Steven McDowell will never forget this Father's Day. Either will 12-year old Joshua McDowell. They are both mourning the recent death of Steven's only son and Joshua's dad, Army Sgt. 1st Class David L. McDowell, of Ramona, California.
David, a platoon sergeant with an elite Ranger Regiment, was killed in a firefight with Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan, far from the sparkling seashores of Southern California where he had been an avid surfer in his younger days. At the time of his death, he was in his seventh deployment in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
According to his sister, Michele DeLay, as reported in today's L.A. Times, David shared a "special bond" with his father, who had, himself been a career soldier in the 82nd Airborne Division. As a result, David focused on an Army career early in life, motivated by his dad's tales of adventure.
However, reality set in after his first deployment to Iraq. Michele told the Times her brother became more emotional after that. "He lost people there," she said. "It humbled him. I could see something in his eyes - that he had changed."
This never diminished the commitment he felt to his mission, however, nor did it take away from his courage or bravery. He has just been posthumously awarded a second Bronze Star for valor - one of the military's highest honors - and a Purple Heart.
Meanwhile, it has become apparent that the focus of the news out of the Middle East has recently shifted from Iraq to Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced this week that combat deaths in May involving U.S. and coalition troops were, for the first time, higher in Afghanistan than in Iraq.
Furthermore, the West continues to lose influence in Pakistan, the sanctuary for both the Taliban and Al Qaeda. The new Pakistani government has entered into a series of truces with local warlords that is causing an increasing level of concern among American and NATO officials.
Not only does Al Qaeda dominate Pakistan's countryside but the Taliban has carved out an enclave in the rugged frontier region, which it uses as a springboard to launch its attacks in Afghanistan.
And one Taliban attack caused major headlines this week. In an extraordinarily well-coordinated operation, a huge truck bomb blew open the front gate of a prison in southern Afghanistan as a suicide bomber simultaneously struck the back of the facility.
Attackers then streamed into the facility and engaged the guards in a 30-minute battle before freeing 900 prisoners, 390 of whom were reported to be militants.
It has become increasingly apparent that Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, who was the object of an assassination attempt in April, has little control over most of the countryside outside of the capital of Kabul. This week's incident is just the latest in a string of high-profile militant attacks that suggest the power of the Taliban is experiencing a significant resurgence.
At the same time, although violence is reported to be down in Iraq, the political process continues to struggle. According to a report by AFP, Shiite cleric, Muqtada Sadr's group announced today that it would boycott provincial elections in October. The elections are a key benchmark set by Washington for stabilizing the country.
The Department of Defense, last week, released the obituaries of five military personnel killed in Iraq, ranging in age from 21 to 31. Four were killed by improvised explosive devices.
According to the web site www.icasualties.org, U.S. deaths in Iraq now stand at 4,099, including three whose families are being notified today.
Today's news also includes a report on the deaths of four Marines yesterday, from a roadside bomb attack in southwest Afghanistan. The Marines had arrived in Afghanistan in April to help train and mentor Afghan national police units in Farah and Helmand provinces.
Total U.S. deaths in Afghanistan were 448 as of June 7, according to the Pentagon, including 44 so far this year.
Our thoughts go out to the seven families who are receiving the dreaded news of the loss of their loved ones on this Fathers Day, and - indeed - to all who worry every day about the welfare of their loved ones who may be in harm's way.
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Comments: 36
Afghanistan is becoming a serious problem because we worry as a country about the innocent so much we cannot go in and protect all of them in Pakistan while we try to get rid of the Taliban and al-quaeda as they hide among the innocent.
If we do not change our rules of engagement there can be no success anywhere because we are troops of character, commitent and honor and not one of our men and women serving overseas will break the rules even when it means they are in more danger themselves.
I am so sick of the people that protest against this war and those that say just pull out bla bla bla. I know so many people who have given most or all of what they are to help these innocent people in these war countries have a better life like the one we take for granted here in the states.
I want change too. I want those that hate the war to do something possitive like take in a soldiers family for a holiday meal, go visit the VA hospital members, send care packages, learn what needs to be done to keep our people fighting safer.
Find out how to change the rules of engagement for their safety. Remember there are many father's in Iraq and Afghanistan alive and there today. Those that will not return are in heaven and out of pain, those that survive need our assistance and all I hear is complaining. Where are the stories to support those at home helping those in need. Where are the stories about the visitors to the VA hospitals giving courage and cheer to those suffering. Where are the stories about all of the medical personnel in this country offerring pro bono services to our heros? I am so sick of all of this !!!! When is someone going to take some time out to teach their families about getting off the couch, going out and doing something possitive to support families right here.
It does not cost money to be kind and visit the elderly or the broken.
Where these people are is irrelevant. And to change that religion to where the people believe it is better to live than to die will take generations.
The best support for our troops is to get them home.
If any wants to know what is really happening in Afghanistan try to buy the book 3 Parra by Patrick Bishop.
Real combat real heroes true story .
And i salute every one from the British to the Americans and Canadians who at this moment are fighting for there lives 24 24 with no respite,may they all come home safe to there family's
Here is an interesting quote: "Iraq is but the beginning, a pretense for a wider conflict. Donald Kagan, a central member of PNAC, sees America establishing permanent military bases in Iraq after the war. This is purportedly a measure to defend the peace in the Middle East, and to make sure the oil flows. The nations in that region, however, will see this for what it is: a jump-off point for American forces to invade any nation in that region they choose to. The American people, anxiously awaiting some sort of exit plan after America defeats Iraq, will see too late that no exit is planned. "
Interesting perspective from England, Graham. I read about the British soldiers. Very unfortunate.
