On Saturday, January 27, 2024, a one-way drone armed with an explosive was launched by an Iranian-backed militia group that killed three U.S. Army soldiers in northeastern Jordan. In addition to the three deaths, more than 40 U.S. service members were injured. Eight of the injured were in stable condition but were flown to further medical treatment to the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Iraq. Three of those patients are scheduled to be transported to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for follow-on care; one of these patients in critical but stable condition.

The three soldiers were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Fort Moore, Georgia. The brigade is part of the U.S. Army Reserve. They were deployed to Jordan in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and the international coalition working to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS.

The deceased soldiers are:

• Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia
• Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia
• Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia

The one-way unmanned aerial system (OWUAS) impacted their container housing units. Some news reports state that the OWUAS followed or arrived at the Tower 22 location the same time that a U.S. military drone was returning to the outpost. This contributed to the attacking drone not being engaged by the U.S. forces base air defense systems. It is speculated that the drone attack came from Iraq. A White House statement blamed the attack on radical Iran-backed militant groups. The Iraq border is only ten miles away.

The location of the attack is a small military post known as “Tower 22” (The Intel Crab, Twitter) very close to the tri-border area of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. The area is known as Rukban and there was a large refugee camp in the area at one time during the occupation of much of Syria by the Islamic State several years ago. It is believed that U.S. forces have been at the Tower 22 location since 2015.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group emerged after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. It was formed from several militias that are aligned with Iran, some with a history of attacking U.S. interests in Iraq and Syria.

The Al Tanf garrison, which in the past has served as a launch pad for an American SOF contingent, is just across the border in Syria – about 12 miles north. The Al Tanf garrison is also a site of U.S. conventional troops. Al Tanf, in Syria, sits on a key highway that links Iraq with Syria. Tower 22, in Jordan, is part of a cluster of smaller bases supporting Al Tanf. According to CENTCOM, Tower 22 is a logistics base with approximately 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel that support the effort to defeat ISIS.

Jordan has been a key ally for the United States in the Middle East. A number of military exercises, such as Exercise Eager Lion, take place each year. In 2016 three Green Berets were killed in Jordan. The three were members of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) who came under fire while entering a Jordanian airbase. in 2017 another member of the 5th SFG(A) died in a non-combat related incident. Currently there are over 2,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Jordan.

In response to this drone attack the Biden administration has convened a series of meetings in the White House Situation Room with members of the national security team. They have been discussing the latest developments in the Middle East and this recent attack in Jordan. On the table is exactly how to respond to the attack. Most likely, according to national security ‘experts’, there will be U.S. attacks against Iranian proxies in the region.

The number of attacks against the U.S. in the Middle East have increased significantly since the Israeli response to the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. From October 17th to January 29th, there have been 165 attacks against U.S. troops and facilities. Iraq – 66, Syria – 98, and this one in Jordan.

There is a lot for the U.S. to consider in its search for a response. How to deter Iran from future attacks yet, at the same time, not escalate the tense Middle East situation into a wider conflict? To what extent is the U.S. already involved in a wider Middle East conflict? What level of response should take place – one that is ‘proportional’ or one that would punish Iran and its proxies? Should the U.S. scale back its presence in the Middle East, leaving it less exposed? Should the U.S. hit leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?

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“DoD Identifies Army Casualties”, DOD, January 29, 2024.

On Thursday, August 27, 2020 a helicopter crash claimed the lives of two members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Three others were injured in the crash. The aircraft belonged to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).

Sgt. Tyler Shelton and Staff Sgt. Vincent Marketta died in the crash. The Black Hawk helicopter mishap took place on San Clemente Island late Thursday evening. The aircraft is reported to have been engaged in routine night training.

San Clemente Island is owned and operated by the United States Navy. It is located 70 miles west of San Diego. It has been used by the Navy as a tactical training range, testing area, and exercise area. There is an airfield, MOUT training facility, and other facilities located on San Clemente Island.

Sergeant Tyler Shelton on left, Staff Sergeant Vincent Marketta on right.

Sgt. Tyler Shelton

Shelton, age 22, joined the Army in 2016 as a 15T UH-60 “Black Hawk” Repairer and was assigned to the 160th SOAR. In 2018 Shelton became a MH-60M Crew Chief. He has deployed to Afghanistan with the 160th SOAR in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

He was a graduate of several Army courses including Enlisted Combat Skills, Combatives Level I, MH-60 Maintainers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE), MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Member Course, and the Basic Leaders Course.

His awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Basic Aviator’s Badge.

Shelton was from San Bernardino, California.

