" McLay, USAF (Veteran) Air Commando

CSM Selmer R. "Dick" Hyde, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SSG Nick Walton, USA (Veteran) Special Forces

MSG Daniel E. Deck, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG James Blakelee, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG John M. Trantanella, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Brian Shives, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Sgt Martin T. Bennet, USAF (Ret) MACV-SOG

CW4 Greg Coker, USA (Ret) Aviation/160thSOAR

SFC Terry Grant Winkley, USA, (Ret) Special Forces

MSG George Torrealba, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Johnnie King, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Charles Garland, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC James E. King, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Jay McGinness, USA (Ret) Special Forces

1 SG Jim "Ringo" Ringland, USA, (Ret) Special Forces

MSG John D. Tippy, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 James H. Thackaberry, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM John Shimkoski, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT James D. Thacker, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Thomas A. Reesman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Gail R. Ernst, USA (Ret) Ranger

CSM David L. Clark, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Edward Laminack, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John A. Hughes, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Kenneth Chapman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW4 Akira Wayne Kim, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG David L. Rotner, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Jerry "Fonz" Fontana, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM William F. Hux, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Billy Cason, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Anthony Ruddeen, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Joe Lupyak, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Samuel Wright, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG William A. Easterling, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG David C. Goodwin, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Todd B. Girdner, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Jeff Hinton, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Patrick R. Ballogg, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW4 John "Chet" Hayward, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SGT Clifford N. Alford, USA (Ret) Special Forces/CIA

SGT Richard E. Gross, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM George Davenport, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Lee "Tony" Douglas, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Robert Rogers, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW2 Thomas Leslie Tannahill, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Daniel Zahody, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Gerald Hamm Jr, USA, (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SFC Lloyd Carpenter, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW2 Michael Flick, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Donald M. Feeney Jr, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Henry S. Moran, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW2 David S. Chacon, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SFC Chris Mottler, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Phillip Crowley, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Joseph Lloyd, USA, (ret) Special Forces

MSG Timothy F. Wynne, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC David A. Anderson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Jesse Boyd, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SFC Stephan Harrell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Lanny Lucero, USA Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MSG Russell Justice, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Lou Campbell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW4 Eric Crum, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG Blake Mills, USA (Veteran) Special Forces

SGT Mark Miller, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Robert F. Finke, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John Jones, USA (Ret) (Special Forces

MSG Leamon L. Ratte, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG James "Mel" Banks, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Leandro Sanfeliz Jr. USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Joseph H Socie, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Charles E. Smith, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SGM Alan F. Farrell, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC James Plannette, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Randall Long, USA (Ret) Ranger JTAC

MSG Charles S. Spence, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Carl A. Fuller, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Patrick T. Quinn, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

SFC David Kauffman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Thomas Collins, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Earnie Holifield, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Donald R. Doering, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Rick Lavoie, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Cecil A. Sager Jr, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

MSG Randy Earp, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Perry Turpin, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG John M. Ailello, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John Bartsow, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG David Mullins, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW5 Lawrence Plesser, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Robert T. Hill, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Joe Back, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Joe Burt, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Serafin Antonio Panigua, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Jack Pope, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM David L. Tope Jr, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Henry F. Wilson III, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Kenneth J. Garcy, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSgt Patrick Walker, USAF (Ret) Air Commando/SOWT

MSG Eddie Licon, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Thomas F. Schultz, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC John Thomas Leggat, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Ernest Hartwig, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Dennis Cherup, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Manuel Beck, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Jeff Ruble, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Scott Randol, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW5 Walt Edwards, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CWO (R) Miguel (Ponch) Ruiz-Pattzi, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Danny Cartwright, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG James Weatherford, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Don W. Benesh, USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

CSM Bobby Pruett, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC George Armstrong Menor, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Curtis Earle Edwards, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSG Michael Duffy Jr., USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Lloyd O'Daniel, USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

CSM Roger George, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CSM Gerald E. Klein, USA (Ret) Ranger

SFC James Hull, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Durwin Dengerud, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Ronnie Medini,USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Cecil W. "Bud" Morgan, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

CW2 Albert Matos, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Bruce Kuhlman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Michael K. Aleen, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SSGT Danny J. Perry, USA (Vet) Special Forces

MSG James D. McHenry, USAR (Ret) Special Forces

SGT James "Ernie" Acre, USA (Ret) Special Forces/MACV-SOG

SFC Charles Roberts, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Tim Louys, USA (Ret) Special Forces

QMCS Richard R Powers Jr., USN SEAL (Ret.)

MSG Timothy M. Ferris, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM Jon F. Ridolfo, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGM James Kilcoyne, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CW3 Bobby D. Shireman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

1SG Joseph M. Crane, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SGT Ward "Buddy" Gilbert, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Terry Huffman, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Jerry Kleive, USN SEAL

LCDR Cade Courtley, USN SEAL

LT H.S. (Bud) Thrift, USN SEAL (Ret.)

BMC Richard L. Arnold, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CDR Rick Bernard, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LCDR Steve Elson, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LT William J. Blackmon, USNR SEAL

CAPT Ronald K. Bell, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LT Philip A. Black, USN SEAL

Richard Cyrus, USN SEAL

LTJG James M. Hawes, USN SEAL

MCPO Jerome D. Cozart, USN SEAL (Ret.)

Captain Steve Ahlberg, US Navy (Ret.) SEAL

CPO Carl T. Zellers, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LCDR David L. Tash, US Navy (Ret.) SEAL

Jim Seidel, USN SEAL

HMC Richard Bryan Willis, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CDR R.J. Thomas, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LT Roland Samuelson, USNR SEAL

QMCM Tom Shoulders, USN SEAL (Ret.)

