THREAD: 13 years ago today, 5-73 CAV of @PantherBrigade lost half a platoon in just a few hours. 9 great men who gave their lives for this country. Remember them, and if you have 5 minutes, watch this video in their memories. Please read on.

My platoon (and troop) was at a separate patrol base a few miles away. The calls came over the radio of a VBIED attack at the entrance to B Troop’s patrol base. The situation quickly developed into a complex attack with significant enemy fire. QRF was sent almost immediately

The fighting lasted for hours. 8 men died at the patrol base, and the 9th on the bird during MEDEVAC. Half of our troop was ordered to go to B Troop’s patrol base after the fighting had ceased. My platoon stayed at our patrol base because several soldiers had recently come

From the platoon that took the casualties. The surge changed everything, including our composition and disposition. But in the end, we were all brothers and sisters in arms. We lost 20 soldiers in a 2- month time span. Others, including from @1stCavalryDiv , took heavier losses

By number. KIA and WIA, we were severely depleted by the end of April.

Some of us were very “lucky” to not be seriously injured. A few have taken their lives since our deployment because they did not see it as luck. The mental toll can often be the toughest burden to carry.

Your brothers and sisters in arms are here for you. We love you. We understand and know what you went through. These soldiers, and all others, gave their lives FOR you. Because they fought for what they believed in. For country and for the person beside them. LIVE for them and

Never forget:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13

Reach out to any number of veterans on this platform at anytime. Even just to talk. For anything. And remember you are loved. We are a family. Forever. @TheNumba1Guy