Fallen Marine's father wants change in Afghanistan

AP/YahooNews ^ | 10/13/09 | DAVID SHARP,

[Kartographer]

It was the last way John Bernard would have wanted his voice to gain prominence in the national debate over the war in Afghanistan. The retired Marine had been writing to lawmakers for weeks complaining of the new rules of engagement he believed put U.S. troops at unacceptable risk in the insurgency-wracked country. He got little response.

Then Bernard's only son, 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard — a Marine like his dad — was killed in an insurgent ambush in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province, the latest victim of a surge in U.S. combat deaths.

[MountainDad]

Thank you for the “locked thread” heads-up!

[444Flyer]

Honor the fallen...
Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard

3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay; died Aug. 14 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

2/3 Marine dies in Afghanistan

Staff report

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Defense Department officials Aug. 17 identified a Marine killed Aug. 14 in Afghanistan as Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard.

Bernard, 21, a rifleman from New Portland, Maine, died while he was supporting operations in Helmand province, military officials said.

The combat deployment was the second for Bernard, who enlisted in November 2006 and joined Hawaii-based 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, in May 2007 and deployed with the battalion to Iraq in 2008, Marine Corps Base-Hawaii officials said in a news release. The battalion is operating as part of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Afghanistan.

Bernard had received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, officials said.

Died:
August 14, 2009

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/4240112.html

[444Flyer]

Does anybody know if that pic would have had to get clearance through the Pentagon in order to be published? For the life of me, I can’t figure out how that type of pic didn’t come out (wasn’t allowed???) under the previous Administration but suddenly was leaked under this one.

[444Flyer]

Ping.

[444Flyer]

“It’s the ROE’s Stupid” fits.

“RULES OF ENGAGEMENT REVISITED’

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2346439/posts

“OBAMA’S RULES OF ENGAGEMENT IN AFGHANISTAN COSTING OUR TROOPS LIVES”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2335891/posts

“THE RULES MURDERING OUR TROOPS”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2347085/posts

Then there is this:

“No Rush to Escalate (”war kills off great reform movements”)”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2355050/posts

____________________________________________________________

http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/official_texts/Tactical_Directive_090706.pdf

“...I recognize that the carefully controlled and disciplined employment of force entails risks to our troops...”

“...The Taliban cannot militarily defeat us - but we can defeat ourselves...”

This is all that comes to my mind when I read that:

“We are pinned down. We are running low on ammo. We have no air. We’ve lost today,” Marine Maj. Kevin Williams, 37, said through his translator to his Afghan counterpart, responding to the latter’s repeated demands for helicopters.

“’We’re pinned down:’ 4 U.S. Marines die in Afghan ambush”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2335142/posts

If your going to keep them over there Obama&Co.. NOW, can we PLEASE have some Troop-centered and protecting ROE’s! And give them the equipment and manpower they need to back them up!

[thouworm]

Praying Freepers: From this linked thread (see post #15) of 38 posts, 6 Freepers have sons in Afghanistan now or are expected to be deployed shortly:

Recon Dad
Mountain Dad
lookout88
Enough_Deceit
optiguy
amom

[Saoirise]

Semper Fi 1st Sgt. Bernard!

The solution isn't that complicated, Bernard said. He wants the U.S. military to return to its original mission of chasing and killing the Taliban and al-Qaida. Otherwise, he said, bring the troops home.

It's so simple a 5th grader, even a Nobel Peace Prize winner, should be able to get it.

[Saoirise]

“We are pinned down. We are running low on ammo. We have no air. We’ve lost today,” Marine Maj. Kevin Williams, 37, said through his translator to his Afghan counterpart, responding to the latter’s repeated demands for helicopters.

RIP Major Williams, 9/09/2009

[RushLake]

One of the saddest things about this whole sad thing is that the dirty bastard hasn't got the sense to understand that the blood of every dead warrior in this Afghanistan debacle that has died on his watch is on his hands. Our son is opting to get out of the Corps when his enlistment is up next May. He had seriously considered making it a career, but has no respect for, or desire to salute the HMFIC.

I am so sorry for all of the warriors who have fallen and for their gold star families. I believe I am correct in stating that more than 320 of our best have fallen on Kamerad Zer0's watch.