SCPO Dan Yowell, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CAPT Ron Seiple, USNR SEAL (Ret.)

SN Wayne Gough, USN SEAL

Paul A Tamosunas, USN SEAL

MSG Keith Laub, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPT Robert S. Crenshaw, USA, RANGER

BMCS Frank Odermann, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CAPT Steve Ahlberg, USN SEAL (Ret.)

Rick Worthen, USN PBR

Hunter Grimes II USN SEAL

Maj William "Bill" Diggins, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

LT John R. Dew, USNR SEAL

CWO4 Gary Jackson USN SEAL (Ret.)

CDR Alan G Morris, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CDR Mark Divine, USN SEAL (Ret.)

MAJ Logan Fitch, USA Ret) Special Forces

Glenn Heidenreich, USN SEAL

Col. Michael Haas, USAF/USA, (Ret) Sp Forces/Ranger/Pararescue

MCPO Mark Kauber, USN SEAL (Ret.)

COL John D. Blair IV, USA SF (Ret.)

COL J. H. ("Scotty") Crerar, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CAPT Martin McNair, USNR SEAL (Ret.)

MCPO Tom Keith, USN SEAL (Ret.)

MAJ Charles Odorizzi, USA SF (Ret.)

LT John Rottger, USNR SEAL (Ret.)

LT Christopher O. Bent, USN SEAL

LT Martin Every, USN SEAL

COL Marshall Helena, USA (Ret) Special Forces/Ranger

COL Wayne Long, USA (Ret) Special Forces

Lt. Col. Tim Penley, USAF (Ret)

Lt. Col. Joseph W. Cook, III, USAF (Ret)

CAPT Edward Lyon, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CDR Tom Deitz, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CAPT Roger Crossland, USN SEAL (Ret.)

MAJ Andy Messing, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MSG Randy Lykens, USA (Ret) Special Forces

1SG Gordon V. Stinson, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPO Brandon Webb, USN SEAL

LT Francis B. Cleary, USNR SEAL

LCDR Joe Fuller, USN SEAL

MSgt. Bob La Rosa, USAF (Ret) Air Commando

HTCS Steven Granger, USN SEAL (Ret.)

BMC Henry R. Kawecki , USN SEAL (Ret.)

Lt Col Dennis B. Haney, USAF (Ret) Wild Weasel

CDR Marshall D. Daugherty, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CWO4 Mike USN SEAL (Ret.)

QMCM Tom Shoulders, USN SEAL (Ret.)

SOCM Mike Bloom SEAL (Ret.)

Larry Reams, USA (Ret) Ranger

SCPO Robert J. Guzzo, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LCDR Thomas Kleehammer, USN SEAL (Ret.)

SOCS John Westfall, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CPO John Westfall, USN SEAL (Ret.)

SSG Chester Howard, USA (Ret) Special Forces

BMC Ted L. Traver, USN SEAL (Ret.)

Dennis H. Johnson, USN (Ret.) Command Master Chief Seal Team 6

LT Alan R. Horner, USN SEAL

CDR Bruce Willhite USN/SEAL (Ret.)

PO1 Don Tinnin (Medical Ret), SEAL

MSG John Nettles, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Allen Berberick, USA (Ret) Special Forces

SFC Kelly A. Stewart, USA (Ret) Special Forces

CPO John J. Ballis, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

CPO Tom McCutchan, USN SEAL (Ret.)

LTC Raymond "Ray" Morris, USA (Ret) Special Forces

MMCM Kirk Scarboro, USN/SEAL (Ret.)

Philip Williams, USN Beach Jumper

Mike Macready, USN SEAL

HMC Manny Perez, USN SEAL (Ret.)

CDR Mike Wilkinson, USN SEAL (Ret.)

MCPO Thomas D. Vawter , USN SEAL (Ret.)

MCPO James Madison, USN SEAL (Ret.)

MCPO Bill Bruhmuller, SEAL USN (Ret.)

GM2 Benjamin Smith USN SEAL

BM1 Thomas E. Black, USN SEAL (Ret.)

Captain David Del Giudice, USN SEAL (Ret)

Chris Wilhelm, USN SEAL

MCPO Arturo Farias, USN SEAL (Ret.)

Joe Murray, USN SEAL

Chris Berman, USN SEAL

MCPO William A. Garnett, USN SEAL (Ret.)

Carlton. J. Poulnot, USN SEAL

Eric L. Hansen, USA (Ret.) Special Forces 18D

LCDR Robert S. Hayman, USN SEAL (Ret.)

William R. Rosencrans, USN SEAL

CPO Terrence Flynn, USN SEAL (Ret.)

Roger Guerra, USN SEAL

James Seidel, USN SEAL

CPO Robert Willingham, USN SEAL (Ret.)

Rick March, USN SEAL

Forrest Hedden, USNR SEAL

Michael J. Baumgart, USN SEAL

Gordon Boyce, USN SEAL

‘Murph: The Protector’ - A MUST SEE Movie

Here is my request - Go see this movie and pay your respects to the US Navy SEALs who put it all on the line for all of us. Please.

They do it all for you.

Posthumous Salute to a SEAL Team Leader

‘Murph: The Protector,’ a Documentary About a Navy SEAL

Mactavish Pictures

Lt. Michael P. Murphy, left, is the subject of the film “Murph: The Protector.”

By DANIEL M. GOLD / NY TIMES

Published: March 21, 2013

For the American military June 28, 2005, was a very bad day. A four-man Navy SEAL reconnaissance team in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan had been caught in a mountainside firefight with overwhelming Taliban forces, and the Special Operations helicopter sent to extract them was shot down. The 16 men aboard died, as did 3 of the 4 team members on the ground. (The one who lived, Marcus Luttrell, wrote a best-selling account, “Lone Survivor”; the major-motion-picture version, starring Mark Wahlberg, is scheduled for release next fall.)

