Afghan insurgents dressed in US Army uniforms broke the lines at Camp Bastion/Camp Leatherneck and managed to destroy 6 US Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers and damage an additional 2.
They’ve never managed to shoot one down, but they became a (ground) ace in a day.
The attack killed two Marines and wounded nine coalition forces, with 14 militants killed and one captured.
US Marines in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, have dedicated a newly built chapel to Marines who have lost their lives in the conflict.
During the ceremony, troops gathered at the chapel to read scripture, sing songs and watch the placement of polished wood plaques bearing the names of their fallen brothers…
“Our freedom of speech, our freedom to worship or not to worship is possible because of them,” [Navy Chaplain (Capt) Rondall] Brown continued. “Their sacrifice is what allows this chapel to exist as a place of sanctuary and reflection for all troops still fulfilling the mission in Afghanistan.”
A British military photographer captured a stunning and unique vista in Afghanistan, at the main British base at Camp Bastion.
Afghanistan is entering its ‘rainy season,’ and such storms may be relatively common for some time.
Of course, Michael Weinstein Read more
An interesting set of articles in the UK Guardian notes the role of religion in the military in Afghanistan. The articles were written by Riazat Butt, who is reportedly traveling through Afghanistan with Army Chaplains.
The tone of her first article, from the British outpost at Camp Bastion, implies that the majority of British servicemembers eschew religion except for the rituals associated with the loss of a comrade.
Last Wednesday evening, thousands of troops gathered to remember Lt Daniel John Clack…in a 30-minute ceremony that wove together Christian and military liturgy. For many in attendance, the vigils will be their only regular exposure to religion whether on deployment or in Civvy Street.
The memorial monument bears a shining cross made from expended shell casings.
British Sergeant Ryan Coleman described the attitude this way: Read more