[444Flyer]

"Praying Freepers: From this linked thread (see post #15) of 38 posts, 6 Freepers have sons in Afghanistan now or are expected to be deployed shortly:

Recon Dad

Mountain Dad

lookout88

Enough_Deceit

optiguy

amom"

Prayers up for you all and your warriors!

[amom]

The other thread was locked due to being a duplicate. Would you like to repost that list over here?

[amom]

Thank you flyer. Prayers for us all.

[444Flyer]

You’re welcome Amom.

**
U

[Saoirise]

God Bless all of YOU, your Family and your brave Sons!

Thank you very much for you sacrifice and service!

[amom]

One of the saddest things about this whole sad thing is that the dirty bastard hasn't got the sense to understand that the blood of every dead warrior in this Afghanistan debacle that has died on his watch is on his hands. Our son is opting to get out of the Corps when his enlistment is up next May. He had seriously considered making it a career...

Agreed. Tell your son thanks for his service and I wish him the best.

[freema]

Locked duplicate thread with several Marine and other branch family members soon to deploy.

Thank you, ticked.

[AnAmericanMother]

The tag line is from the conclusion of a poem by John Milton, "On His Blindness":

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts: who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait."

[armymarinemom]

I’m honored to have him speak up. If more American’s served like this father does we wouldn’t have leaders who have failed our troops such as those we have now. Our families prayers are with him and we are grateful to him.

[Kartographer]

A Warrior’s Blessing
May your sword be ever sharp and your arm remain strong.
May your eyes be keen and your arrow’s flight true.
May your lance never break and your body endure.
May your knife be ever at hand in need and your mind always vigilant and alert as to your enemy’s intent.
And I pray that God would watch over you and keep you, so that you may return home safely and in valor, to enjoy that which you have fought to defend.
And there living out your life in peace and prosperity until the end of your days.

[Lera]

“The other thread was locked due to being a duplicate. Would you like to repost that list over here?”

156 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors , Marines, and Airmen have been killed in Afghanistan since the announcement of the new rules of engagement on July 2 . If this keeps up at this rate in about two weeks will have had more of our servicemen die this year in Afghanistan as we have lost in the first 5 years fighting this war.
Pray for our troops .