“Murph: The Protector” is a short, spare documentary about Lt. Michael P. Murphy, the SEAL team leader awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2007. Mr. Murphy, a Long Island native, is recalled as a stand-up son, brother and friend, a lifeguard at Lake Ronkonkoma Beach, a graduate from Penn State who surprised those close to him with declaring his intent to enter the Navy’s elite SEAL unit. “You don’t wish that for your son, to be put in harm’s way,” says his father, Daniel Murphy, himself a Vietnam veteran who was wounded in action.

 

We’re told of Mr. Murphy’s perseverance in achieving his goal. But limited to what his family and friends can describe — there is virtually no video of Mr. Murphy — the film doesn’t give a full sense of its subject. Instead, it works best as a report from stateside: the early news of the firefight; the visit from Navy officers; the drive up from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, escorted by police units along the way, to burial at Calverton National Cemetery. The honors came after, including the naming of a new destroyer and the Medal of Honor, which was the first given for combat in Afghanistan. As operations there wind down, “Murph: The Protector” reminds us of the valor expended on distant front lines and the holes left at home.

“Murph: The Protector” is rated PG (Parental guidance suggested) for themes of war and death

Warrior Ethos

Tell me I can't and I'll show you I can twitter.com/SEALofHonor/st…

— SEALofHonor (@SEALofHonor) March 2, 2013

MURPH: The Protector.....a must see movie

This is one movie that the BS Media will likely pan/ignore which means it will be awesome for those who appreciate all that our US Navy SEALs do each and every day.

Bravo Zulu to our US NAVY, those who stand the watch for our country, the US Navy SEALs and those who are bringing us the story of MURPH: the Protector.

Regal Entertainment Group Presents Exclusive Release of MURPH: The Protector

Published: February 27, 2013 www.heraldonline.com

2013-02-27T22:33:08Z

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), a leading motion picture exhibitor owning and operating the largest theatre circuit in the United States, is proud to offer moviegoers the opportunity to see MURPH: The Protector, a feature documentary based on the extraordinary life of fallen SEAL LT Michael Murphy, beginning Friday, March 22nd, 2013, exclusively at Regal Entertainment Group Theatres.

MURPH: The Protector is a moving profile of LT Murphy’s entire life of honor, courage and commitment, as told by his friends, family and teammates. Michael was raised in Patchogue, New York, attended Penn State University and then joined the U.S. Navy to serve in the SEAL Teams. He gave his life for his men in 2005 and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2007.

“The Regal team understands how this film will connect with moviegoers across the country,” said Scott Mactavish, the film’s director. “It’s critical that we honor and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and Regal recognizes that there’s an audience eager to hear this story. We’re honored to call them partners.”

A portion of the proceeds from the film will go to the LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Formed by LT Murphy’s family in August 2005, the Foundation was given New York Department of Education approval and incorporated in New York. The Foundation was granted IRS tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with the expressed written purpose of providing academic scholarships.

MURPH: The Protector premieres on March 22nd, 2013, exclusively at the following Regal Entertainment Group Theatres. Tickets are available at the individual theatre box offices and online at REGmovies.com

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/02/27/4653379/regal-entertainment-group-presents.html#storylink=cpy

Obama refers to death of US Ambassador & three other Americans as a " bumps in the road"

How clueless and moronic can this man get??? He is the PRESIDENT of our country and he has referred to the death of our Ambassador to Libya and three others ( including two former US NAVY SEALS) as a " bumps in the road.." - REALLY ???

This inept and careless POL needs to be voted out of office. Please - I implore you to vote him out as a nation cannot endure another 4 years of this level of ineptitude.

From Twitchy.com:

Callous: Obama refers to murdered Americans in Libya as “bumps in the road” September 24, 2012 by Twitchy Staff

Yep. That’s how unreality-based President Obama referred to the bloody mess in Libya and the American casualties of this administration’s deadly dereliction of duty on 60 Minutes earlier tonight.

Here's another quote from the Village Idiot of Chicago:

" But I was pretty certain and continue to be pretty certain that there are going to be bumps in the road because-- you know, in a lot of these places-- the one organizing principle-- has been Islam. The one part of society that hasn't been controlled completely by the government. There are strains of extremism, and anti-Americanism, and anti-Western sentiment."

My teenage daughter has a greater grasp of world affairs than this clueless half-wit.

Here's the link to a more indepth article on the Weekly Standard website:

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-calls-recent-middle-east-violence-bumps-road_652971.html

US Navy SEAL from Massachusetts dies at US Consulate in Benghazi

REST EASY SHIPMATE - You will be missed - A Massachusetts Patriot and US NAVY SEAL

Former Navy SEAL identified as consulate attack victim - FoxNews.com

Glen Doherty, a former Navy SEAL from Massachusetts, was one of the victims of the deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, a family friend confirmed to Fox News.

Doherty is the latest victim to be identified. The U.S. government earlier confirmed that U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith, a foreign service information management officer, died in the attack.

The name of the fourth American who died in the attack has not been disclosed.

The Boston Globe first reported that Doherty was among the victims. His sister told the Globe that Doherty, 42, was working for a private company providing security at the time.

A former ski instructor in Utah, Doherty reportedly trained as a sniper and medical officer after joining the Navy SEALs. He served for seven years before leaving to work at the private security firm.

According to FOX5 in San Diego, Doherty lived in Encintas, Calif., after leaving the Navy. He worked at the CrossFIT/SEALFIT gym as well as security firms.

