The tragic events of August 6, 2011, remain etched in the memory of those who lived through them. Extortion 17, a helicopter carrying 38 souls, including 25 U.S. Navy SEALs, was shot down in Afghanistan, marking one of the greatest losses in SEAL Team history. This is a reflection on the profound impact and personal experiences surrounding that fateful day.
A Devastating Loss
For those involved in the operation, the loss was immediate and deeply felt.
The scene from the thermal imagery of the downed helicopter was haunting. Bodies, initially visible as white heat signatures, gradually turned black, signaling the loss of life in real time. The world’s best warriors, seated in what was essentially a flying school bus, were struck down in an instant.
A Sudden Call to Action
I recall vividly where I was when the news broke. My wife, a close friend, and I were in a movie theater when our phones lit up with urgent messages. Both my friend and I received texts from White House staffers instructing us to call immediately.
We knew this was serious. With no time to spare, we left the movie and rushed straight to work.
The news hit hard: Extortion 17 had been shot down.
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