Readers Respond to ‘Ambush: Video Shows U.S. Troops Being Hunted, Killed’
EmailMore than 200 comments were posted to the Blotter, "Ambush: Video Shows U.S. Troops Being Hunted, Killed." Some were posted by relatives of those serving in the 173rd Airborne. "I am a father of one of those men at Korengal Valley and I am ANGRY, more than any level words can imagine," said John Rinard. "Why now, after all the time we have been in Afghanistan are we just now telling the story?…Have we finally realized that there is actually another war going on? Wake up American [sic], remember these men in your thoughts and prayers, don’t forget them and do everything you can to support them." "My husband is out there right now and it is very interesting to read these comments. Heartbreaking, mostly. America has forgotten it [sic] patriotism. The reporters aren’t there to sway your opinions. They’re just trying to show you…remind you," said one commenter dubbed "His Wife." Others posted questioning ABC News’ decision to air footage of soldiers being killed on Veteran’s Day. "Disgraceful! Showing soldier being killed on Veterans Day?" wrote in Colleen Foley Douglas. "I hope the poor parents of these fallen heros [sic] miss this footage. My heart goes out to them and all who have lost a loved one. How about showing video of honoring our Veterans ABC?" Still others, including those below, brought politics, the Iraq War and rules of engagement into play in commenting on the Blotter. "Its Clinton’s fault…" said havoc 40154. "You are such fools. Your president lied to you…and you re-elected him again. 9/11 was caused by Bin Laden…and he goes to take over iraq [sic]. Trillions of dollars are spent on this unjustified war," wrote in Jack Black. "So when is enough is enough for you? What are you going to do about it? Hide your head in the sand? Bush is worse than Nixon." "They are taking incoming from Afghan villages but if they see women or children they can’t return fire," wrote Gary. "Guess what tactic the terrorists use? If we got fired on in WWII we returned fire. You can’t give an enemy the advantage like this and expect to route them. Change the rules of engagement." Click Here to Read the Original Report. And then this was one comment that stood out above the rest from a comrade of 173rd Airborne. "i [sic] am a staff sergeant with battle company 2nd platoon (spartans) 173rd abct. i am a resident at the walter reed army medical center due to injuries i received during combat in the korengal valley. we need to stay in afghanistan and kill as many insurgent’s [sic] as we can in their soil. i believe for every insurgent we kill 3000 american lives are saved," said Ramon Padilla. "our job as a paratrooper is to keep the U.S. safe from any terrorist attack and if that means putting our lives on the line everyday for 15 months we are more then [sic] willing to do it. all i ask is to support your paratroopers and don’t ever forget there is a soldier fighting for your peaceful night of sleep 24/7. great job abc telling the story of what these paratroopers are going through everyday. battle 23" Click Here for Full Blotter Coverage.
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Vote NOT for Hillery Clinton. Puleeze.
Posted by: a2 | November 13, 2007, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
I don’t think the American people have forgotten about the “other” war, it’s our press and leaders.
I continue to be amazed at our soldiers who press on in such difficult times. The very least we can do is pray and support, both them and their families. There is alot at stake. If anyone thought this was going to be easy, all they had to do was look into our past, our history, the Civil War. How can we expect others to move into a free society any faster or any better than we did so many years ago. I say take off the gloves and let our troops do their jobs, then they can come home.
Posted by: Dennis | November 13, 2007, 6:16 pm 6:16 pm
I dont think there is a forgotten War, the media is more worried about Brittney Spears and local crime stories they turn into National stories (New Peterson wife killed), and other non sense. The best thing I saw was a sign in a Marine Barrack that mentioned “America is NOT at War… they are at the Mall… the Army and Marines are at War”. If any trooper needs help with bills and all… just tell them to email me.
Posted by: truthguys | November 13, 2007, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm
Thank you. My baby brother is part of battle company 2nd platoon, spartans 173rd. Everybody please remember that although we all have our opinions our troops are out there risking their lives every minute. Let’s not forget about them while we voice our beliefs.
