Remembering the Battle of Kamdesh: Honoring Heroism and Sacrifice

The Battle of Kamdesh stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of American soldiers in the face of a relentless enemy. This pivotal engagement, which took place on October 3, 2009, at Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan, left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who witnessed its horrors. Today, we gather to remember and honor the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice and to reflect on the lessons learned from this significant chapter in military history.

The Assault on Combat Outpost Keating:

 On that fateful day, more than 300 Taliban fighters launched a ferocious assault on Combat Outpost Keating, situated in the remote Kamdesh district of Afghanistan. The brave soldiers assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team of the Ivy Division found themselves heavily outnumbered and facing a determined enemy.

Heroism and Sacrifice: 

Amidst the chaos and confusion of the battle, these soldiers displayed exceptional courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to their fellow comrades. They fought valiantly, defending their position against overwhelming odds, and in doing so, eight soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, while 22 others were wounded. Their unwavering determination and selflessness in the face of grave danger will forever be remembered as a testament to the warrior spirit that embodies the U.S. military.

Remembrance and Commemoration: 

To honor the fallen and pay tribute to the survivors, a Battle of Kamdesh remembrance event was held at Fort Carson, Colo., on June 20, 2023. During the event, soldiers ran through a series of obstacles, symbolizing the challenges faced on that fateful day. This solemn gathering served as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice exhibited by those who served at Combat Outpost Keating.

 

Lessons Learned:

 The Battle of Kamdesh, although a tragic event, provided invaluable lessons for military strategists and leaders. The attack on Combat Outpost Keating highlighted the importance of proper force protection measures, strategic positioning, and intelligence gathering in hostile environments. It underscored the significance of adaptive tactics and the need for continued support and resources to ensure the safety of our troops.

Conclusion: 

The Battle of Kamdesh remains etched in the annals of military history as a testament to the resilience and bravery of American soldiers. As we remember the fallen and honor their sacrifice, let us also reflect on the lessons learned from this harrowing battle. May their legacy serve as a constant reminder of the dedication and valor exhibited by our servicemen and women, and may we continue to support and honor those who defend our nation with unwavering commitment and resolve.

Rhode Island Guard Soldier makes selfless, ultimate sacrifice for Afghan child

By Kris Gonzalez

U.S. Army

PROVIDENCE, R.I.  -- The actions of one Rhode Island National Guard Soldier epitomized the Army Value of selfless service, "doing one's duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain," as he heroically saved an Afghan child without regard for his own life.

Sgt. Dennis Weichel Jr. died March 22, from injuries sustained when he was struck by an armored fighting vehicle after moving an Afghan child to safety.

"Sadly, today we realized the death of a Rhode Island National Guard Soldier in a combat zone, and we are once again reminded of the enduring sacrifice our Soldiers and Airmen have made, and continue to make, in service to this great country," said Army Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride, adjutant general of the Rhode Island National Guard, in a press release March 23.

Weichel, an infantryman, mobilized with Company C, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 56th Troop Command, to Camp Atterbury, Ind. in November 2011, and then deployed forward to Afghanistan in early March.

On the morning of March 22, Weichel and members of his unit were leaving the Black Hills Firing Range in Laghman province, Afghanistan, when they encountered multiple Afghan children in the path of their convoy. Weichel was among several Soldiers who dismounted to disperse the children away from the vehicles.

As one child attempted to retrieve an item from underneath a U.S. Army mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle, , known as an MRAP, Weichel moved her to safety and was struck by the MRAP in the process.

Weichel was evacuated to the Jalalabad Medical Treatment Facility where he succumbed to his wounds.

The circumstances of Weichel's death speak to his character, said Staff Sgt. Ronald Corbett, Weichel's mentor who deployed with him to Iraq in 2005.

"He would have done it for anybody," said Corbett. "That was the way he was. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was that type of guy."

Weichel was posthumously promoted from the rank of specialist to sergeant March 26.

He had been a member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard since 2001. He deployed to Iraq in 2005 as a member of Company D, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Weichel was considered a fun-loving guy yet a model Soldier, according to Corbett and 1st Sgt. Nicky Peppe, who also served with Weichel in Iraq.

"When I first heard, I kept expecting him to jump up and say, 'Oh, I got you guys,'" said Corbett. "The last few days have hit me hard."