Rest in Peace
156)10-10-2009 Ochoa Jr., Alfonso Lance Corporal
155)10-10-2009 Cauley, George W. Specialist
154)10-09-2009 Taylor, Aaron J. Staff Sergeant
153)10-07-2009 Westbrook, Kenneth W. Sergeant 1st Class
152)10-04-2009 Hill, Kevin O. Specialist
151)10-03-2009 Hardt, Joshua M. Sergeant
150)10-03-2009 Gallegos, Justin T. Sergeant
149)10-03-2009 Mace, Stephen L. Specialist
148)10-03-2009 Martin, Vernon W. Staff Sergeant
147)10-03-2009 Griffin, Christopher T. Specialist
146)10-03-2009 Scusa, Michael P. Not yet reported
145)10-03-2009 Kirk, Joshua J. Sergeant
144)10-03-2009 Thomson. Kevin C. Private 1st Class
143)10-03-2009 Owens, Brandon A Private 1st Class
142)10-03-2009 Smith, Aaron M. Sergeant
141)10-02-2009 Rabjohn, Thomas D. Sergeant
140)10-02-2009 Sklaver, Benjamin A. Captain
139)10-02-2009 Newton Jr., Alan H. Private 1st Class
138)10-02-2009 Adams, Ryan C. Sergeant
137)10-01-2009 Hercules Jr., Russell S.Specialist
136)9-30-2009 French IV, Alex Staff Sergeant
135)9-28-2009 Shaw, Christopher D. Sergeant 1st Class
134)9-28-2009 Martin III, Jack M. Staff Sergeant
133)9-26-2009 Chrobot, Jordan L. Lance Corporal
132)9-26-2009 Graham, Kevin J. Specialist
131)9-24-2009 Malone, John J. Lance Corporal
130)9-24-2009 Reynolds, Titus R. Sergeant
129)9-24-2009 Smith, Edward Bernard Sergeant
128)9-24-2009 White, Joseph V. Specialist
127)9-21-2009 Meredith, William L. Private 1st Class
126)9-20-2009 Kowall, Corey J. Specialist
125)9-20-2009 Winkleman, Damon G. Specialist
124)9-19-2009 Davis, David A. Sergeant
123)9-17-2009 Monroe, Jeremiah J. Private 1st Class
122)9-16-2009 Gordon II, Robert D. Sergeant
121)9-16-2009 Bohle, Bradley S. Sergeant 1st Class
120)9-16-2009 McCloskey, Shawn P. Sergeant 1st Class
119)9-16-2009 Mills, Joshua M. Staff Sergeant
118)9-15-2009 Void, Demetrius L. Specialist
117)9-14-2009 Wright II, David T. 1st Lieutenant
116)9-14-2009 McConnell, Andrew H. Sergeant
115)9-12-2009 Hornbarger, James R Technical Sergeant
114)9-12-2009 Berky, Bryan D. Staff Sergeant
113)9-12-2009 Juden, Tyler A. Sergeant
112)9-12-2009 Cox, Daniel L. Specialist
111)9-12-2009 Allen, Nekl B. Staff Sergeant
110)9-11-2009 Martinek, Matthew M. Private 1st Class
109)9-10-2009 Fowlkes, Christopher S. Lance Corporal
108)9-10-2009 Parten, Tyler E. 1st Lieutenant
107)9-08-2009 Layton, James R. Petty Officer 3rd Class
106)9-08-2009 Johnson Jr., Edwin Wayne Gunnery Sergeant
105)9-08-2009 Johnson, Michael E. 1st Lieutenant
104)9-08-2009 Kenefick, Aaron M. Staff Sergeant
103)9-06-2009 Haney, Randy M. Sergeant
102)9-06-2009 Murphrey, Michael C. Staff Sergeant
101)9-05-2009 Loney, Youvert Sergeant
100)9-05-2009 Meadows, Joshua S. Captain
99)9-04-2009 Andrews, Darryn D. 2nd Lieutenant
98)9-03-2009 Baltazar Jr., Christopher S. Lance Corporal
97)9-03-2009 Castiglione, Benjamin P. Petty Officer 3rd Class
96)8-31-2009 Welch, Jonathan D. Specialist
95)8-31-2009 Brochu, Jordan M. Private 1st Class
94)8-31-2009 Hall, David R. Lance Corporal
93)8-31-2009 Walshe, Tyler R. Specialist
92)8-29-2009 Hario, Eric W Private 1st Class
91)8-29-2009 Dahlke, Jason Sean Staff Sergeant
90)8-28-2009 Wheeler III, Abraham Sherrod Specialist
89)8-27-2009 Wildes, Matthew Everett Private 1st Class
88)8-26-2009 Hogan, Donald James Lance Corporal
87)8-26-2009 Curtiss, Kurt Robert Staff Sergeant
86)8-25-2009 Hallett III, John Louis Captain
85)8-25-2009 Jenkins, Cory J. Captain
84)8-25-2009 Williams, Dennis Michael Specialist
83)8-25-2009 Sawyer, Ronald Wayne Sergeant 1st Class
82)8-22-2009 Morin, Darby Todd Corporal
81)8-22-2009 Lobosco, Andrew Thomas Staff Sergeant
80)8-21-2009 Ingram, Matthew Lee Sergeant
79)8-20-2009 Pellerin, Justin Reid Specialist
78)8-20-2009 Wolverton, Brian Michael Not Yet Reported