Posted by: sonia | November 13, 2007, 10:08 pm 10:08 pm
This “reality” video about the 173RD is sacred territory, especially to me and everybody I know. Its the most honest thing I’ve seen about the war since it was started by the psycho’s on 9/11. I commend ABC for its reporting – best ever. The usual media up until now has been dominated by a bunch of moronic idiots that want to influence American opinion in an effort to support the enemy with the end-game to make George Bush look bad – and the main-stre media they thrive on reporting more and more American casualties in an effort to erode American morale. This is reality. And, this is what “Real Americans” are fighting against. The main-stream media doesn’t care about how many soldiers die – they love it when soldiers die, it makes Bush look bad and they know it – just ask them, off camera – that’s why I have -0 respect for Democrats – as long as soldiers die, the main-stream media (CBS,CNN,NBC) wants to report every last one of them as Bush’s fault. The real enemy is our own American media and the democratic politicians who’ll sell their sole to anybody for a vote. There’s no telling how many people they’ve killed with their treasonist, biast, dishonest and opinion influencing reports – most of the American casualties in Iraq are on the shoulders of the media and the democratic politicians.
At least, that’s my opinion, I could be wrong but, if it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, chances are – its not a giraff……I’m jus trying to make sense of these people.
Posted by: Brian | November 14, 2007, 2:26 am 2:26 am
The US history started with the invading and butchering of the natives of any land those european pirates could find and stealing all those resources for their kings and queens to enjoy….and thus borne from pirates to marines…and up till now…in noble names and causes like fight ing for freedom, democracy and USA. Simply put, like those Ali Baba and his forty thieves ,protecting their loots and sins was jsut the same as the descendants of the residents of the USA.
fighting for GOD,nation, patriotism,freedom and whatever those pirate chiefs are preaching means the US soldiers are just fighting for their chief’s private interests…and for all soldiers in the world, just like any other employees…of any trade,just making a living……so if only the armed forces personnels are heroes…I am sure other residents of the USA who befriend with other citizens of the world are heroes too…think about it…
Peace to all who values life.
Posted by: highpriest-temple of the Pecemakers | November 14, 2007, 7:05 am 7:05 am
I work for the 173d ABCT. One of my jobs is to help families cope with the stresses of the war and how to handle their spouses/parents deployment. Shame on ABC and others who just want to profit from the war by showing the worst and most disturbing part of any enemy engagement. Yes, our soldiers (my husband included)are in Afghanistan and we miss them everyday but to exploit something like this when we get the “real” information through phone calls or email (if it is not our soldier, a knock on the door if it is) is just wrong. It’s too bad that most people believe that what they see on TV is the only real part of the story. The heartache of these deaths is unbearable even if it is not someone you personally know. My heart goes out to the families that have been hurt by this video.
Posted by: --- | November 14, 2007, 7:30 am 7:30 am
It is important, that we remain objective and passionate about our political views. However, we must also keep in mind that whether we like it or not, whether we support our President’s decision to send out troops to places like Afghanistan and Iraq or if we follow our momma’s advise and say nothing at all because we can’t come up with anything good to say about our Commander in Chief, soldiers are out there right now fighting to stay alive and fighting for a cause. I am not saying we should forget about “the cause,” regardless of how we stand, but we should open up our hearts and remember that under those uniforms are real people who have families that worry about them day and night, men and women with doubts, fears, values and immense courage. Let’s not forget that for a second.
Posted by: Irma Navarro | November 14, 2007, 11:30 am 11:30 am
My boyfriend is part of the 173rd and was part of that mission. Me and his family watched this together, these men are amazing. For me, i know who these men are, i’ve hung out with them, i’ve talked and laughed with them. Watching this was a big reality shock. The media is a big problem, i dont know if i would say that people have forgoteen about it but it is something that people need to look at more, it’s the most dangerous place in the world. I pray for all of them and their families everyday. God Bless OUR soldiers!
Posted by: Brittney | November 14, 2007, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
As an vet of Battle Company’s first afghanistan deployment this report was amazing. The whole year we spent in 2005 no news was brought to the public unless it was a helicopter being shot down, or our friends dying in an IED. Finally someone has gotten part of this right, reporting on some of the hardest aspects of fighting there under nato ie the Rules of Engagement. SSG Padilla, great words written all of it is true, I wish you a speedy recovery. To the boys of Battle company, its amazing how I can pick out you just by your voices still, stay safe and come home in one piece.
Posted by: Old Battle 2-1 Alpha team | November 14, 2007, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
To all of our military in Combat. I served in Vietnam and know how it feels to be in your position. Please know that we, the Veterans of previous wars think of you and your plight every day. We agonize over both wars and wish we could do more to help you. Stay strong, support and protect one another.We love you, our brothers in the profession of arms. We will not desert you.
