Statement from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger:
“It is with extremely heavy hearts that we learned several Marines and other service members were killed and wounded in the Kabul attacks today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they are notified of this devastating loss.
These fallen heroes answered the call to go into harm’s way to do the honorable work of helping others. We are proud of their service and deeply saddened by their loss. As we mourn, we also keep those who are still over there protecting Americans and our Afghan partners at the forefront of our thoughts. Our Marines will continue the mission, carrying on our Corps’ legacy of always standing ready to meet the challenges of every extraordinary task our Nation requires of her Marines.
I am continually humbled by the courage and warrior spirit exhibited every day by Marines across the globe. The sacrifices Marines make on behalf of freedom must never go unnoticed or unappreciated. I ask that you keep these Marines and service members, and especially their families, in your thoughts and prayers.”
I had just started reading “Old Gimlet Eye – The Adventures of Smedley D. Butler” yesterday when the Washington Post alert popped-up on my Kindle reader. With what’s happening in Afghanistan, I thought maybe I should see what it says and my heart was instantly broken. It felt the same as on 15 May 1975 when I heard the radio transmission about the two aircraft down on East Beach, Koh Tang during the SS Mayaguez rescue. Much the same as on 24 April 1980 when we heard the news about Desert One (Operation Eagle Claw), or October 23, 1983 when the barracks in Beirut, Lebanon were hit. Not to mention the mornings of April 19, 1995 in Oklahoma City, and September 1, 2001 in New York City. Each time it seems worse than the time before, and it makes a person wonder how many more times it has to happen before we learn that America can no longer be the world’s police force. There is nothing in the middle eastern Arab countries, not even oil, that is worth the cost of all the lives lost. RIP
“…and when they get to heaven, to St. Peter they will tell. “More Marines reporting, Sir, We’ve spent our time in hell.” – Unknown
Semper Fi
RIP brave souls, I grieve for you, I am proud of you, I will always honor you!
SGT USMC 1966-1969 100%
…….SEMPER FI TILL VALHALLA
ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE. WE ALL HURT DEEP INSIDE OUR HEARTS, BUT THE PIECES MUST BE PUT TOGETHER. OUR LOSES’S WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
FROM HERE ON OUT, GOD WILL BE CALLING THE CADENCE. RIP MARINES AND THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT FOLLOWED….
My heart goes out to all those who sacrificed their lives to keep us safe. So sorry and so sad. I am so hurt knowing this could have been prevented. Once a marine and always Marine. When we die Marines go to heaven and regroup.SEMPER FI my brothers. SGT 1969-1974 100 percent
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THE MARINES THAT HAVE FALLEN FOR YOUR SERVICE REST IN PEACE .
Well spoken. These twelve men were referred to as several.
Twelve men are the equivalent of three Fire Teams, not several.
Generals have a inherent obligation to insure the safety and well being of their Marines.
To state the obvious, that it was a tragic event just isn’t quite enough to satisfy me. SF
Semper Fi Sgt. Joe Radigan
R.I.P. Brothers. Semper FI
Rest in Peace Brothers in Arms! You have earned your wings, and your duty is done!
You are in our heart and prayers. May the perpetual light shine on you. You are now with my Marine WHO passed away on 9/24/20. He will also receive you with open arms! HOORAH! ?❤
God bless these 13 heroes & protect all of our troops in an impossibly & badly coordinated withdrawl.
Godspeed Brothers and Sisters, from Terry Kindlon, Sgt. (Echo-2/3Vietnam)
May God truly Bless my brothers and sisters. Marines killed protecting and serving others. In times like these there just are no words to express our loss and pride except Semper Fi’ Marines!
As a former Marine my Heart was broken by the news. My Uncle was with the First Marine Rider Battalion and was KIA in Enoga point. He was the reason I joined the Marines. We all lose a part of us when a Marine is KIA. Semper Fi. You all served your time in Hell it is my Hope and prayer that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has received you with open arms and will bless your families as they mourn your loss.
Semper Fi
General Berger and all the other Commanding Generals from all the other Services should be removed for leadership failure to ensure the safety of our troops in a mission that was designed to failure from the very start. No parent should put up with their child’s lives being thrown away in such a manner. These Generals are a disgrace to their service and this Country..