77)8-19-2009 Dumont Jr., Paul Edmond Specialist
76)8-18-2009 Benjamin, Adam Frank Gunnery Sergeant
75)8-18-2009 Yanney, Jonathan Christopher Private 1st Class
74)8-18-2009 Walker, Morris Lewis Not Yet Reported
73)8-18-2009 Tom, Troy Orion Specialist
72)8-18-2009 Crisostomo, Jose San Nicolas 1st Sergeant
71)8-18-2009 Bowen, Clayton Patrick Private 1st Class
70)8-17-2009 Damas, Leopold Fred Lance Corporal
69)8-16-2009 Woods Jr., William Brian Sergeant 1st Class
68)8-16-2009 Roush, Nicholas Ryan Corporal
67)8-14-2009 Bernard, Joshua Matthew Lance Corporal
66)8-13-2009 Cahir, William John Sergeant
65)8-12-2009 Tinsley, John Captain
64)8-10-2009 Ferrell, Bruce Earnest Lance Corporal
63)8-09-2009 Schimmel, Patrick Wayne Lance Corporal
62)8-08-2009 Swanson, Matthew Kalen Samue Specialist
61)8-08-2009 Olvera, Javier Lance Corporal 20
60)8-08-2009 Smith, Tara Jean Staff Sergeant
59)8-07-2009 Burrow, Dennis James Lance Corporal
58)8-07-2009 Freeman, Matthew Charles Hays Captain
57)8-07-2009 Evans Jr., Jerry Randall Sergeant
56)8-06-2009 Hoskins, Jay Michael Sergeant
55)8-06-2009 Guzman, Rivera Christian Armando Corporal
54)8-06-2009 Argentine, James David Lance Corporal
53)8-06-2009 Babine, Travis Thornton Lance Corporal
52)8-05-2009 Garcia, Anthony Christian Petty Officer 3rd Class
51)8-02-2009 Summers III, Severin West Sergeant 1st Class
50)8-02-2009 Luce Jr., Ronald George Captain
49)8-02-2009 Granado III, Alejandro Sergeant 1st Class
48)8-01-2009 Walls, Jonathan Michael Corporal
47)8-01-2009 Fitzgibbon, Patrick Scott Private
46)8-01-2009 Jones, Richard Kelvin Private
45)7-31-2009 Miller, Alexander Joel Specialist
44)7-30-2009 Posey, Gregory Alan Lance Corporal
43)7-30-2009 Stroud, Jonathan Fulton Lance Corporal
42)7-29-2009 Vose III, Douglas Melville Chief Warrant Officer
41)7-29-2009 Smith, Gerrick David Sergeant
40)7-25-2009 Vincent, Donald Wayne Private 1st Class
39)7-24-2009 Coleman, Justin Dean Specialist
38)7-23-2009 Charpentier, Andrew Scott Aviation Electronics Technician Airman
37)7-23-2009 Lane, Ryan H. Sergeant
36)7-23-2009 Xiarhos, Nicholas George Corporal
35)7-23-2009 Lasher, Jeremy Scott Lance Corporal
34)7-22-2009 Neff Jr, Randy L.J. Specialist
33)7-22-2009 Rimer, Joshua James Sergeant
32)7-21-2009 Morales, Raymundo Porras Sergeant
31)7-20-2009 Pratt, Dennis Joseph Private 1st Class
30)7-20-2009 Roughton, Andrew Jay Specialist
29)7-20-2009 Owens Jr., Gregory Sergeant
28)7-20-2009 Lightfoot, Anthony Marquis Specialist
27)7-18-2009 Kopp, Benjamin Stephen Corporal
26)7-18-2009 Gramith, Thomas Joseph Captain
25)7-18-2009 Mcdowell, Mark Russell Captain
24)7-14-2009 Fabrizi, Jason John Sergeant 1st Class
23)7-13-2009 Spicer, David Shane Staff Sergeant
22)7-13-2009 Heede Jr, Michael Wayne Sergeant
21)7-12-2009 Lindstrom, Eric James Staff Sergeant
20)7-11-2009 Hatfield, Jerome David Master Sergeant
19)7-11-2009 Barbozaflores, Pedro Antonio Lance Corporal
18)7-10-2009 Lembke, Matthew Ryan Corporal
17)7-09-2009 Farris, Joshua Ray Specialist
16)7-09-2009 Missman, Gregory James Specialist
15)7-08-2009 Roy, Michael C. Sergeant
14)7-08-2009 Hager, Roger Gary Michael Lance Corporal
13)7-08-2009 Tate, Darren Ethan Aviation Ordnanceman Airman
12)7-08-2009 Hayes, John Eric Sergeant
11)7-07-2009 Talbert, Christopher M. Specialist
10)7-06-2009 Garner,Mark A. Captain
9)7-06-2009 Chavers, Brock H. Sergeant
8)7-06-2009 Hosford, Chester W. Specialist
7)7-06-2009 Williams, Derwin I. 2nd Lieutenant
6)7-06-2009 Johnson, Issac L. Specialist
5)7-06-2009 Randolph, Tony Michael Petty Officer Second Class
4)7-06-2009 Gideon, Nicolas H. J. Private 1st Class
3)7-04-2009 Fairbairn, Aaron E. Private 1st Class
2)7-04-2009 Casillas, Justin A. Private 1st Class
1)7-02-2009 Sharp, Charles S. Lance Corporal