Posted by: SFC James F. Welch USA Ret | November 14, 2007, 6:54 pm 6:54 pm
These soldiers are put in inhuman conditions and exposed to things that we can not even imagine. It is a job to them. Just a terrible job they have to do.
I feel sorry for all of them, but I feel that truth should never be hidden. If we have the truth, we can correct out mistakes, but if we push them under the rug, as Fox would have us do, we can not correct our errors.
The Commander in Chief is ultimately responsible of all of this; it was the war he wanted instead of the necessary war in Afghanastan.
Violet47
Posted by: Violet47 | November 14, 2007, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
It is time that we all realize the lies that have been told and continue to be told regarding this war. Our military men and women are tired, miss their families and want to come home…so do it!!! This useless war has cost so many lives and injuries. Our military men and women deserve better and the lies they are being told must stop. Instead of being called the Iraq war it should be titled “The war of lies”.
Posted by: Charlene | November 15, 2007, 6:49 am 6:49 am
Don’t forget they are in a battlefield. Is it not the goal to hunt down and kill the enemy? Our US troops are doing as well.
It is not a war – it is a farce. The inept Pres and VPres told us a bunch of lies and they put our brave soldiers at risk.
I have the greatest respect and admiration for our servicemen and servicewomen. I have nothing but anger for the incompentent and lying jokers of Bush/Cheney.
Posted by: Rick | November 15, 2007, 10:33 am 10:33 am
I am the mother of Spc. Brian Underwood and I know he would feel that Sebastian Junger, and Brian Ross has truly captured the life that is real in Afghanistan. My son believes we need to take control of this valley to eliminate the Taliban who has control over not only the people of Afghanistan but the land as well. There livelyhood is the dollar the poppy brings so they are able to recruit and build their own military to kill Americans. We must keep them on the run and break down their support system to end their reign! Stay strong Battle Company…
ROCK HARD
We love you Bri!
Posted by: Linda | November 15, 2007, 2:35 pm 2:35 pm
With the possibility of a new President and administrition, I can only hope that the new President who ever it is doesnt pull out and leave a mess for the US to have to go back at a later rate and with heavier losses and fight to help Iraq again. Iran is going to be the next step for any President so like it or not we will be in the Middle east for a long time, so while our troops are there and close to Iran it is best to get Iraq staple, not leave it unstaple and have Iran next door start trouble.I say let the special forces do their job what ever way they have to do it to succeed.
Posted by: VMFA | November 15, 2007, 4:35 pm 4:35 pm
I haven’t forgotten the war in Afghanistan. I believe it is the only real and justified war we are involved with. I hope our government does everything that is needed to support these troops in Afghanistan, including relocating most of the occupying forces from Iraq to Afghanistan to rub out Al Queda.
Posted by: Sean | November 15, 2007, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
I support our troops, but I deplore our government for using them to silk their pockets. We had no reason to go to a foreign land that is not an imminent threat. Bush had foreknowledge of 911 and let it happen. His pathetic arse is just as responsible as the terrorists. Impeach and put him on trial.
Posted by: Truth | November 16, 2007, 5:22 pm 5:22 pm
Afgan goverment don’t want to do the right thing to end these terrorists. They won’t allow US troops to go after the terrorists in certain area. These war is a no win situation same as Iraq. I’m just glad that I got injured and get medical discharge from the military. I do believe in protecting my country and I have volunteer in every special assingments in my time. I just don’t believe in being killed so the politicians can make billions of dollars. The military know how to brain wash their soldiers but soon I hope that all the soldier can learn to think for themselves. Right now, I feel like our country are being run by the MAFIA. It’s all about big fish making the big money right now..Blood Money.. our soldier’s blood.
Posted by: NC Stanley | November 17, 2007, 2:30 am 2:30 am
I have a son Christopher who just a week ago flew into Italy and found out he and others were going to be deployed to Afghanistan in a month or less. He is also in the 173rd Airborne. He e-mailed your Ambush video to his father to watch and to get his opinion. He said he didn’t want me to see it. My son would like a copy of your report of the Ambush video if that is all possible. It would really please him if you would be able to do that for him. Let me know if you can do it one way or the other. Thank you very much. Christopher’s worried mom, Mrs. Irene
Posted by: Mrs. Irene McKaig | November 17, 2007, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm
I was very sad and speechless to see some of the footage on “The Forgotten War” clip, especially since I saw my boyfriend breaking down the way he did. It really broke my heart to see that. It is one thing to hear about what’s going on over there and another to actually see it. I’m very glad though that this report was created because people from all over the world need to see what these men are going through in Afghanistan. Its not easy and they need all the support they can get to continue fighting this war. I think ABC should make more of these videos and show more photos of our brave men in action. Thank you for showing the reality of this war. My support goes to all the troops in the 2nd Platoon, Battle Company, 173rd Combat Brigade. Our Airborne soldiers!