Agreed. We need some true leadership in leadership positions. It saddens and angers me, that these young Marines died, under such “leadership”. As a Marine, I am encouraging my Grandson to not re-up next year. I also won’t encourage some others to enlist.
It is hard to serve under a Commander-in-Chief who is anti-American and does not care about our military, if he did he would have made better decisions in Afghanistan.
MGySgt Jose L. Trevino retired (1974-2005)
Sir
You are so right.
The corps need leadership from the top which we do not have.
To read that LT.Col Scheller was relived of his duty just add to the pain of losing our fellow Marines
Which Commander-in-Chief? We’ve been in that country for 20 YEARS!!!
My previous comment was directed at MGySgt Jose L. Trevino, retired. What CIC?
Sorry But I can’t say their lives were ‘Thrown Away” As a Marine and a Viet Nam Vet, I know that when I joined the Marines, I would be one of our nations finest and I agreed to put my live on the line to uphold the values that were instilled in me as a became a Marine. Don’t get me wrong the loss of those 13 lives is a tragedy, but each of them knew the risks associated with doing their jobs. Granted the evacuation could have and should have been better planned, but when we look back at the number of service men and women who would have loss their lives had we stayed in country, it is far better to leave now then to continue a war that would be never .
ending
God Bless their souls and Semper Fi
Sgt. T. Golden
Amen, Kim.
Agree; These Marines, Soldiers and Corpsman were murdered by the incompetent generals and politicians of the biden administration. This is what happens when we let globalist politicians run unwinnable wars. Not only Biden but Bush and Obama are responsible. We, as Marines, should know that our oath says “enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC”. SGT. Paul Chacho Jr. 66-69.
These deaths fall directly on trader Joe’s china-biden for failing to be a leader and abandoning the other Americans and our allies over there. And for leaving millions in weapons for the Taliban. How is this not an act of treason? this man should be arrested for the murder of all those that died after he abandoned them. He left his post as CIC, and should be treated as a deserter. the CMC is also spineless and is just trying to make his mark on the Corps, well sir it is a very bad mark you have left!!
God Bless these Marines who gave their lives protecting and serving others. In times like these there just are no words to express our extreme heartbreak and our extreme pride. Rest in Peace, you will not be forgotten.
“I am continually humbled by the courage and warrior spirit exhibited every day by Marines across the globe.”
Yes, I am too! However, its just an horrible shame that that same ethos is no longer shared by neither you, General Berger, nor ANY of the senior officer corps now serving in either the Marine Corps or any other branch of the US Armed Forces. Such a shame! Political Correctness has devoured you all — you are no longer worthy and should ALL resign rather than serve the sham sitting in the ‘oval office’!
Just Sayin’,
TBC
Well said time for our leaders to do what Lt Col Scheller
Let the world know what we have as a Leader of our nation he can not lead.
Please do not be a kiss ass to this person BE A MARINE AND STAND UP TO HIS SHIT
It’s been almost 50 yrs since at 18 I stood on the footprints at Parris Island on an October night in 1971. I would not change a thing my time in the Corps has served me well in my lifetime, I feel for the families of those recently killed and pray that those remaining are evacuated safely back to this Country and their families.
As a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran who served from 1965 to 1969, I absolutely agree with the statements of Kim B. Swanson, Dennis Damron and TheBlackCherokee. So far we have 13 dead heroes and one living hero – LtCol Stuart Scheller. LtCol Scheller has more integrity in his little toe than Gen Berger and his ilk have combined. A very sad time for the country and the Marine Corps. RIP my brother and sister Marines and Corpsman.
JAK
God bless the US Marines.
RIP brave souls, I grieve for you, I am proud of you, I will always honor you!
SGT USMC 1966-1969 100%
Every time the news announces the loss of Marines or Corpsmen especially when a lot of the cause is from subpar leadership I feel a tremendous sadness at the loss. I also pray for their families and hope they know how much we appreciate their sacrifice. They did not die in vane and they were welcomed in heaven. They were doing their duty to America & I’m thankful to them.