Staff Sgt. Vincent Marketta

Marketta, age 33, enlisted in the Army in 2011 as a 15T UH-60 “Black Hawk” Repairer and was assigned to the 160th SOAR. He later became a MH-60M Crew Chief with the 160th SOAR. He has had deployments to Iraq in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and deployed once to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

He was a graduate of several Army courses to include the Enlisted Combat Skills, Combatives Level I, MH-60 Maintainers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE), MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Member Course, the Basic and Advanced Leaders Course, and the MH-60 Flight Instructors Course.

His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with V device, Air Medal with C device, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with C device (2OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star), Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Aviator’s Badge.

Marketta was from Brick, New Jersey.

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Both men will receive the Meritorious Service Medal posthumously. Colonel Andrew Graham, the commander of the 160th SOAR, provided a statement of the fatalities:

“The loss of Staff Sgt. Marketta and Sgt. Shelton has left a scar in this Regiment that will never completely heal. Their level of dedication to the 160th SOAR (A) and their exemplary service in the Army is the embodiment of what it means to be a Night Stalker and a Soldier. Our priority now is to ensure the Families of our fallen warriors receive our complete support as we work through this tragedy together. We ask that you keep Staff Sgt. Marketta, Sgt. Shelton, their Families and fellow Night Stalkers in your thoughts and prayers.”

MH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters

The Black Hawk helicopters (UH-60s) were fielded to the Army in the late 1970s and have been continuously upgraded over the past few decades. The U.S. Army’s special operations aviation unit has a modified version – labeled the MH-60. It has specialized equipment to provide a capability of low-level night flying for long distances.

The MH-60 Black Hawk is a twin turbine engine, single rotor, semi-monocoque fuselage helicopter. It is used for the tactical transport of troops and supplies. It’s special equipment allows for the tactical infiltration and exfiltration of SOF personnel into denied areas. It can carry M-60, M-240, or GAU-2B machine guns, which are mounted to the side windows or cabin doors.

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. It has subordinate units in Washington and Georgia. Their mission is to provide rotary wing support to U.S. special operations forces. The unit has the nickname “Night Stalkers” – reflecting the fact that most of the missions they fly take place at night. The SOAR has some unique helicopters for its SOF missions to include the MH-6, AH-6, MH-60, and MH-47 helicopters.

There are five battalions in the 160th SOAR. They are located at Fort Campbell, Hunter Army Airfield, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Each SOAR battalion is composed of light, medium, and heavy helicopters – all modified and designed to meet the unit’s unique mission requirements.

More information about the aircraft crash will be provided by the military officials after next-of-kin notifications are complete. This story will be updated as more details of the helicopter crash become available.

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San Clemente Island Chart from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
https://www.charts.noaa.gov/PDFs/18762.pdf

MH-60 photo by SFC Alejandro Licea, Special Operations Command South.

Photos of SSG Marketta and SGT Shelton provided by the USASOC Public Affairs Office. Biography information is from “Two Special Operations Soldiers Killed in Aircraft Mishap”, USASOC Public Affairs Office, August 29, 2020.

References: 160th SOAR Fact Sheet

Marine Forces Special Operations Command announced the death of a Marine Raider, SGT Wolfgang Weninger, from an airborne training accident at Fort Benning, Georgia on June 16, 2020. He was attending the U.S. Army’s Basic Airborne Course and suffered fatal injuries during a parachute jump.

Sergeant Weninger was a critical skills operator assigned to the Marine Raider Training Center. He reported to MARSOC in January 2019 as a student and completed the MARSOC Individual Training Course in October 2019, earning the Marine Special Operator Insignia and the 0372 Critical Skills Operator MOS.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 2015, and completed recruit training as the Honor Graduate for Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island. He went on to serve as an armory custodian with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, from 2015 to 2018.

“Wolf was exactly what we look for when training students to become Marine Raiders. He was a consistent top performer, a natural leader, he never complained, and was always there to pick up his team during challenging events. He was an avid and talented hockey player, and could often be found on the ice, even after a grueling and exhausting week of training. We were proud and honored to have him join this formation and become a part of the Marine Raider legacy. We extend our sincere condolences to his family at this time.”

Statement released by the instructor cadre for ITC Class 19-1, June 18, 2020

Born and raised in Auburn, Ohio, Weninger graduated from Kenston High School. He was 28 years old. He was active in high school sports. He would go on to compete at the college level in football. He attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and then later Valparaiiso University in Indiana. At age 23 he joined the Marine Corps.

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More articles on SGT Wolfgang Weninger:

“US Marine killed in parachute jump found purpose in service”, by James Laporta, Associated Press, June 19, 2020.

“Corps identifies Marine Raider killed in airborne training accident”, Marine Corps Times, June 18, 2020.

Photo: Provided by MARSOC.

Staff Sergeant Ronald Shurer II passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2020. He was a member of the Special Forces Regiment. Shurer was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in combat in Afghanistan.

