Getting bin Laden: A shout out to the United States military

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the United States military and the special forces community who – as an all-volunteer force – stepped up and risked their lives to eliminate one man from the terrorism equation.

Even know they knew capturing or killing Usama bin Laden would not end the fight and bring them home from battle, these men stepped up and participated in a mission they all knew was not a sure bet.

Choices. Decisions. One year ago this afternoon, hard choices and hard decisions were made by gunfighters and pilots during that pitch-dark night in far-away Abbottabad, Pakistan. When things went wrong and the tail roter of one helicopter clipped the compound’s wall, they could have pulled out. Instead, they adapted to the situation and pressed forward with the mission. They did not make a phone call to Washington, D.C. to ask for advice.

One man. One man would not make much of a difference to the members of DEVGRU, SEAL Team 6 and the 160th SOAR Night Stalkers, but they knew capturing or killing that one man would be very important to the United States people; the families and friends who lost loved ones and co-workers on Sept. 11, 10 years prior.

We thank you all.

About 100 days from now, another anniversary will be upon us. Thirty members of the special forces community – including DEVGRU team members – lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. We can not thank these brave souls in person, but we can thank the fathers, mothers, wives, sons, daughters and friends of these men who made hard choices and hard decisions every day of their short adult lives.

May these families and friends enjoy peace and love forever, and receive the eternal thanks of a grateful people.

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Steve McGough

Steve's a part-time conservative blogger. Steve grew up in Connecticut and has lived in Washington, D.C. and the Bahamas. He resides in Connecticut, where he’s comfortable six months of the year.

2 Comments

  1. gillie28 on May 1, 2012 at 9:10 am

    Amen, Steve.? It’s they who deserve most of the credit and appreciation.? I don’t want to take away from your wonderful comments, but just wanted to add that any President would have had to make the same decision, given the circumstances (maybe even Bill Clinton!!!) and to exploit it for political?purposes says a lot about the character of those who?are doing so.? Thanks to all those who were a part of this dangerous and momentous act.



  2. JBS on May 2, 2012 at 8:31 am

    AMEN!



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