Posted on 01/04/2002 9:07:52 AM PST by MeekOneGOP
First MILITARY Personnel Killed by
Hostile Fire in Afghanistan
That is all they really said. More to follow per FOX News Anchor. . .
The military member, whose service branch was not immediately known, was the first member of the American military killed in action in Afghanistan since the U.S. campaign began Oct. 7. A CIA operative was killed in a prison uprising in November.
The U.S. fighter was killed in a gun battle in the vicinity of Khost, near the Pakistan border, the official said. The official discussed the matter on condition of anonymity.
An undetermined number of other U.S. troops were injured in the battle, the official said.
Other details were not immediately available.
Maj. Brad Lowell, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said he could not comment.
WASHINGTON, Jan 04, 2002 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- A U.S. military member was killed by hostile fire in eastern Afghanistan Friday, a senior U.S. official said.
The military member, whose service branch was not immediately known, was the first member of the American military killed in action in Afghanistan since the U.S. campaign began Oct. 7. A CIA operative was killed in a prison uprising in November.
The U.S. fighter was killed in a gun battle in the vicinity of Khost, near the Pakistan border, the official said. The official discussed the matter on condition of anonymity.
An undetermined number of other U.S. troops were injured in the battle, the official said.
Other details were not immediately available.
Maj. Brad Lowell, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said he could not comment.
Copyright 2002 Associated Press, All rights reserved
FReegards
Brian
The main thing is the media is ECSTATIC right now; they're absolutely thrilled to have actual dead Americans killed by bad guys...and that will drive the attention given to this more than what the public thinks.
This was our first "Military" personnel killed by "enemy" fire.
We do NOT lessen the loss of life of Mike Spann by mentioning that a "soldier" lost was "Military". It is just a fact. I don't know why people need to argue about such trivial matter when a life is lost. Both lives were precious.. as were those killed in "Friendly fire!!!" They were all serving our country.. we do them honor by mentioning how they were serving. Rather that be CIA or Soldier.
I mourn for Mike Spann and the tragedies that have befallen his family. I salute my fellow soldier for laying down his life,.. just as I saluted those who died by "friendly fire".
We are at war. We shouldn't drop everything and turn all of our attention to a single death like this. Such behavior emboldens our enemy. They see us get exercised over a single casualty and think "Look at the Americans. See how they weep and wail over a single man? They have no stomach for a fight. We can strike them and they will be afraid to strike back." A single trooper's death, while the end of the world to his family, should be a non-news event to the rest of us.
May God bless all our service men and women.
And may God bless America!
A U.S. Fighter Was Killed And A Number Of Others Injured In Afghanistan
Copyright 2002 XINHUA NEWS AGENCY
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