He was recognized for his role during Operation Commando Wrath – a day-long fierce firefight with the Taliban. He was instrumental in saving the lives of a number of U.S. Army Green Berets as well as those of the Afghan Commandos who were on the joint operation.

He was born on December 7, 1978 in Fairbanks, Alasak. His hometown was Puyallup, Washington. While in high school he was a member of the swim team and participated in triathlons and cycling.. Following high school he attended Washington State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics.

Following the events of September 11, 2001 Shurer decided to join the Army. He enlisted in 2002 and served initially as a medic with the 44th Medical Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 2004 he entered the Special Forces training pipeline and qualified as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant.

Shurer was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in June 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2006-2007 and then later in 2007 to 2008. He separated from the Army and was hired by the U.S. Secret Service. He would later become a member of the Secret Service Counter Assault Team.

SSG Shurer was serving as a medical sergeant with his Special Forces detachment in Afghanistan in 2008 when they took part in Operation Commando Wrath – also know as the Battle of Shok Valley.

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News Articles about Ron Shurer:

May 14, 2020. “Medal of Honor Recipient SSG Ronald J. Shurer II Passes Away”, Army.mil.

May 14, 2020. “Medal of Honor recipient, former Green Beret Ronald Shureer, dies at 41”, Army Times.

September 21, 2018. “Green Beret SSG Ronald Shurer to Receive Medal of Honor”, SOF News.

References:

Medal of Honor – Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II
https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/shurer/

Indomitable Valor – SSG Ronald J. Shurer II
Office of the Command Historian – USASOC
https://arsof-history.org/medal_of_honor/recipient_shurer.html

Ronald J. Shurer II – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_J._Shurer

Video – Staff Sgt. Ronald Shurer: Shok Valley, U.S. Army YouTube, December 12, 2018, 8 minutes. Shurer describes his actions on the day he earned the Medal of Honor in 2008 in Afghanistan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtbInWeKDw

Photos: Courtesy of the U.S. Army.

Captain Moises Navas, a special operations officer assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, was killed in Iraq on March 8, 2020. He died from wounds suffered while accompanying Iraqi Security Forces during a mission to eliminate an ISIS stronghold in a mountainous area of north central Iraq. He was 34 years old.

Another Marine Raider – Gunnery Sergeant Diego Pongo – was also killed. Four other U.S. service members were wounded. Pongo was also assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion.

Navas died in an operation that took place in the mountains of northern Iraq more than 35 miles south of Erbil. The target was a terrorist training camp located in a tunnel and cave complex in the Qara Chockh mountains. Four other U.S. service members were wounded. The raid on the terrorist base was described as a partnered company-sized operation by ISOF.

Capt. Navas enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2004 and achieved the rank of sergeant before receiving his commission through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program in July 2010. Originally an administrative clerk, he was assigned to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., before his selection to MECEP. Upon his commissioning and completion of The Basic School, he became an infantry officer and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment where he supported two Unit Deployments to Japan, and served as Company G’s Executive Officer.

In 2014, Navas was selected to attend the Army’s Maneuver Captain’s Career Course in Fort Benning, Georgia. While awaiting orders to school, he completed MARSOC’s Assessment and Selection process, securing his spot in a future ITC class, which he completed in the spring of 2016, earning the special operations officer MOS.

Captain Navas spent the last 4 years assigned to 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, where he served as a Team Commander and Company Executive Officer, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve before this current deployment to Iraq.

Moise Navas was a graduate of the USMC Expeditionary Warfare School Non-Resident Course, the U.S. Army’s Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, the USMC Command and Staff College Non-Resident Course, Marine Combatant Diver Course, and Military Freefall Course.

His personal decorations include the Purple Heart, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, two Good Conduct Medals, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

He is survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.

The Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command was created as a major command within the Corps and a co-equal component of United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The majority of the MARSOC units are based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The subunits of MARSOC include the Marine Raider Regiment, the Marine Raider Support Group, and the Marine Raider Training Center. The Marine Raider Regiment has a headquarters company and three Marine Raider Battalions. Two Marine Raider Battalions are located at Camp Lejeune and one at Camp Pendleton.

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References:

Two Marine Raiders KIA in Northern Iraq on March 8, 2020, SOF News, March 9, 2020.

DOD Identifies Marine Casualties, DOD, March 10, 2020.

Photo provided by Department of Defense.

Gunnery Sergeant Diego Pongo, a Marine Raider, was killed in action in Iraq on March 8, 2020 while conducting combat operations against the Islamic State.

Another Marine Raider – Captain Moises Navas – was also killed. Four other U.S. service members were wounded. Captain Navas was also assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion.