Keep doing what your doing, you will be home soon! Miss you babe!
Posted by: Isabel | November 17, 2007, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm
Pray for our troops in the valleys of the Kunar Province – and Pray that Ge. Petraeus will look carefully at the leadership strategy in that area – stop playing a hold-fire, catch and release cr*p policy letting the Taliban have the upper hand …and give those troops some gunship cover!
Posted by: mari777 | November 18, 2007, 11:20 am 11:20 am
I currently live in Italy as a Soldier like my husband. When he was deployed 2005 with the 173rd Airbone Brigade, for the first time I felt what the other Amry wives have to go through everyday. People don’t understand what these men have to face everyday. Airing the video hopefully opened the minds of people that it is painful to see your loveone out there and everyday praying that they won’t get even a scratch on their body. People need to understand that they need to support our troops because without them we cannot enjoy the freedom we have.
Posted by: Pia | November 19, 2007, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
My son is amoung all those soldier serving in Afghan part of 173rd Airborne as a Medic. Everytime I hear a knock on the door or the phone rings, I freeze for a moment. I pray everyday & seocnd that my son & the others troops from 173 rd comes home safe. I can’t imagine my son going thru this. Watching him ingage in enemy fire and bullets flying over his head. Brings tears to my eyes. When i saw the videos it was like I was watching a movie. But I know I have to be strong for my son……we are what makes him keep going.
My 9 yrs old son sent his brother a little rock that said “”"courage”"”". My son (his brother) said that, the little “”"”rock”"”" has safed his life for than once.”"”" He also said that when he feels that he’s not going to make it, he grabs a hold of that rock & gives him the courage & strenght to keep fighting, so he can come home safe to us.
So please every one take a moment out of your busy days and just say THANK_YOU to all our troops, beacuse of them we able to have a safe good night.
Posted by: Di Prado | November 20, 2007, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
I served with the 10th mountain in the korengal and the pech river. The Korengal is a very isolated valley with thick vegetation. The people there hate us and will never change. The soldiers who serve there find themselves in a constant state of suspense because most of the time they are in a squad sized element in the mountains and when fired at its very hard to figure out were its coming from, your lucky if you can even see the enemy even when they shoot at you from close range. The korengal was always and still is a disaster. It needs to be dealt with like we did in Fallujagh. Move the civilians out and relocate them, they had many chances to work with us and we just keep getting our hands bit. Then bomb the trees to the ground because that terrain is what the enemy is using to their advantage. We can kill thousands of them and in 6 months they will be replaced with more fighters from pakistan and God knows were else. ROE is a pain in the ass and there is no such thing as a clean war. As far as what I think of the video it was good, people need to see this stuff there is no disgrace to the fallen, it shows emotion and how his buddies felt. It was reality.
Posted by: DAN | November 29, 2007, 6:43 am 6:43 am
I am a mom of US ARMY soldier fighting on the front lines in Afghanistan in the Korengal valley. It is amazing to me how many have their politaical opinion on the war. The fact is we are there and these soldiers need our unwavering support. This past holiday season our family was funding raising for care packages for the 173rd. More than not we received these needed donations. However alot of the time we had to hear ” We don’t support the president and we don’t support the war so in turn we are not giving a donation”. Are these people nuts. These soldiers need our love, prayers and support. They are giving all and some have given there lives for our freedom. Remember freedom is not free. I ask that even if you don’t like the president or the war please do not forget that these soldiers are there because they have been sent there as part of their job.. It is not an option to quit because they don’t like it. Don’t like the war but support the soldiers.
Posted by: Cathy Yager | January 27, 2008, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
having been a origanal member of battle company im glad to see the sprit we instilled years ago in our men to always think of the team and never giving up when things are at its worst. all i can say boys is “BATTLE HARD” and stay safe!
Posted by: reuben snyder | March 12, 2008, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm