Aass, Erik
background/description, 213
honor/Wanat battle, 331
name change, 345
Wanat meetings/firefights and, 212
Wanat mission/battle and, 249, 266, 280, 281, 300, 306, 307, 309, 316, 319, 320
A10 jets
description/nickname, 92–93, 172, 270
use, 94, 97–104, 106, 224, 314
Abad, Sergio
background/description, 13, 216–217
death, 283
leave/high school sweetheart’s pregnancy and, 217, 256, 342
plans to go home, 256
Wanat mission/battle and, 253, 265, 266, 280, 281, 283
Afghanistan guards
Chosen suspicion of, 202
Kahler’s death and, 202–203, 204–206
See also specific attacks/battles
Afghanistan map, xii
Afghanistan people, isolation choice and, 53. See also specific individuals/groups
Afghanistan, US policies
closing bases difficulties, 208
communication and, 206
hearts-and-minds campaign, 206
separate, connect, transform, 51–52, 53
Afghanistan wars
Iraq war vs., 58
Al Jazeera Arabic television, 230
Al Qaeda
alliances, 45
areas/activities, 5, 54, 207, 221, 294
description/Muj Highway, 44
al-Zarqawi, Abu Musab, 294
Albert, Jon
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 144–145, 148–149, 153, 155, 156–157, 160–161, 170, 171, 174, 176, 179
background/description, 10, 16, 343
Bell and, 342
first jump, 11
Rainey relationship, 10, 2021
signing up, 16
on Stockard, 62
Alphin, Kenny “Big Kenny,” 131
Ambush, The. See Aranas meeting/ambush
American Gangster (film), 215
Aranas
people’s divisions over US promises, 55
Ranch House attacks and, 71
Aranas meeting/ambush (Nov. 2007), 145 (map)
Afghan allies/soldiers and, 134, 135, 138, 140, 141, 142, 147, 151, 167, 174, 177, 180, 185, 189, 190
after evacuating known wounded, 185–190
air support and, 165, 167, 172, 174, 183, 184
ambush/fight description, 144–167, 284–285
apprehension about/communicating with loved ones and, 132–137
Bella and, 148, 149, 161–163, 164–167, 172, 173, 174, 176–179, 181–182, 185, 186–187, 190
decision on timing of return, 140–141
evaluating/identifying insurgents and, 196–198
honors, 193
Islamist fighter captured, 179–180
Islamist fighters trap, 142–143
Islamist fighters videotaping/propaganda, 143, 147–148
medevac helicopters fuel and, 173–175, 179
medevac helicopters rescue mission/hoists and, 168, 169, 170, 171–176, 182–185, 187–190
memorial service for those killed, 196
notifying families of dead/answering questions, 190–193
precautions/preparations, 134, 136
Ranch House attacks explanation and, 133, 139–140
route/travels to Aranas, 132–133, 137–138
soldiers’ situation at night, 170–171
those killed/missing and, 177–179
thoughts of captured American soldier and, 176–177
See also specific individuals
Arlington National Cemetery, 35, 40, 192, 217, 342, 347–348
Army of Mohammed. See JEM
Army of the Righteous. See LET
Army, US
culture/nicknames, 19
Sky Soldiers/173rd Airborne Brigade history, 19–20
See also specific events; specific individuals/groups
Asadabad (city), 45
Atchley, John Paul, 105
Ayers, Jonathan
background/description, 13, 233
calling mother, 232
death/remains, 282, 292, 297, 312
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Wanat mission/battle and, 237–238, 240, 247, 258, 259, 264, 268, 282
Baldwin, Jason
background/description, 12, 65–66
following Ranch House attacks, 108
guilt feelings and, 341
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
Ranch House attacks and, 75–76, 79, 84, 85, 90–92, 96–97, 102, 104, 105, 106
transfer, 216
Band of Brothers (HBO series), 65
Barrioneuvo, Sonia, 347
Beeson, Scott
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 186, 190, 191
background/description, 21–22, 29
Bella and, 204
Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 21, 22, 36, 213
on enemy fighters, 197
following Wanat battle, 326, 326–327
Giselle/Scott (wife/son) and daughters, 347
guilt feelings and, 339–340, 341
timing of Wanat base set up and, 218
training Germany/Italy and, 33, 34
Wanat base/battle and, 272, 311, 312, 316, 318, 319, 323–324, 327
Beeson, Todd, 347
Begaye, Conrad
after Wanat, 350
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 133, 135–136, 140–141, 145, 149, 150, 152–153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 160–161, 162, 163, 164–165, 166, 167, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 177, 179, 181, 182
background/description, 60–61, 350
honor/Ambush, 193
medicine pouch and, 61, 136, 350
Ranch House and, 60
Ranch House attacks/injury and, 70, 73–74, 80, 103, 104
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118–119, 120–121
Bell, Chuck
background/description, 13
naked run/photo, 41
Ranch House attacks and, 72, 76, 77–78, 80–81, 87–88
Sean Albert Bell (son), 342
Bella base
Afghan people visiting, 114
Afghan soldiers/security guards, 200
attacks on, 67
defenses, 112
geography/descriptions, 45–46, 50, 112, 113–115
humor/spare time activities, 116–127
plans to close/reasons, 56–57, 58–59, 110, 198, 198–199, 207, 207–208, 208, 210, 217–218, 228, 232, 237
Ranch House attacks and, 80, 82, 83, 88, 98
soldiers stationed at, 61
supplies delivery/food, 114
terror groups and, 207
See also Aranas meeting/ambush; Wanat base
Bella base/attacks
Afghan guards and, 222, 227, 228–229
closing base and, 225–226, 227–228, 285
enemies roadblock/fight plan and, 201–206
Green injury/evacuation, 226–227
helicopter bringing produce and, 223–225
intel reports, 220, 222–223, 225, 227–228, 229, 230
June (2008) summary, 225
stories on civilians and, 230–231
three-day fighting (beginning Nov. 29, 2007), 199–200
trucks/mobile weapons and, 229–230
Bella (settlement), 45
Benton, Jonathan
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 187
background/description, 275
Wanat mission/battle and, 243, 245, 249, 275, 277, 280, 306, 307, 317, 318
Berg, Nick, 294
“Big Kenny” (Alphin, Kenny), 131
“black hats” defined, 10
Blackhawk Down (film), 65
Blaskowski, Matthew, 128
Bocks, Phil
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 134, 135, 140, 146, 147–148, 151, 152, 158–159, 163, 164, 165, 174, 177
background/description, 135
Chosen Company/positions and, 134
death, 165
memorial service for, 196
Peggy/Kent (parents) and, 135
Bogar, Jason
background/description, 13, 121–122
calling/writing mother before Wanat, 233–234
as Platoon’s videographer, 122–123, 124, 238, 246–247, 287
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 121, 122–123, 124
Wanat mission/battle and, 238, 240, 246–247, 258, 260, 262–263, 265, 279, 286, 287, 291
Bowden, Mark, 336
Brostrom, David
background/description, 115
investigation/son’s death and, 333–334, 336
upgrading son’s medal and, 342
Brostrom, David/Mary Jo, 115, 116, 204, 214, 333
Brostrom, Jonathan
background/description, 13, 115–116
Bella/fighting and, 199–200, 206
burial and, 342
death/remains, 287, 297, 306, 313, 323
enemies roadblock/Kahler’s death and, 201, 202, 204
high school sweetheart/Jase (son), 116
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Italy and, 116
Wanat mission/battle and, 236, 237, 239, 246, 248–249, 271, 272, 275, 277–279, 287, 293, 305
Wilson and, 214–215, 232, 329–330
Burton, Shane
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118, 127
Bush, George W./administration, 3, 35, 51, 195
Caldwell, William, IV, 334
Camp Ederle description, 22, 27
Campbell, Charles “Hondo,” 335–336
Canales, Jose, Jr., 76
Carson, Christopher
background/description, 171–172
rescue mission/Ambush and, 171, 182, 188
Cavoli, Chris
Afghanistan mountain people and, 53, 55
background/description, 50
Bella base and, 112
I/32 Battalion and, 50
Ostlund taking over area of operation, 56
Ranch House and, 221
Waigal Valley/Aranas and, 54, 207
Chavez, Hector
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Ranch House/attacks and, 75, 76, 83–84, 91, 96, 102
Wanat battle and, 266–267, 280, 281, 307
Choay, Christopher
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 134, 137, 142, 143, 161, 165–166, 185, 186, 187
background/description, 134
honor/Ambush, 193
Chosen Company/Few
antidepressants/anti-anxiety drugs and, 36
area of operations, Afghanistan, 42 (map)
back in US (2007) and, 3
battlefield medicine training, 33
deployment shift to Afghanistan and, 36–37
description/ethnicity, 15
8th of November song/story and, 132
geographic diversity of, 13
Germany training and, 29–30, 31–33, 36
guilt feelings after Wanat and, 339–341
Italy training/life, 17, 20, 22–28, 33–35, 38, 39
mascot, 20
move from Ranch House, 111
naming children after soldier friends and, 342–343, 345
nickname/origins, 2
patrols in Waigal Valley/ambush (Nov. 2007), 111–112
planned reunion (2017) and, 350
signing up/reasons (summary), 13, 14–17
soldiers military experience and, 29–30
soldiers remembering as best time, 346, 347, 349
technology (2006) and, 36
See also Bella; Ranch House; Wanat base; specific individuals
Christophersen, Derek, 253–254, 261
Combat Outpost Kahler, 228, 237, 241, 257, 276, 290, 299, 325, 331. See also Wanat base; Wanat base/battle
Combat Studies Institute (Army), 257–258, 334, 336
Coons, Kevin, 226
counterterrorism and Kilcullen, 51
Cross, Carlene, 122
Cruz, Dan
A10 jet/Ranch House attacks and, 94, 97–104
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
Cubbison, Douglas, 334
Davis, Aaron
after Wanat, 343
background/description, 252–253
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Wanat mission/battle and, 236, 252, 253, 260, 262, 300, 305, 309, 316, 319–320
Deloria, Jeddah
after Wanat, 343
background/description, 9, 72–73
evacuation from war zone, 107
first jump, 9
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
in Italy, 26
Ranch House attack/injury and, 72, 73, 74, 76–78, 80, 81, 84, 87–88, 100, 105–106
Takes son and, 345
Denton, Mike
after Wanat, 346
background/description, 12, 16, 26–27
Christina (wife) and daughter, 346
enemies roadblock/fight plan and, 201, 203
honor/Wanat battle, 331
leave/Christina and, 215
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 122–123
Wanat battle and, 295–297, 303, 304, 306, 307, 309, 312, 323
Wanat investigations and, 338
Derry, Scott
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 142, 146, 150–151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 171, 173, 185
background/description, 26, 35
Bella attacks and, 226
Chosen Company/positions and, 21
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 127
Din, Mohammed
background/description, 203
Kahler’s death and, 203, 205–206
Dirkintis, Kyle
evacuation from war zone, 107
Ranch House attacks and, 83, 89, 90, 94, 95, 102
Doe, Eric
background/description, 172
Gavin (son), 172
rescue mission/Ambush and, 172, 183
Drany, Alex
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 139, 180, 189
Dzwik, David
Afghanistan deployment shift and, 37
after Wanat, 345
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 133, 134, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 172, 176–177, 178
background/description, 37
Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 216
following Wanat battle, 330
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
Ranch House attacks and, 79, 86, 92, 98, 101, 103–104, 107
Ranch House defenses/risks, 68
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118
Wanat base set up timing and, 218
Wanat mission/battle and, 235, 236, 244, 245, 246, 249, 261, 265–266, 292, 300, 305, 310, 313, 318, 319
8th of November song/story, 131–132
Eller, Jason, 25
Ferrara, Matt
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 132, 133, 134, 138, 139, 140–141, 142, 143, 146, 150, 151, 161, 163, 174, 178, 195, 248, 322
background/description, 13, 15, 23, 29, 60–61, 192
death notification to parents, 192
in Germany/training, 33
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
memorial service for, 196
on men he served with, 193
Ranch House and, 60, 61–62, 64, 68–69
Ranch House attacks and, 73, 74, 80, 82, 83, 89, 91, 92, 99–100, 101–102, 103, 104, 105, 108
Ranch House defenses/risks, 68–69
fighting
enemy weapons, 199
insurgents killing Americans/significance, 284–285
Korengal Valley, 53, 57–58, 129–130, 198, 199
Korengal Valley vs. Waigal Valley, 198
National Guard soldiers (Wardak Province) and, 219, 285
panic/clarity and, 158
road projects and, 52
Rock Battalion overview (by early Nov. 2007), 127–130
US weapons, 52
See also specific attacks/battles
Flex magazine, 123
Forrest Gump (film), 309
Gafar, Abdul, 79
Garcia, Israel
background/description, 24, 298
honor/Wanat battle, 331
in Italy, 24
Lesly (wife), 24, 40, 215–216, 243, 333
Wanat mission/battle and, 243, 245, 253, 274, 293, 295–296, 298, 303, 304, 305, 315, 324, 340, 341
Gates, Robert, 337
George, Devon, 15, 33, 59, 115
Geren, Pete, 335
Gilmore, Jared
background/description, 300
Wanat battle and, 300, 307, 310, 316, 318
Wanat investigations and, 337–338
Giunta, Salvatore, 129–130, 163
Gladiator (film), 339
Glenn, Andrew, 210
Gobble, Matthew
background/description, 340
guilt feelings and, 340
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Wanat mission/battle and, 5–6, 237, 240, 246, 258, 259, 260, 262, 265, 268, 273, 279, 287, 288, 290–293, 300
Gonzales-Rodriguez, Carlos, 72, 76, 77–78, 80, 81, 87, 89
Grafenwöhr, Germany, Joint Multinational Training Command, 32, 33
Grant, Ulysses, 329
Green, Gabriel
Addy (wife) and children, 25–26, 112, 113, 115
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 166, 167, 177, 178
background/description, 25
Bella attacks/injury and, 226–227
Bella/OP1 and, 112–113, 114, 226–227
falling in love/wedding (Addy), 25–26, 112
in Italy, 25
memorial service and, 196
OP1 attacks and, 221
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 127
Grimm, Justin
background/description, 236
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Wanat mission/battle and, 236, 255, 260, 262, 266–267, 300, 307, 317, 320
Guilbeault, Amy, 349
Gul, Haji Juma
background/description, 209
dinner/US soldier guests, 249
Hagerty, Andrew, 127
Hamby, Adam
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Hamid, Abdullah, 227
Hanson, Tyler
Chosen Company/positions and, 21
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Wanat battle and, 291, 318, 323
Hayes, John
honor/Wanat battle, 331
in Italy, 23
Wanat mission/battle and, 236, 249, 292–293, 317–318, 323
helicopters
Apache helicopters description/reputation, 270, 271
militants trying to shoot/shooting, 199, 201
See also medevac helicopters/missions
HESCO bastions, 113
Hetherington, Tim, 54
Hewitt, William
Wanat battle and, 275–276, 280, 307
HIG (Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin)
Aranas and, 54
purposes/violent acts, 45
Ranch House attacks and, 107
Hill, Chris, 299, 307, 308, 310, 318–319
Hills, The (MTV show), 119
Himes, Scott, 325
Hindu Kush Mountain range description, 43
Hissong, Brian
background/description, 200–201
Blaskowski and, 128
honor/Wanat battle, 331
on Phillips, 38
Wanat mission/battle and, 8, 256–257, 258, 267, 277, 294–295, 298, 300, 303, 311, 323, 326
Honaker, Christopher, 344
Horney, Clayton
background/description, 168, 169
rescue mission/Ambush and, 169, 172, 174, 183–185, 187, 188–189
Hovater, Jason
background/description, 123–124
death/remains, 286, 296, 306, 323, 349
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Jessica (sister) and, 232
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 122, 124
Wanat mission/battle and, 245, 275, 277–278, 286, 305
hydroelectric plant, Aranas, 56
International Herald Tribune, 230
Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan
alliances, 45
Aranas and, 54
Ranch House attacks and, 107
Islamic State, 45
Jaffe, Greg, 334
Jalalabad military base, 132
JEM (Jaish-e-Mohammed or Army of Mohammed)
Aranas and, 54
Wanat and, 5
Johns, Timothy “Matt”
background/description, 172
rescue mission/Ambush and, 172, 187, 188
Johnson, Isaac, 172
Johnson, Mike
after Wanat, 344
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 135, 140–141, 145–146, 150, 153–154, 170, 171, 344
background/description, 75
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
Ranch House attacks and, 75, 82, 88, 97
Johnson, Stephen
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 148, 166
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 127
Johnston, Zaccery
Bella attacks and, 221, 224–225
Wanat battle and, 312–313, 323
Jones, Jason
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Wanat battle and, 293, 300, 307, 310, 316, 320
Junger, Sebastian, 54
Kaderli, Jonathan, 280, 312, 319, 320
Kahler, Matt
Afghanistan vs. Iraq wars, 58
Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 21
death/remains and, 203–206, 247, 248, 276, 289, 297, 299
enemies roadblock/fight plan and, 201, 202–203
in Italy, 63
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 119
Stockard relationship, 63
Vicki/Ally (wife/daughter), 63, 64