Pongo died in an operation that took place in the mountains of northern Iraq more than 35 miles south of Erbil. The target was a terrorist training camp located in a tunnel and cave complex in the Qara Chockh mountains. Four other U.S. service members were wounded. The raid on the terrorist base was described as a partnered company-sized operation by ISOF.

Gunnery Sergeant Pongo was a critical skills operator with MARSOC. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2004 and spent his initial years as a rifleman, deploying once with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit before completing the Scout Sniper Basic Course in 2008. He then deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment as a Sniper Team Leader. Gunnery Sgt. Pongo was then selected to attend the grueling 9-month Individual Training Course to become a Critical Skills Operator and earned the coveted Marine Special Operator Insignia in December 2011. During his 8 years as a Marine Raider, Gunnery Sgt. Pongo completed deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for heroic actions against the enemy in 2013 while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In addition to his Bronze Star, Gunnery Sgt. Pongo’s personal decorations also include: a Purple Heart, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, the Army Valorous Unit Award, four Good Conduct Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

He is survived by his daughter and mother.

The Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command was created as a major command within the Corps and a co-equal component of United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The majority of the MARSOC units are based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The subunits of MARSOC include the Marine Raider Regiment, the Marine Raider Support Group, and the Marine Raider Training Center. The Marine Raider Regiment has a headquarters company and three Marine Raider Battalions. Two Marine Raider Battalions are located at Camp Lejeune and one at Camp Pendleton.

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References:

Two Marine Raiders KIA in Northern Iraq on March 8, 2020, SOF News, March 9, 2020.

DOD Identifies Marine Casualties, DOD, March 10, 2020.

Photo: Provided by Department of Defense.

Central Command released a statement saying that two U.S. service members were killed in action in Iraq on Sunday, March 8, 2020.

“Two U.S. service members were killed by enemy forces while advising and accompanying Iraqi Security Forces during a mission to eliminate an ISIS terrorist stronghold in a mountainous area of north central Iraq.”

Both Marines were assigned to the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. They were identified as:

Gunnery Sergeant Diego D. Pongo, age 34, of Simi Valley, California

Captain Moises A. Navas, age 34, of Germantown, Maryland

Some reports say that the recovery effort of the wounded and deceased took over six hours and involved a unit from the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). The operation took place in the mountains more than 35 miles south of Erbil. The raid on the terrorist base was described as a partnered company-sized operation by ISOF.

The target was a terrorist training camp located in a tunnel and cave complex in the Qara Chockh mountains. Four other U.S. service members were wounded. News reports say that the U.S. conducted airstrikes with F-15 fighter jets, drones, and Apache attack helicopters. It is estimated that between 20 to 25 ISIS fighters died in the engagement.

The last death in Iraq due to combat action was a Marine Raider – killed on August 10, 2019. Gunnery Sergeant Scott Koppenhafer died after being engaged by enemy small arms fire while advising and accompanying Iraqi security forces on a planned operation in Ninewah province. Koppenhafer was a member of the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).

The Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command was created as a major command within the Corps and a co-equal component of United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The majority of the MARSOC units are based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The subunits of MARSOC include the Marine Raider Regiment, the Marine Raider Support Group, and the Marine Raider Training Center. The Marine Raider Regiment has a headquarters company and three Marine Raider Battalions. Two Marine Raider Battalions are located at Camp Lejuene and one at Camp Pendleton.

Over 5,000 U.S. service members are in Iraq to assist the Iraqi Security Forces in the counter ISIS fight. U.S. special operations units are actively involved in partner operations with Iraqi SOF forces in advise and accompany operations.

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References:

DOD Identifies Marine Casualties, DOD, March 10, 2020.

The U.S. military occupied a base known as “K2” (Karshi-Khanabad Airbase) in southern Uzbekistan from 2001 to 2005. This was a former Soviet base where chemical weapons and hazardous materials were stored and hazardous waste buried. There is increasing evidence that K2 Vets – veterans who were formerly assigned to K2 – are experiencing a significantly higher than normal rate of cancer. Many K2 Vets have died from cancer and many more are ill from cancer. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been negligent in its recognition of the health hazards associated with K2 and non-responsive to the requests for medical treatment by veterans who served at K2.

History of K2

The base was used to launch airstrikes and support operations against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in the fall of 2001. K2 was one of the initial launching pads of Special Forces teams that entered northern Afghanistan. As K2 operations and facilities expanded, several thousand U.S. military personnel would serve there over a period of five years. As initial OEF offensive operations concluded, K2 evolved into a significant logistics hub.