"He was a big kid at heart. He always had a smile on his face and he made everyone laugh," said Peppe. "But as much as Weichel was funny, he was also a professional. When it was time to go outside the wire for a combat patrol, he was all business."

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee has ordered U.S. and Rhode Island flags across the state to be flown at half-staff until Weichel is laid to rest.

Weichel is survived by three children, his fiancée, and his parents.

"Tragically, Sgt. Weichel has made the supreme sacrifice, and at this time, we are mindful of the impact of that sacrifice on his family and friends," McBride said. "I pledge this command's perpetual support to Sgt. Weichel's family. We leave no Soldier behind, and we will not leave Sgt. Weichel's family behind."

Heroes in the Global War on Terror

The Department of Defense Office of Public Affairs has recently updated its "Heroes in the Global War on Terror" website, which includes profiles of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have received medals of distinction for their bravery and contributions to fighting the Global War on Terror.

Some of the heroes include Maj. Kim Campbell, aka "Killer Chick," who flew her bullet-riddled Warthog 300 miles back to base after a close engagement with Iraqi Republican Guard soldiers; 1st Lt. Elliott Ackerman, who led his Marines through a series of ambushes and attacks during the battle of Fallujah; and Staff Sgt. Jo Turner and Spc. Cheryl Ivanov, combat medics who, through their skills, eventually earned respect from the Afghan soldiers they served with.

You can find all of our heroes at: http://www.defenselink.mil/home/dodupdate/heroes/index.html.

Bush, Abizaid Recognize Afghans, U.S. Soldiers for Heroism

American Forces Press Service

Feb. 20, 2007 – Two Afghan nationals and five American soldiers received recognition from President Bush and U.S. Central Command's top officer for heroism in preventing a driver from carrying out a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, in January. In a Feb. 15 address to the nation, Bush pointed to the heroism demonstrated during the Jan. 10 incident as an example of how U.S. and Afghan forces are working together to create a safer, more secure environment for Afghanistan.

The following day, Army Gen. John Abizaid, commander of U.S. Central Command, praised the troops during a ceremony at the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan headquarters and presented the Combat Action Badge to the troops involved.

U.S. troops receiving the award were: Army Staff Sgt. William Strobeck, Sgts. Brian Bailey and Mathew Sisson, and Spcs. Justin Carry and Linza Hampton.

"Through the quick minds and patriotic sense of duty, these brave men were able to stop a bad situation from getting worse," Abizaid said during the award ceremony.

Bush reflected on the incident during an address about progress in Afghanistan and the global war on terror. When a vehicle loaded with explosives attempted to crash through the front gate of Camp Phoenix, a U.S. base in Kabul, two Afghans employed at the camp rushed the vehicle. They helped U.S. soldiers restrain the suspect and drag him from the vehicle as security forces, with assistance from the Afghan National Police and NATO International Security Assistance Force soldiers, cordoned the area. As explosives ordnance disposal team worked to disarm the bomb, it detonated.

The president pointed to the efforts of one of the Afghans involved, nicknamed "Rambo," as an example of how the Afghan people are stepping up to protect their country.

"This fellow did not hesitate," Bush said of Rambo. "He jumped in the car, and he prevented the terrorist from exploding the device. He saw somebody who was about to harm our citizens, our troops; he then jumps into the car and stops the attack. A U.S. Army sergeant then responded (and) helped him pull the guy out of the car."

Bush went on to quote one of the U.S. soldiers who was at the scene. "He saved our lives," the soldier said. "I promised him I'd name my firstborn son after him." Joking, the president added, "The guy is hoping for a boy."

The president called the incident "a human story" that speaks of courage, alliance and respect for life. "To me, it's a story that says these people in Afghanistan want to do what is necessary to survive and succeed, and it's in our interest to help them," he said.

Abizaid pointed to the incident as an example of hope for Afghanistan's future. "Afghanistan will never be lost, when we work together as we did on that day," he said. "I am proud to be here, and I would like to thank you for what you did."

Bush said he's proud that the United States helped liberate 25 million Afghans. "We should be proud to stand alongside the people of Afghanistan, the newly liberated Afghanistan," he said. "And I know we're all proud of the men and women who have helped liberate that country -- the men and women who wear our uniform who helped liberate that country and continue to make the sacrifices necessary."

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