Based on an account of the Benghazi attack provided by senior administration officials, Doherty was one of two people who died while trying to take cover from gunfire in the annex near the main U.S. consulate building. At least three others were wounded in the attack.

Mother of a Fallen US Navy SEAL speaks about what is important to her while a self absorbed POL focuses on only on himself

Thanks to Gateway pundit for putting this video front and center. It needs to be seen by all those who care about our nation and those who swore the oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foriegn and domestic.

All our prayers and thoughts to Karen and Billy Vaughn. True Patriots, Shipmates in the US Navy and all others will never forget the sacrifice your son made and your sacrifice for giving us your son to defend our nation and way of life.

Empty words from politicians and a self absorbed President mean little to the Mother of this fine Patriot. To Obama, this warrior was one more political pawn.

To a grieving Mother and Father, this was their little boy, a son who was only theirs for a short and meaingful life, given freely to preserve our Nation.

OBAMA MUCKS IT UP - Calls US NAVY SEAL ADM. McRAVEN " General McRaven"

What a clueless chump - Time to GO Mr. Obama - We've had enough of your stupidity.

From http://riehlworldview.com/2012/08/barack-obama-botches-rank-of-top-navy-seal-william-mcraven.html

Barack Obama botches rank of top Navy SEAL William McRaven August 23, 2012

Obama: ‘I’d advise that you talk to General McRaven, who’s in charge of our Special Ops. I think he has a point of view in terms of how deeply I care about what these folks do each and every day to protect our freedom.’

Oops: “The difficulty with this is that William McRaven is and admiral not a general. As a SEAL, he is member of the US Navy, not US Army or US Marines.” More via Barack Obama botches rank of top Navy SEAL William McRaven | Mail Online. Obama has made mistakes with military terminology before.

In February 2010, he mispronounced ‘corpsman’ – as ‘corpse-man’ instead of ‘core-man’ several times. Last year, he mixed up two Medal of Honor recipients, saying that ‘Jared Monti, was the first person who I was able to award the Medal of Honour to who actually came back and wasn’t receiving it posthumously’.

Retired US NAVY SEAL launches anti-Obama PAC

ALL I can say is BRAVO ZULU to this retired US NAVY SEAL.....

This is just what we need - Those who swore an oath promising that " I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic" need better leadership than what we have seen from the grandstanding idiot from Chicago.

Based on the actions of the sitting President, he acts in the manner of a domestic enemy of the US Constitution.


Retired US NAVY SEAL launches anti-Obama PAC
Asbury Park Press - July 18, 2012

A new super PAC that includes retired special operations personnel and other veterans announced plans Wednesday to raise money to run ads in swing states against President Obama.

The group, Special Operations for America, filed paperwork Monday with the Federal Election Commission. It is headed by retired Navy SEAL Commander Ryan Zinke. During his 23-year career, Zinke spent time in the Navy’s elite SEAL Team 6, the same team that killed Osama bin Laden in a commando raid last year.

Zinke said he and other members of the special operations community are outraged that SEAL Team 6 was identified as the commando unit that carried out the raid, saying it put its members and their families at risk. Zinke said he believes the president has politicized his role as commander in chief to win re-election.

“Who was it at risk?” he said. “Was it the president? Or was it the young SEAL with the wife and kid at home? That’s the arrogance.”

Zinke, a Republican state senator from Montana, said the group also objects to deep military cuts and increases in health care costs to veterans. While he agreed there’s room for cuts in military spending, he said the $1.1 trillion in cuts over 10 years that could start at the end of the year are too deep.

Special Operations for America is registered as a 527 group, and it can take unlimited amounts of money from contributors. Whatever money the organization eventually raises, Hommel said, would be used to air ads in swing states targeted on veterans issues.

Rob Diamond, the national veterans and military families vote director for the Obama campaign, said the president “has their backs” when it comes to veterans and military families, and the president’s record is a “stark contrast” to Mitt Romney’s. He said Romney has refused to outline plans for veterans, has suggested that health services provided by Veterans Affairs be privatized and has failed to put forth a specific jobs proposal to get veterans back to work.

“Even worse, his reckless and nave statements about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan show that he would prefer our servicemen and women remain overseas, indefinitely fighting in wars he has no strategy to lead and no plan to end,” Diamond said in a statement.

Not all members of the new super PAC are veterans, Zinke said. Members are “people who have been successful on the battlefield or in business.” Its board includes former Republican Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana and former Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons, and it has ties to the conservative groups Stand Up for America and Veterans for a Strong America.

“It’s a good group of guys, and they’re going to come out swinging,” said Joel Arends, an Iraq Army veteran and chairman of Veterans for a Strong America.

But Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics said there’s debate over how much influence these types of groups have in presidential elections.

Sabato thinks macro issues drive presidential elections, issues such as the economy, war and peace and scandals. In this election, the campaigns for Obama and presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney have been competently run so far, he said.

Still, polls generally give Romney an edge with veterans, he said, and such groups can have an effect on the margins. But they aren’t the deciding forces.

“I don’t think it will be one of the things we’ll cite after the election’s over,” he said.

Life Advice to Tufts Grads from a US Navy SEAL

In transit and I found this on CNN...not sure how/why this got by their editors as CNN usually would not print something this positive from a member of the US military. I apologize for the formatting....Good stuff and well worth the read.....more as I reach my new duty station. Getting there is half the fun......right.


Navy SEAL's Wise Advice to Graduates
William Bennett - CNN

(CNN) -- Each spring, I monitor the list of commencement speakers at our nation's leading colleges and universities. Who is chosen, and who is not, tells us a lot about academia's perception of the most important voices in America.

Two of this year's most popular speakers were CNN's Fareed Zakaria, who spoke at both Harvard University and Duke University, and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, who spoke at both Tulane University and the University of Washington. Perhaps one of the most original choices, and the one who certainly stood out from the rest, was U.S. Navy SEAL Eric Greitens, who addressed the 2012 graduating class of Tufts University Sunday.

 It's not often that elite universities honor military service members with commencement addresses. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower once spoke to a graduating class at an Ivy League university and remarked, "Your business is to put me out of business." So I applaud Tufts University for inviting Greitens.

He is not a household name, but he should be. The 38-year-old Rhodes scholar and humanitarian worker turned U.S. Navy SEAL served multiple tours overseas fighting terrorist cells and received several military awards. Today, he is the CEO of the Mission Continues, a nonprofit foundation he created to help wounded and disabled veterans find ways to serve their communities at home.

To the graduates of Tufts, Greitens issued a unique challenge, one rarely heard at commencements today: to sacrifice, to serve one's country and to live magnanimously. He called students to think above and beyond their own dreams, their own desires, and to be strong. Aristotle called this megalopsychia, greatness of soul, and considered it one of the greatest moral virtues.

'What kind of service can I provide? What kind of positive difference can I make in the lives of others?' If you work every day to live an answer to that question, then you will be stronger," Greitens declared. After dodging bullets, withstanding IED explosions and going days without sleep, Greitens realized the strength he needed to excel as a SEAL was found outside his own physical abilities. In his weakest moments, Greitens was able to find his greatest strength in service.

"The more I thought about myself, the weaker I became. The more I recognized that I was serving a purpose larger than myself, the stronger I became," he told the students at Tufts. He served his country and defended the weak against the rapacity of the wicked.
Fifty years ago, Greitens' remarks would have been the norm. But through the years, the focus of education, particularly higher education, has shifted from selflessness to self-obsession. Many commencement speakers today tell students to "Dream big" and "Do what you love." It may be feel-good career advice, but it's incomplete life advice. Philosopher Martin Buber wrote, "All education 'worthy' of the name is education of character." Greitens gave the Tufts student an eloquent firsthand example.

Greitens said it this way: "The best definition I have ever heard of a vocation is that it's the place where your great joy meets the world's great need. ... We need all of you to find your vocation. To develop your joys, your passions, and to match them to the world's great needs."

Not all men are meant to be Navy SEALs, or even serve in the military, but all men can serve. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow recognized, "The life of man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams but in active charity and in willing service."

We ask our students, what do you want to do when you grow up? Instead, we should ask them, whom or Whom, and what ideals do you want to serve when you grow up? That is a worthy thing to consider at graduation. Good for Greitens; good for Tufts.

Exactly.....

Act of Valor - Starring US Navy SEALs

Go see this movie and honor the sacrifice made by America's Jedi Knights - The US Navy SEALs

US Navy SEALs police their own

Looks like the US Navy SEALs have started policing their own regarding the leaking of the info about ops recently conducted....I feel that this is as it should be as they should understand OPSEC is vital to their continued success...

I understand the need to salute these American Jedi Knights but their safety and the safety of those who support them is paramount to any PR campaign... The new movie " ACT OF VALOR " and other media shows have shown enough about what they can do when under duress without the divulging of more detailed info about specific operations IMHO.

Bravo Zulu to our US Navy SEALs. I salute you and appreciate all you do each day.


Navy SEAL Commander Advised to 'Get the Hell Out of the Media'
By Huma Khan ABC News

A retired general today assailed the commander of the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden for drawing too much media attention to operations that he argued should be kept under wraps.

Special Operations Commander Adm. Bill McRaven was confronted by retired Lt. Gen. James Vaught, who said he didn't understand why the recent raids by the Navy SEALs, such as the one to kill Osama bin Laden or to rescue U.S. hostage Jessica Buchanan, were all over the media.

"Since the time when your wonderful team went and drug bin Laden out and got rid of him, and more recently when you went down and rescued the group in Somalia, or wherever the hell they were, they've been splashing all of this all over the media," Vaught, 85, said. "I flat don't understand that.

"Now back when my special operators extracted Saddam [Hussein] from the hole, we didn't say one damn word about it," he continued. "We turned him over to the local commander and told him to claim that his forces drug him out of the hole, and he did so. And we just faded away and kept our mouth shut.

"Now I'm going to tell you, one of these days, if you keep publishing how you do this, the other guy's going to be there ready for you, and you're going to fly in and he's going to shoot down every damn helicopter and kill every one of your SEALs. Now, watch it happen. Mark my words. Get the hell out of the media," he concluded, as laughter broke out at a meeting of the National Defense Industrial Association in Washington, D.C.

Vaught commanded the failed mission to rescue the hostages in Iran in 1979. Eight service members died and four were injured in "Operation Eagle Claw" when the helicopters on the mission collided in the remote Iranian desert. Vaught, whose role made him the first commander of Delta Force, was not active duty during the Hussein raid, which was also conducted by the Delta Force, the secretive counterterrorism unit.

McRaven jokingly responded that he became a Navy SEAL because his sister was dating a special forces member and because he was infatuated with John Wayne's movie, "The Green Beret."

"The fact of the matter is, there have always been portrayals of SOF [Special Operations Forces] out in the mainstream media," he said. "We are in an environment today where we can't get away from it. It is not something that we actively pursue, as I think a number of the journalists here in the audience will confirm. But the fact of the matter is, with the social media being what it is today, with the press and the 24-hour news cycle, it's very difficult to get away from it."

He added that it was difficult to avoid media coverage in today's 24-hour news cycle and that it could actually help Navy SEALs do their job better.

"We have had a few failures. And I think having those failures exposed in the media also kind of helps focus our attention, helps us do a better job. So sometimes the criticism … the spotlight on us actually makes us better," McRaven said.

The Navy SEALs have received heavy media attention in the past year thanks to the bin Laden raid and the rescue in Somalia. A movie titled "Act for Valor" focusing on the elite special operations force is due for release next month and Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow is making a movie about the raid that killed the world's most wanted man.

McRaven was in Washington, D.C., today talking about an expansion in the role of special operations forces in Afghanistan. Special operations troops, McRaven said, would likely be the last to leave the country and the Pentagon is even considering a new special operations command, but that has not been decided yet.

"I have no doubt that special operations will be the last to leave Afghanistan," McRaven said. "As far as anything beyond that, we're exploring a lot of options."

ABC News' Meg Fowler contributed to this report.

OPSEC & Protecting our Warriors - Something lost on the President

Those who go in harm's way learn and understand the first lesson of how to stay safe - OPSEC. This is short for " Operational Security ". The need to keep all info about mission, operations and tactics secure and by doing so, not allow the enemy to gain intelligence.

Too bad this simple concept doesn't extend to the President or the Vice President who have been using the SEALs exploits for political gain. They are " users ' and use people like the SEALs for their own benefit. By doing so, they put these warriors at risk.

Don't take my word for it, read the enclosed written by a Navy SEAL who feels pretty upset by what the idiot in the White House has been doing.


Obama Exploits the Navy SEALs
There may be political value in detailing how our special forces hunted bin Laden, but doing so threatens troop safety and future missions
By LEIF BABIN - Wall Street Journal

America's premier Special Operations force is once again in the headlines after a team of Navy SEALs rescued two hostages from captivity in Somalia last week. Elite U.S. forces have carried out such operations periodically over the past decade, always with skill and bravery. The difference in recent months is that the details of their work haven't remained secret. On the contrary, government officials have revealed them for political gain—endangering our forces in the process.

The floodgates opened after the raid that killed Osama bin Laden last May, and the Obama administration's lack of discretion was on display again at last week's State of the Union address. As President Obama entered the House chamber, in full view of the cameras, he pointed to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and exclaimed: "Good job tonight, good job tonight." Clearly something had happened that he wanted the world to know about.

After delivering his speech, which included multiple references to the bin Laden raid, the president again thanked Mr. Panetta. "That was a good thing tonight," he said as if to ensure that the viewing public, if they missed it initially, would get it a second time around.

Sure enough, shortly thereafter, the White House announced the successful rescue of the hostages in Somalia by U.S. Special Operations forces. Vice President Biden appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" to highlight the success the next morning, and Mr. Panetta also publicly praised it. Then came the "anonymous U.S. officials" to provide extensive details of who conducted the raid and how. As with the bin Laden operation, the top-secret unit that carried it out was again front-page news, as were its methods and tactics.

Our special operators do not welcome this publicity. In fact, from conversations I've had in recent days, it's clear they are dismayed by it.

Adm. William H. McRaven, America's top special-operations commander, wrote in his 1996 book "Spec Ops" that there are six key principles of success in special operations. Of paramount importance—especially given the risk and sensitivity of the missions and the small units involved—is what the military calls "operational security," or maintaining secrecy. If the enemy learns details and can anticipate the manner and timing of an attack, the likelihood of success is significantly reduced and the risk to our forces is significantly increased.

This is why much of what our special-operators do is highly classified, and why military personnel cannot legally divulge it to the public. Yet virtually every detail of the bin Laden raid has appeared in news outlets across the globe—from the name of the highly classified unit to how the U.S. gathered intelligence, how many raiders were involved, how they entered the grounds, what aircraft they used, and how they moved through the compound. Such details were highly contained within the military and not shared even through classified channels. Yet now they are available to anyone with the click of a mouse.

It's difficult for military leaders to enforce strict standards of operational security on their personnel while the most senior political leadership is flooding the airwaves with secrets. The release of classified information has also opened a Pandora's box of former and retired SEALs, special operators, and military personnel who have chosen to violate their non-disclosure agreements and discuss intricate details of how such operations are planned and executed.

We've already begun seeing specific examples of strategic harm from the post-bin Laden leaks. In June, Pakistan arrested several individuals who allegedly provided information to the CIA in advance of the raid. One of those charged with treason was a Pakistani doctor, Shakil Afridi. This Sunday, Mr. Panetta confirmed to "60 Minutes" that Dr. Afridi had provided "very helpful" intelligence to the CIA. That may have condemned Dr. Afridi to death or life imprisonment.

Such disclosures are catastrophic to U.S. intelligence networks, which often take years to develop. Recklessness not only puts lives at risk but could set U.S. intelligence-collection efforts back decades. Our ability to carry out future operations is significantly degraded—something not lost on Pakistan.

A week after the bin Laden raid, then-Secretary of Defense Robert Gates expressed dismay about Washington's loose lips, telling a town hall meeting of U.S. Marines at Camp Lejeune: "Frankly, a week ago Sunday, in the Situation Room, we all agreed that we would not release any operational details from the effort to take out bin Laden. That all fell apart on Monday—the next day."

Do the president and his top political advisers understand what's at stake for the special-operations forces who carry out these dangerous operations, or the long-term strategic consequences of divulging information about our most highly classified military assets and intelligence capabilities? It is infuriating to see political gain put above the safety and security of our brave warriors and our long-term strategic goals. Loose lips sink ships.

Mr. Babin is a former Navy SEAL officer who served three tours in Iraq, earning a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He left active duty six months ago

ACT OF VALOR

Coming to theatres in February 2012....This movie looks like it will show the sacrifice made by our US NAVY SEALs. I am looking forward to seeing this one.