Soviet Era at K2. The Soviet military extensively used the Karshi-Khanabad air base to support its operations in Afghanistan during the 1979 – 1989 period. In addition, it was a base where it produced, stored, and tested various types of weapons – to include chemical weapons. When the Soviets withdrew from the base it dismantled the chemical weapon production facility and removed the stockpile of its chemical weapons. However, residual contamination remained in the ground and associated facilities.

In addition, the Soviet airbase was a former storage area for fuel, solvents, and other contaminants. It also served as a dumping ground for the Soviets for toxic waste materials, asbestos, enriched uranium, and other hazardous materials. Spills of toxic materials were a common occurrence at the former Soviet base.

Launching Pad for Operations into Afghanistan. Very little was known about the base when it was initially occupied by the 5th Special Forces Group, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (-), Air Force units, and other supporting units. In the early phases of the war, having just experienced the 9/11 attacks, there was a huge push on setting up an operational base from which to conduct operations into Afghanistan. In addition, the base was vital for airstrikes, medical evacuation, and resupply airdrops. A base was needed to launch SF teams into Afghanistan to link up with the Northern Alliance and topple the Taliban. [1]

Black ‘Goo’ and ‘Green Liquid’. What was known about K2 in the early stages of its occupation is that ‘black goo’ and ‘green liquid’ would seep up from the ground, nearby ditches and trenches held questionable water (discolored), . . . and people were getting sick. When heavy rains flooded the compound, strange-looking ‘green’ water flowed into tents occupied by US personnel. Some ponds were nicknamed ‘Skittles’ because they glowed like candy. When the U.S. initially occupied the base there were numerous signs posted by the Uzbekistan authorities warning of the presence of chemical agents and radioactive materials.

Initial Concern. There was concern among those based at K2 about the health ramifications of the camp. A favorite ‘photo op’ was taking a picture next to a warning sign about chemical contamination or radiation hazards that were posted in various sections of the airfield. Medical sections of some of the units that were based at K2 distributed memos listing the medical hazards of K2 for personnel to enclose in their health records. These memos highlighted the extraordinary levels of noise at the airbase, the intense dust storms and airborne particulate matter, and volatile fumes in some of the air base structures where U.S. military personnel worked. However, conducting detailed risk and health assessments on the real estate of hastily occupied bases supporting the initial war effort was not a priority.

A Growing Awareness Among K2 Vets

After returning to the states it soon became apparent to members of the units that were based at K2 that an extraordinary number of their fellow service members were falling ill and some of them dying of a host of illnesses. The most serious illnesses plaguing the K2 Vets were the different types of cancer – lung, prostrate, colon, and head and neck cancers. In addition, personnel were experiencing respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, skin rashes, and other unexplained medical ailments.

As the years progressed unit members transferred to other units, left military service, retired, or passed away. No one was keeping tabs on the medical health of service members stationed at K2 as a group. So initially, there was just lots of rumor and speculation among K2 Vets who stayed in contact with each other. However, it was more than speculation for those veterans afflicted with a health condition or diagnosed with cancer. To those K2 Vets there was a very distinct line drawn from their medical condition to a tent city on the edge of an air base in Central Asia.

Veterans Affairs – Very Little Help

Many K2 Vets filed claims with the Veterans Administration (VA) – some with a variety of health concerns. Many of the health concerns could not be directly linked to K2 – even though the veteran certainly had some strong opinions on that topic. For many veterans, dealing with the VA is problematic. A typical retiree with 25 years’ service in the infantry will experience a host of medical issues that develop over time. A bad back, bad knees, traumatic head injuries, and so on. The dilemma is the ‘documentation’ that ties the injury to a specific event in the service. The same can be said about a cancer that develops years after exposure to radiation or chemical agents. How does a K2 Vet with a health condition link it to a nine-month deployment spent in a chemical wasteland years ago?

A Movement Grows

What slowly became obvious to K2 Vets was that fact that many of their colleagues who worked with them at K2 were ill or dying off. It took a lot of years for the K2 Vets to finally come together and organize themselves. Certainly, on an individual basis or as part of a small group, efforts were made, but these were isolated and not tied together in a larger movement.

News Articles Highlighting the Issue. However, things have changed and the K2 Vets are getting organized. In December 2019 Tara Copp, a journalist for McClatchy News Agency, began running a series of stories about the cancer rate of K2 Vets. Her stories were picked up by other news agencies. The story began getting some traction. Other news outlets soon published their own articles. Links to these articles can be found under References: below.

K2 Vets Facebook Group. Some K2 Vets got together and decided to establish a Facebook group for K2 Vets. The membership of this Facebook group – K2 Karshi-Khanabad, Uzbekistan Radiation and Toxic Exposures Group – grew quickly in the past several months. Friends starting inviting friends to the group. It now has thousands of members. Stories were shared about who died, who was sick, and the current frustration with the Veterans Administration. Pictures were posted of the ‘poo’ trenches, green pools of water, flooded tent areas, and chemical warning signs. The administrators of the group provided reference documents for detailing the issue. A survey form was posted encouraging K2 Vets to complete – so that a database could be populated with information that would provide a more informative picture of the K2 problem.

National Attention. As a result of the Facebook page, the news reports, veterans contacting their congressional representatives, and other factors – the K2 Vets are receiving notice and becoming more organized. As a group they are sending letters to congressional representatives and offering tips to fellow veterans for dealing with the VA. K2 Veterans have been meeting with congressional committees in Washington to raise awareness of this issue.

Stronghold Freedom Foundation. The founders of the K2 Facebook group and other activists have come together to form the Stronghold Freedom Foundation. The name that the U.S. gave Karshi-Khanabad camp during Operation Enduring Freedom was Camp Stronghold Freedom. The mission of the “. . . Stronghold Freedom Foundation is to utilize awareness and partnerships to serve those who were exposed to toxic conditions while deployed in the service of our country.” The SFF is a legal, non-profit organization. The Stronghold Freedom Foundation can be found on Facebook.

VA Response

The Veterans Administration’s response to claims by veterans about illness related to K2 has been dismal. Most claims filed at local VA locations were dismissed, stonewalled, or lost in the passage of time. In the bigger picture – in Washington – the VA has not done much better. A recent statement in January 2020 by a spokeswoman for the Veterans Administration, Ms. Susan Carter, said:

“The limitations of self-reported surveys are well documented in the medical research community, but the VA will work with the Department of Defense to study this issue further as new empirical data becomes available.”

While Ms. Carter alluded to the necessity of empirical data, she neglected to describe who would generate it and when it would be become available. Her response was viewed by K2 veterans as just another example of the VA dismissing and downplaying the problem. The response of the Veteran’s community was immediate. Many Veterans are writing letters to the VA with their concerns about VA avoidance on the topic. Most have not received responses.

During a recent press conference (5 Feb 2020) the head of the Veterans Administration was questioned about the issue and he provided a quick response. He used some reassuring phrases such as: ‘come forward’, ‘come see us’, ‘file a claim’, ‘this is not your grandfather’s VA’, and more. But reassuring words are worthless without the action that goes with it. His statements put the burden on the veteran to take action – by once again filing a claim with the VA. [2]

The Veterans Affairs has denied K2 veterans service connection of their illnesses to deployment at K2. This affects the veteran’s disability ratings, medical services, and support that the VA provides to the K2 vets.

Veterans want more on this issue. They want action at the national level. The VA should reach out to the Department of Defense and put some effort into identifying those veterans who served at K2. The VA and DOD should work together to develop the ‘empirical data’ concerning the contaminants at K2 and the subsequent health benefits suffered by K2 vets. The military does a good job of monitoring the health of current military personnel. However, those personnel who departed the service shortly after their tour at K2 are not monitored by the VA or military. In addition, the great number of National Guard and Reserve service members who served at K2 are not monitored as well. The VA should reach out to these ‘forgotten vets’ to notify them of possible health repercussions associated with service at K2 and to inquire as to their current health status. There is so much more that the VA could do than encourage the individual veteran to ‘file another claim’.

Congressional Action

Many Veterans are calling or writing letters to their Congressional delegations. Some Veterans are getting ‘polite’ responses thanking them for their question and reassuring them that the Veterans concerns are ‘at the top of my list’. Other Congressional representatives are promising action. A few have even taken action and have called or wrote letters to the Veterans Administration and Department of Defense on the topic.

K2 is a unique situation, compared to Agent Orange and burn pits, in that there is a very specific and clearly identifiable population (7000+ personnel) who occupied a very small piece of real estate for a clearly defined period of time (2001 – 2005). The VA has absolutely no excuse for not already notifying the service members who served at K2 that they may have been exposed to certain hazards. The onus should not be on the veterans, some of whom have not and will not receive any pertinent notification, to close the loop on this issue. [3]

What Can K2 Veterans Do?

One of the first actions a K2 Vet should take is to complete the health survey on the K2 Facebook group. This is a private group and to belong you need to be vetted. Once in the group, take the survey.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/174401532675073/

As the head of the Veterans Administration said, go back to the VA and file or refile a claim. Surely the VA is addressing the issue internally, memos have been sent to all, and VA personnel in the local clinics will now be aware of the K2 cancer incidence situation. At least one would hope this has happened.