As a Viet Nam vet I am proud to be their brother. Semper Fi and many prayers for their families.
Kilo 3/4 1969
Cpl Kevin R Fallon
Once again. The Marines have done their duty to protect those that need protection. Even in harms way. May your sacrifices not be in vane. Prayers to your families, Marine Mom’s and Dad’s. Brother and Sisters. Friends as well.. To the children left behind, know this. The Marines are the Few. The Proud.. Love to you all.
Semper Fi my brothers and sister,such a needless loss may God hold u in the palm of his hand and bless your families . Again Semper Fi rest in peace .
I agree one hundred %. Semper Fi (5th FSR)
I agree one hundred %, with Kim Swanson. (Vietnam) Semper Fi (5th FSR)
REST IN PEACE WARRIORS!! All of you are in my thoughts and prayers! May the Lord watch over your families! Semper Fi!
Sgt USMC 1966-1970
The sadness I feel can not be measured by tears or grief. Our Marine brothers andy Navy corpsman have laid down their life for our beloved Corps and Country. SEMPER FI MARINES. I am proud to call you my brothers.
When the North Vietnamese took over Viet Nam in ’75 I had a very hard time determining if the time I spent there as an 0331 with 3/7 & 3/5 in ’70 & ’71 was worth it. Since then I’ve come to the conclusion that it did. I know I helped my fellow Marines make it home just like they also helped me to do so. I also feel I made it possible for some Vietnamese people to continue living, to grow up & go to school, to have families, etc. I am asking all veterans of our Afghanistan war to be proud of their service & to know they too have done the same for our Marines Corps, America, & the people of Afghanistan. God bless the United States Marine Corps & God Bless America.
“Fair Winds and Following Seas” I salute all of our 11 Marines, Navy Corpsman, and fellow Army brother, who paid the ultimate price. Semper Fi!
Marines facing down evil. Handcuffed. Surrounded by death on all sides. Fuck the politicians. Marines givi g full measure of their lives for this great nation and the Marines to the left and right of him. Dedication to duty, commitment to God, country, Corps, family. We will never be defeated, not even by our own country. Brotherhood of Marines. Semper Fi.
God Speed Marines
Semper Fi
Til the last landing is made
and we stand unafraid
on a shore no mortal has seen.
Til the last bugle call
sounds taps for us all
it’s Semper Fidelis Marine
RIP God Bless
Well said. Semper Fi.
I salute these brave men for going in harm’s way for their country. They knew what their job involved, but they saddled up and did it for all of us. So from an Army vet to the Men of the Corps “God Bless, you all.”
As a survivor of the Tet offensive at Khe Sanh in 1968 I witnessed what this great country and its military can do. From the start to the end when the 1st Cav came up the road in front of my mortar pit on the perimeter of FOB 3, yes I was a marine but my unit was a CAC unit we had Vietnamese soldiers with us and were not allowed on the base with them and we would not abandon them. For 90 days all the military might of this country rained down on the NVA day and night, on clear days you could look up as high as you could see there planes circling to wait their turn to come down and drop their bombs or unload their cargo. I watched them get hit and blown up on the runway but they would still fly into hell. I watched as a Skyhawk and Phantom got shot down but they still came. No one can appreciate the awesomeness of this military if they can’t witness something like that. Every time I hear the rockets red glare my mind sees it for real. I pray no one has to see it again but I know under the right leadership it is there. That leadership is not there now
Amen, Kim. He couldn’t even bother to count them, identifying them as “several” Marines.
As member of a Marine family, it makes me want to vomit. No respect to you, Berger, when you can’t respect the Marines under your command. RESIGN and let a better man fill your boots.
God Bless these Marines and the Devil Doc. We will pray for those left behind and we will never forget your sacrifice. Doesn’t matter that a weak leader is in charge, Marines lead from the front and you are the epitome of our beloved Corps. God Bless you all!
Semper Fi! We have it from here!
91-98 – E4
St. Peter they served their time in Hell!