US Navy SEAL Ethos - A Leadership Lesson

I was watching a video posted on Neptunus Lex which featured a General from the Netherlands describing why he had chosen to take up the life of a warrior. It is a question many in service are asked as many who have not served wonder why anyone would choose the life of a Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman.

The Ranger Up website features a T-shirt that talks about wolves and sheep. Wolves are those who wish the sheep harm and the sheep are the citizens. The term sheep is not used derogatorily, as it stands to say that most people look to live peaceably and do not wish harm to others. Then there are Sheepdogs. While they looks like the wolf, no Sheepdog will ever harm a sheep. Their purpose is to protect and defend. Rangers are a special breed, just like the Sheepdogs. They live to protect the flock.

I am a student of Leadership, and came across the US Navy SEAL Ethos. While I was not a SEAL, I was able to know a few during my time in service. They are the pinnacle of what all warriors drive to achieve. Their Leadership and Ethos succinctly describes the reasons why we serve.

Enclosed is the SEAL Ethos. While only a few will be a SEAL, they serve as an example to all others in service. All can benefit from their "Leadership by Example".

From Navyseals.com -

SEAL ETHOS

United States Navy SEAL

In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life.I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men.Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me - my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.

Picture of the month

Here is the picture of the month.

November is more than half over and it is the week before Thanksgiving, the most American of all holidays.

Next week, you will likely be sitting down with family for the annual Thanksgiving Day feast. Military men & women will be doing their jobs and serving overseas away from family. Most will get a hot meal and the DFACs in Afghanistan will put on a feast. I have been there on the holiday and have seen how well our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines & Airmen get fed on this special day.

At the same time, there are those who will be at the point of the spear, like the soldier pictured here. He & his troops along with their K-9 mates will likely spend the day doing their job and hoping that a pre-packaged holiday meal finds it's way to their COP (Combat OutPost) as not all troops can be back at base to use the DFAC, regardless of the day.

Something to think about as you head to the mall, go shopping or have a drink with friends. They are out there, 24/7/365 allowing you the ability to enjoy your freedoms. Make sure they are in your thoughts and prayers. This week, Thanksgiving Day and always.

The raid to get Osama - new book claims the official account was riddled with errors

Body language says a lot about what you are really thinking, feeling and what your true self is all about. Those who interview people for a living have studied the science of body language and how it can be very revealing indicator of what is true.

We are getting a classic version of this in the news that the raid that took out Osama Bin Laden didn't go exactly as portrayed by the Obama Administration. Not only that, but that the President was out playing golf up until just 20 minutes before the US Navy Seals began the mission. Much has been made about the President being disengaged and this is a striking example of how our military was on mission and risking it large, while the "Doofus in Charge" could barely pull himself away from his golf game. What a putz.

Back to body language...the enclosed picture shows that while Admiral Mike Mullen and others were composed while watching events unfold during the raid, President Obama looks as he is about to throw up. The look on his face is unmistakeably grim. His face and the look on Hillary Clinton's face show they are the two "lightweights" in the room. The rest of the staff and military look professional and determined. They have been there before and understand what it means. Obama looks worried and that he is in way over his head.

Either way, the new story of the raid that got Osama is telling as the Obama administration ginned up a fairy tale for the press which has been "adjusted" several time since May. It is a sign that not only is Obama a rank amateur, but a deceitful one too.

The US Navy Seals don't do what they do for glory or fame. They are dedicated to protecting the country, their oath to defend the Constitution and do not seek the spotlight. The President is the diametric opposite as in his world, it is always all about himself.

Bravo Zulu to the US Navy Seals and our fine military. To the President, in about a year, you'll find you'll have plenty of time to play golf as the voters will ensure you are a one-term President.


Revealed: How Obama was playing golf until 20 minutes before Navy SEALs began mission to take out Bin Laden

He stayed out on golf course to distance himself if it went wrong, book claims by Daniel Bates / UK Mail - 7th November 2011

Strain etched on his face, Barack Obama watched as the raid to kill Osama bin Laden played out on a television in front of him.

According to a new book, however, the President was not nearly that engaged – and was actually playing golf until 20 minutes before the operation began in earnest.

Only then did he down his clubs and return to the White House to watch what he later trumpeted as a great success of his presidency.

A new book claims the official account was riddled with errors and that Bin Laden was referred to as 'Bert' and not just 'Geronimo'.

Also, none of the Navy SEALs said the now famous words: 'For God and country', and when they burst into Bin Laden's room, his wife screamed: 'No, no, don't do this... it’s not him!'

The claims are from Chuck Pfarrer, a former SEAL team commander, in a book called SEAL Target Geronimo.

He has spoken to several of the men who carried out the operation at Bin Laden's mansion hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2.

Mr Pfarrer paints a very different picture to the official photo released at the time which shows Mr Obama and advisers huddled round a table in the White House situation room as footage was beamed from a drone 15,000ft above the al-Qaeda leader's mansion.

Mr Pfarrer says the President's role was largely inflated and suggests he stayed out on the golf course for so long so he could distance himself in case it went wrong. Mr Pfarrer writes: 'If this had completely gone south, he was in a position to disavow.'

He says the White House photographs did not show the moment that Bin Laden was killed, but the moment a helicopter went down, which happened after the shooting.

Mr Obama is known to be a keen golfer. Just today, as the White House was being encircled by 8,000 environmental protesters, he was on a course in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The President also played golf four times during his week-long family holiday on Martha's Vineyard.

The book also claims that bin Laden would have been captured if he gave himself up. Mr Pfarrer said a SEAL team would not have been sent in for a kill mission, adding: 'If it was a kill mission you don't need SEAL Team 6; you need a box of hand grenades.'

The book also gives a dramatic new insight into what happened during the 1am raid, during which only 12 bullets were fired.