One K2 Vet who found he had cancer within months of returning from a long deployment to K2 has some tips for K2 Vets. It is an informal yet informative info paper on how to deal with the VA. [4]

Address your concerns with the Veterans Administration at the national level as well. The more pressure put on the VA the more likely they are to respond. Letters should be professional and detailed. [5]

Contact your Congressional representative. The more exposure Congress has on the issue the more likely ‘veteran friendly’ Congressional staffers and representatives will get involved. This will encourage Congress to apply pressure to the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense to take action.

Lessons Observed for DOD

There are some enormous lessons that the Department of Defense should have learned from the K2 debacle – particularly as they relate to establishing a lodgment where US forces are compelled to occupy facilities that might be contaminated. Everyone who deployed to K2 understood the necessity of the mission and the risks it entailed. Despite this, it is clear that DoD failed to mitigate the risks early on, and what little they did (putting a layer of dirt on top of contaminants) offered scarce protection to future occupants.

The DoD was aware of the serious environmental (radiation, chemical, and hazardous waste products) at K2. There are a number of unclassified and classified documents, memos, and studies about this issue. It was well-known that personnel at K2 were living in an environment where they were exposed to these hazards present in the air, dirt, dust, and water. The K2 vets were continually exposed to these dangers through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.

Strategic planners, once they were made aware of the existing hazards, should have recommended that K2 be occupied only long enough to meet the initial contingency requirements. K2 should have been occupied with a minimal footprint. Housing and work areas should have been relocated on hardstand surfaces. The base should have been displaced to another location as quickly as possible.

K2 was a huge place and there was plenty of other real estate with existing facilities, taxiways, parking areas, etc. available. One lesson that DoD should take from this is that there should be a rapid deployment assessment team, as part of an advance party, capable of executing a relatively thorough environmental assessment to discover hazards that may exist before we put troops on the ground. Granted, the fall of 2001 was hectic, and the mission had priority. But at some point, as the months went on, the welfare of the troops should have become a concern.

There were other suitable locations that could have been used as a northern logistics hub once initial contingency operations were complete. If not in 2001, then certainly as time went on in 2002 or 2003. The operations at K2 probably could have been displaced to Termez Airfield (just across the river from Afghanistan), where the Germans set up their logistics hub and operated C-130s. Another location could have been Mazer-e-Sharif Airport in northern Afghanistan where the Jordanians established a hospital early on in the conflict. MeS is currently the location of Train, Advise, and Assist Command – North where over a thousand Europeans are based at Camp Marmal on the MeS runway. Another option was Konduz Airport in northern Afghanistan.

Clearly, these other facilities would have likely required considerable development to expand their capabilities, but the US also spent years (and millions of dollars) developing K2 as a power projection hub for Afghanistan and Central Asia.

However, the above paragraphs are history. They represent a ‘lesson observed’ if not a ‘lesson learned’. But it is not too late for the Department of Defense to take action. DoD should be coordinating with the Veterans Administration to do the right thing for the K2 veterans.

What Happens Now?

The Veterans Administration is staffed with caring and competent people – for the most part. But it is a huge bureaucracy that moves slowly. Hopefully the growing movement of K2 Vets will not get discouraged and will continue the fight. It is time for Congress to become more involved. The Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense need to make this veteran’s issue a priority and work together to come up with some solutions.

Footnotes:

[1] This combat action was depicted in the 2018 movie named 12 Strong about a Green Beret team that infiltrated by helicopter (from K2) into northern Afghanistan to link up with the Northern Alliance and defeat the Taliban. See “Movie – 12 Strong – the Horsemen of Northern Afghanistan”, SOF News, October 17, 2017.
http://www.sof.news/movies/12-strong/

[2] Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie says he is aware of the reports and is working with the Department of Defense to address the issue. At a press conference the head of the VA stated that Veterans should “come to the VA and file a claim.” Video by Tara Copp, posted by McClatchy Washington Bureau, February 5, 2020, 2 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVbXVWJ8R2A

[3] If Ford Motor Company can figure out how to notify the 4th owner of a 2006 Ford Ranger that his / her passenger air bag is defective and it needs to be serviced under a recall – then the VA and DOD should be able to figure out how to contact a veteran who served at K2.

[4] See tips on how to interact with the VA by LTC (Ret) Mike Jenne, February 2020.
http://www.sof.news/pubs/Tips-Filing-VA-Claim-Related-K2-Mike-Jenne-7Feb2020.pdf

[5] One example of a letter by a K2 Vet is by LTC (Ret) Mike Jenne and is part of this recent news article by SOF News. See “K2 Veterans Experiencing High Cancer Rate – VA Nonrespondent”, SOF News, February 5, 2020.
http://www.sof.news/veterans/k2-vets-cancer/

McClatchy News Stories about K2:

February 5, 2020, by Tara Copp, “Ready to Help: VA asks sick veterans from toxic ‘black goo’ base to come forward’.
https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/national-security/article239990688.html