It has been reported, Bernard, that the agreement Bush wants the Iraqi government to approve calls for the retention of 58 permanent American bases in that country.
To all those who have loved ones engaged in this operation that their country has asked of them, both American in Iraq and American and Canadian in Afghanistan (as well as other nationalities in both countries), I wish them peace of mind and the safe return of their beloved heroes.
This is why we must always resist the urge to engage in war, and undertake it only when no other options remain on the table and when the alternative to war is worse (which requires a lot of effort to imagine). Real people die and are injured and maimed. Real families greive their loss. Real parents have to bury their children. Real children have to grow up without their fathers or mothers.
What victory is worth this sacrifice? This question has to be asked everytime and at all junctures in the process.
I agree that the rules must be changed when engaged. I have often wondered why we still fight the same way in a lot of situations, when we were told from the start, along with a lot of other "Bull", that this War was different, and would have to be fought in a different way. And here we are. I pray for the Dads who are not home, and those who will never come home again, and their families. It is looking like this will just drag on and on, while the suffering it brings is escalating in many ways. I also hope they come home soon, and if American interests must be protected. Then let the owners of the interests pay for security, as they have the funds to do it. If they need a stronger force, why not mercenaries who really want the job. Anything to end the conflict somewhat for our Military. I appreciate the fact how good-hearted our Military is, but it was not a "good "heart" that put them there. God bless them all, and their families, and here is to our "Dad's that are at home, who are helping our Country run as close to normal as they can. Ellen B
Unfortunately, it will be a sad Father's Day for a lot of people.
As always, you have tenderly reported on the past week, David. Thanks.
I meditate on the honor and bravery of those currently serving and pray for God's comfort for all the loss and suffering visited on our patriot's families. War is paid with soldiers' lives, limbs and spirits; not just equipment and tax dollars.
I wondered that I'd not heard anything about Pakistan in the media for a while. I'm sure any insecurity over there, needs to be kept under wraps so as not to alarm we the people.
Thanks for writing this.
Peace --
I've heard TV pundits say that the U.S. wants as many as 150 to 200 permanent bases in Iraq, and a lot of them have already been built. No wonder we are trillions of dollars in debt. What are we going to do when China calls in those notes? I wonder if the people who want to protect our honor by staying until we have 'won' ever consider what that means to our economy. We have to GET OUT OF IRAQ. The Iraqis are fed up with us and even the government doesn't want to buckle under to our demands. I wish the Iraqi government would demand that we leave! If they should, would the media report it? Wouldn't international pressure on us demand we leave? Our presence is no longer wanted in Iraq. We can't begin to repair the damage we have done over there, when we can't even keep our own infrastructure up to snuff.
This article has been featured! Thanks so much for posting to our group. This was heartbreaking. So many fathers, brothers, and sons have been lost.
10!
The focus of things may have shifted from Iraq to Afghanistan but that is temporary. We couldn't wait to leave Afghanistan to its fate in order to rush into Iraq as that is where the administration wanted to be all along. Their hasty abandonment of Afghanistan has been tragic and could get worse. The head man in Afghanistan is loosing his grip on things and hasn't received the backup that he needs.
But, truthfully, we don't care what happens in Afghanistan. Iraq has oil and Afghanistan does not. We may build 57 permanent bases in Iraq but Afghanistan can go fly a kite as far as the American government is concerned.
Why would we care about Afghanistan? It's only a strong hold for Al Queda, and a reported home for Bin Laden, (the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks, folks who actually did attack and assault our nation), but Afghanistan has no oil. So why would anyone care about doing anything in Afghanistan?
We have unfortunately learned a valuable lesson--when you fight a war, you must fight to win, for your own security, not someone else's. If a country wants democracy, they must fight for it, we cannot give it to them, weapons of mass destruction notwithstanding.
As someone said, it's incredible to note that McDowell was on his seventh tour of duty. Thanks, Dave, for telling this story.
does anyone know Obama's concrete plans for Afghanistan? Iraq is apparent but will he increase troop levels in Afghanistan or try to persuade (our noble European allies) to step up and honor their pledges. He has already announced major cutting plans for DOD to pay for domestic plans he has, how will he implement a upgrade in Afghanistan at the same time.
Okay, Steve Hughes, admit it....You are, in fact jJack Midnight, right?
Couldn't agree with you more! If you are going to fight the war, fight it to win! That's what we did in the second world war and it worked.
Of course, we have to decide just who we are fighting and what our goals are. And then it would be nice to be honest about these things with the American people! We whipped the Iraqi military in short order and the "enemy" since then has yet to be defined. Osama seems to be alive and well and living in Afghanistan or Pakistan but we don't care. That promise to bring the perpetrators of 911 to justice sounds quite hollow now.
Blessings ~
Rene
It has all been said before. So, a prayer goes out for David's family & all who love him with a debt of gratitude for the supreme sacrifice they ALL gave.
That is a naive statement. I guess you missed the elections these countries had under very difficult circumstances. Thanks to the troops who made it possible. And Democracy is what will make these nations peaceful and good trade partners in the future. We've already seen the alternative and the future would have been far worse had something not been done.
Stay and finish the job so those who gave their all did not do so in vain.