Semper Fi
Lt Col Scheller was relieved of his command because the Pentagon brass said they lost confidence in his ability to lead . I say it’s because he lost confidence in them. And yes they do need to grow some backbone. Col Scheller reminds me of Lt Col North. Godbless and Semper Fi, to all Marines past and present
We are All Brothers. Always have been, Always Will Be
B. Spruell
SSGT.
Beirut Lebanon 1983
God bless you all and prayers for the family s that lost ones to these children that lost a Father. God bless you all Marines. Semper Fi
It seems we have as many enemies in DC as in foreign countries. Do not reenlist; discourage enlisting. A stolen election and domestic enemies. Beware Brothers. America is in danger. Semper Fi. Paul Chacho Jr. SGT. 66-69.
May God Bless them
Semper Fidelis
RIP my brothers and sisters, I shed tears for you, you did your job, SEMPER FI
I ‘ve read all of the comments submitted. And now, more than ever, I realize how proud I am to be a Marine and share the same feelings as my brothers and sisters. Blood is on the hands of our supposed leaders, all the way up the chain. LtCol Scheller was on right target, he took the point and was the first to get hit. My prayers are for the souls of our brothers and sisters lost , and for the grieving families they leave behind. May God Bless them and our Beloved Corps. Semper Fidelis.
Don Corinna, Sgt of Marines 53-59
A part of all of us died with you. A final salute, we bow our heads, Eternal Rest Be Unto You.
Semper Fi, Marines.
Ed Barewich, Corporal, USMC
1964-1968
I see many who are trying to lay blame on politicians, generals, etc. Now is not the time for your dumb political views! It’s a time to honor those eleven Marine heroes
who died serving their country and Corps.
What have you done for your country or Corps except shoot off ur mouth about ur idiot opinions instead of just spending some down time praying and honoring the fallen?
“The few, the proud, the Marines! Ooh-rah!????
Ooh Rah
With all due respect: I have prayed and honored more than a few fallen brothers some of them personal friends and I am tired of what our country has become. The blame lies on those politicians who care more about power than standing for America. They are either stupid (Johnson and Bush) or evil (obama and biden). I, having taken that oath to “protect and defend”, will call them out for their lies and misdeeds. Having served and sacrificed I have the right and responsibility to tell you F-off. You do not know what you are talking about. Paul. SGT E5; Vietnam 66-69.
I too am sadden by some of the comments expressed here. This is not the time for political views to blur the sacrifice that was made. I is the time to ask God for his blessings on our fallen heroes and comfort to those who are grieving. As a second member of three generations of marines, I have heard the grumbling about wars past and present. Leadership, or lack thereof. In the end we are all United States Marines who have sworn an oath to defend this country and our constitution. We will continue that mission. Semper Fi and RIP my brothers and sisters, you did you duty now it is time to rest.
So when is it the time to speak out on the traitors within our country? When is it the time to disobey illegal orders? When is it time to band together and speak out against tyranny and overreaching government that works to undermine all we fought for? My duty is to the Constitution, my country and the Patriots willing to stand up to “All enemies, Foreign and DOMESTIC”. I fought communism. I will not allow it in the USA. Paul Chacho Jr. SGT 66-69.
General Berger, as well as the rest of the Joint Chiefs, should be fired for dereliction of duty among other things. We no longer have warriors at the highest levels but ‘woke’ political hacks who spend more time talking about weeding out ‘troublemakers’ (more commonly known as conservatives and patriots, such as LtCol Scheller, who are the backbone of our military) and solving a problem [racism] which, in the main, does not exist.
Certainly there are pockets of racism in the military but the media comments about ‘systemic’ racism are so far off the mark as to be laughable. There is no way to eradicate ALL racism which exists because it comes from a person’s psyche. The witch hunt which is occurring, however, will lead to the demise of the strongest military on earth because the backbone of our military are the same conservatives and patriots who come from the center of the country.
Not one country on the face of the earth right now believes the USA will honor its commitments. Don’t think the Russians and Chinese are clueless about this.
CWO4 Dudley J Garidel, Jr USMCR [Ret]
17 February 1969 – 1 August 2004
Semper Fidelis!
Non Sibi Sed Patriae