February 3, 2020, by Tara Copp, “Toxic ‘black goo’ base used by U.S. had enriched uranium. More veterans report cancer.”
https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/national-security/article239856133.html

December 19, 2019, by Tara Copp, “Cancers strike veterans who deployed to Uzbek base where black goo oozed, ponds glowed”.
https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/national-security/article238510218.html

Recent News Stories about K2:

February 14, 2020, “K2 veterans demand investigation into deadly exposure: ‘Congress needs to act’”, by Shoshana Dubnow, ABC News. Documents show the Defense Department was aware of radioactive uranium on base.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/k2-veterans-demand-investigation-deadly-exposure-congress-act/story?id=68807933

January 15, 2020, “Congress probes American cancers at Uzbekistan base”, Eurasia Net.
https://eurasianet.org/congress-probes-american-cancers-at-uzbekistan-base

January 27, 2020, by Angie Ricono, “Soldiers allege cancers and a cover-up at US military base”, KCTV News.
https://www.kctv5.com/news/investigations/soldiers-allege-cancers-and-a-cover-up-at-us-military/article_bfc63a7a-416f-11ea-bd93-f35cc754cf53.html

Historical News Stories about K2:

June 10, 2002, by Carol J. Williams, “Traces of Nerve Gas Found at Uzbek Base Used by U.S.”, Los Angeles Times.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-10-fg-badgas10-story.html

About the Author: The author’s first Afghanistan tour was in 2002 to 2003. While there, he visited K2 on a very limited basis for some coordination meetings. Several of his colleagues, unit members who were based at K2 for many months, were diagnosed with cancer – some have died. The latest funeral the author attended was in November 2019 for a K2 Vet. The K2 Vet was a former SF teammate who retired with 30 years Special Forces service and who was based at K2 for 9 months in 2002 – 2003. He died after having fought a brave battle with cancer for several years.

SFC Javier Gutierrez, age 28, of San Antonio, Texas, died February 8, 2020 from wounds sustained during combat operations in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.

“Sgt. 1st Class Gutierrez’ was a warrior that exemplified selfless service and a commitment to the mission, both values that we embody here in the 7th Special Forces Group. Our priority now is to take care of his family and teammates, we will provide the best possible care possible during these trying times.”

Colonel John Sannes, 7th Special Forces Group Commander

Born in Jacksonville, N.C., August 12, 1991, Gutierrez enlisted in the Army in 2009, as an infantryman and was stationed at Fort Bragg, while assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. In 2012 Gutierrez attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection at Fort Bragg, and was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course. He graduated in 2015 as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Gutierrez deployed once to Iraq while assigned to 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment and once to Afghanistan while assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He is a graduate of Basic and Advanced Leader Courses; U.S. Army Airborne School; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School; and the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Gutierrez’s awards include the Army Commendation Medal (1OLC); Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2); Army Service Ribbon; Expert Infantry and Parachutist Badges; and the Special Forces Tab.

Staff Sgt. Gutierrez was posthumously promoted to Sgt. 1st Class and awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

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Photo: Picture of SFC Javier Gutierrez provided by the PAO office of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

SFC Antonio Rodriguez, age 28, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died February 8, 2020 from wounds sustained during combat operations in Nangarhar rovince, Afghanistan.

“Sgt. 1st Class Rodriguez was selfless and served honorably; he was certainly among the best in our unit. Here at the Red Empire, we take care of our own, and Sgt. 1st Class Rodriguez’ family will forever be a part of us, we will assist them in any way we can to help them through these trying times.”

Colonel John Sannes, 7th Special Forces Group Commander

Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, July 26, 1991, SFC Antonio Rodriguez graduated from Mayfield High School in 2009. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, October 13, 2009, and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completing OSUT he attended the Basic Airborne Course and the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program. He was then assigned to the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. In June 2018 Rodriguez voluntarily re-classified as a Cryptologic Linguist (Spanish).

Rodriguez deployed eight times with the 75th Ranger Regiment and twice with 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

He graduated from the Basic, Advanced and Senior Leader Courses; U.S. Army Airborne School; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School; Special Operations Language Course (Spanish); the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program and the U.S. Army Ranger School.

Rodriguez’s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal (1OLC); Army Achievement Medal (1OLC); Army Good Conduct Medal (second award); National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (two Campaign Stars); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Ranger Tab; Combat Infantry and Parachutist Badges.

Staff Sgt. Rodriguez was posthumously promoted to Sgt. 1st Class and awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. He leaves behind his wife.

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References:

February 10, 2020. “Las Cruces man killed in combat remembered as one of the best”, Las Cruces Sun News.

Photo: SFC Antonio Rodriguez photo provided by the PAO of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).