Within 90 seconds of their helicopter landing, the SEALs saw Bin Laden slam his bedroom door shut. Two SEALs burst in and saw Bin Laden and one of his four wives, Amal, who shouted: 'It's not him!'

Contrary to White House statements that he was unarmed, Bin Laden had a gun next to him. As he shoved his wife at the SEALs, four shots were fired.

The first round whistled past Bin Laden’s face. The second grazed his wife's calf. Mr Pfarrer claims: 'Two 5.56mm Predator bullets slammed into him. One struck him next to his breastbone, blowing apart his aorta. The last went through his skull.'

He also reveals that Bin Laden was known as Bert to the Seals, and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri was Ernie – a reference to the Sesame Street puppets.

The SEALS have decided to speak out after being enraged by the image that was being painted of them as cold-blooded murderers on a 'kill mission'.

Pfarrer said: 'I’ve been a SEAL for 30 years and I never heard the words ''kill mission''.
The soldiers were also said to be disappointed that Obama announced Bin Laden's death on TV a few hours later, making their intelligence-gathering futile.


Mr Pfarrer also said the President's announcement of the 'intentional' killing was understandable but nonetheless disappointing.

Mr Pfarrer told the Sunday Times: 'There isn’t a politician in the world who could resist trying to take credit for getting Bin Laden but it devalued the ''intel'' and gave time for every other Al-Qaeda leader to scurry to another bolthole.

'The men who did this and their valorous act deserve better. It’s a pretty shabby way to treat these guys.'

The operation began to come together in January 2010 after it was discovered that a 'high-value individual' was hiding out at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The commanding officer of the SEALS was brought to a top secret meeting with the CIA and his boss Admiral William McRaven to prepare a plan to present to the President.

CIA intelligence confirmed they were '60 per cent or 70 per cent certain it’s our guy'.
Satellite images had measured the target's shadow, making him 'over 6ft tall'. He was dubbed 'the pacer' as he was constantly seen walking back and forth.


In the following months, the team of SEALS began to make detailed preparations including practising manoeuvres at a mock-up of the compound at a remote army camp.

It was planned that the team would use Ghost Hawk helicopters because they were so quiet on approach, the Seals described them as flying in 'whisper mode', according to Mr Pfarrer.
Mr Obama gave the mission the green light and SEAL Team 6, known as the Jedi, kicked into action.

After being deployed to Afghanistan, the team were told to use older helicopters, Stealth Hawks, as sending in Ghost Hawks without the back up of jet fighters was considered too risky. Decoy targets were set up and the U.S. Navy scrambled Pakistan's radar to protect the mission.

The operation, called Neptune's Spear, was meant to take place on April 30 but was rescheduled for May 1 because of bad weather. In the dead of night, the SEALS flew on two Stealth Hawks, codenamed Razor 1 and 2, followed by two Chinooks five minutes behind.

Each SEAL was wearing body armour and night-vision goggles and equipped with laser targets, radios and sawn-off M4 rifles.

Also on board were a CIA agent, a Pakistani- American interpreter and a sniffer dog called Karo, wearing dog body armour and goggles.

It was estimated that around 30 people were in the high-walled compound in Abbottabad - Bin Laden and three of his wives, two sons, Khalid and Hamza, his courier, Abu Ahmed al- Kuwaiti, four bodyguards and a number of children.

At 56 minutes past midnight the compound came into sight and the code 'Palm Beach' gave the signal they were three minutes to landing.

The first helicopter hovered over the main house, where Bin Laden was known to live on the top floor. A team of 12 SEALS abseiled the 5ft-6ft down onto the roof, leapt onto a terrace and kicked in the windows.

The first person they saw was Bin Laden’s third wife Khaira. She fell after being blinded by a strobe light and was caught by a SEAL who pinned her to the floor.

Bin Laden suddenly appeared in the doorway of a bedroom along the hall and then slammed the door.

One SEAL radioed: 'Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo' signalling that they had spotted the target.

As people started moving in other parts of the house and lights were thrown on, Bin Laden's son Khalid came running up the stairs towards the SEALS and was shot dead.

Two commandos kicked in Bin Laden's door to find the al-Qaeda leader cowering behind his youngest wife Amal.

As Bin Laden tried to reach for his AK-47 rifle, the SEALS opened fire.
One round hit the mattress, another grazed Amal in the calf.

They each fired again: one shot hit Bin Laden's breastbone, the other his skull, blowing out the back of his head. His dead body slumped to the floor and he lay face up - just 90 seconds after the mission began.

Earlier reports had suggested that Bin Laden was not killed until after a protracted gun fight.

The second helicopter had headed to a smaller guesthouse in the compound where Bin Laden’s courier, Kuwaiti, and his brother lived.

As the helicopter closed in, a man appeared in the door with an assault rife and began to fire. Someone on board shouted 'Bust him!' A sniper on board the chopper fired two shots and Kuwaiti was killed along with his wife standing behind him.

Within two minutes the SEALS had cleared the guesthouse and removed the women and children. They then ran to meet their colleagues at the main building, firing two bullets into one of Bin Laden's bodyguards who was brandishing a gun.

Five minutes later, a Chinook landed by the compound and more commandos flooded into the compound.

The commanding officer went to view Bin Laden's corpse before confirming via satellite phone to the White House 'Geronimo Echo KIA' - that their number one enemy was dead.

Pfarrer added: 'This was the first time the White House knew he was dead and it was probably 20 minutes into the raid.'

A sample of Bin Laden’s DNA was taken, the body was bagged and put on the helicopter. His rifle is now mounted on the wall of their team room at their headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

On leaving the compound the first helicopter had an electrical failure and crashed tail-first into the compound.

SEALS initially thought it had been shot down as they rushed to help the crew who escaped