Kalenits, Justin
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 145, 149, 150, 154, 155, 157, 163, 165, 170–171, 175
background/description, 13–14, 343
helicopter rescue, 175, 180, 182
signing up, 13
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 127
Karzai, Hamid, 230
Keane, Jack, 18
Kilcullen, David
counterterrorism and, 51
on enemy fighting/strategy, 52–53
Kinney, Matthew, 299, 309, 310
Korengal Valley
description, 53
fighting in, 53, 57–58, 129–130, 198, 199
people, 53
Krupa, Will
background/description, 267–268, 289
Wanat battle and, 267, 268, 271, 289–290
Kuhlman, Tyler, 314–315, 322–323
Kunar Province
descriptions, 44
Muj Highway and, 44
Lancour, Joseph
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 142, 146, 150, 178–179, 185, 186
death notification to family, 192–193
death/remains, 186, 188, 190, 226, 342
honor/Ambush, 193
in Italy, 34
memorial service for, 196
plans for funeral/burial and, 40, 342
Silvernale’s son’s name and, 342
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 178
Lancour, Rob/Starla, 14
background/description, 24
husband calling Nov. 2007 and, 132
notification of husband’s death, 191, 192
pregnancy/Zoe, 115, 132, 191, 192
Langevin, Sean
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 135, 145–146, 150, 153, 163, 178, 344
background/description, 24, 25
Bella and, 115
death notification to family, 191, 192
following Ranch House attacks, 108
friends naming children after, 342
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
memorial service for, 196
naked run/photo, 41
Ranch House attacks and, 80, 81, 87, 95–96, 105, 106
Roxanne (mother) and, 132, 192
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 178
LET (Lashkar-e-Tayyiba or Army of the Righteous), 44
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 143
Waigal/Aranas and, 54, 55, 207, 221
Living with Honor (Giunta), 129
Lofton, Jackie, 229
Lone Survivor (film), 53
lumber trade, Himalayan cedars, 53, 198
McKaig, Chris
after Wanat, 345
background/description, 12, 122, 194–195, 233
birthday and, 235
first jump, 12
signing up, 16
Wanat mission/battle and, 234–235, 237–238, 240, 247–248, 259, 263–264, 265, 268, 282–283, 287–288, 290–291, 292, 297, 321, 327
Madill, Justin
background/description, 205
medevac missions and, 205, 227, 299, 308, 309, 310, 319, 324
May, Mathew, 236, 255, 260, 262
medevac helicopters/missions
hoist missions description/training, 169
motto, 294
Wanat base/battle (July 2008) and, 268, 293–294, 299, 307, 308–309, 313, 318–319, 320, 324, 326–327
See also Aranas meeting/ambush
Mercier, Brad
in Italy, 25
position in Chosen Company, 25
Mersman, Jeff
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 138, 142, 146, 163, 165, 176–177, 178–179, 185, 189
background/description, 26, 125–126
death notification to family, 192
Lynn (wife) and family, 125, 192
memorial service for, 196
Takes and, 125
Mersman, Marvin, 125
Milley, Mark, 231
Miracle, Joseph, 344
Morrow, James, III
after Wanat, 344
background/description, 269
honor/Wanat battle, 332
Wanat battle and, 269, 270, 293, 302
Morse, Joshua, 254, 261, 266, 321
MREs, 65
Mujahedeen
history/insurgencies, 44
Soviets in Afghanistan and, 44
Mullen, Mike, 334
Myer, Matt
Aass’s wedding and, 345
Aranas meeting/ambush, 133, 161, 178, 186–187
background/description, 22, 30–31
Bella/Bella attacks and, 204, 225, 229, 230
calling families of those killed in Ambush, 191–193
Chosen Company/positions and, 29–30, 63
closing Ranch House/Bella and, 58–59, 110, 111, 206–207, 228, 229
following Wanat battle, 335
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Italy and, 31
Laura (wife), 31
memorial service and, 196
Ranch House attacks and, 80, 82, 83, 88, 92, 98, 99
Ranch House defenses, 68
Wanat base after battle and, 325, 327–329
Wanat base set up and, 218, 228
Wanat investigations and, 335, 336, 337, 338
Wanat meeting/firefights (March/June 2007), 210, 211, 212, 213–214
Wanat mission/battle and, 6, 8, 235, 241, 249, 250, 255, 260, 267, 268, 271–272, 290, 292–293, 295, 298, 299–300, 301, 305–306, 307, 311, 320–321, 327
MySpace, 120
Nantakul, Ananthachai
background/description, 34
Chosen Company/positions and, 34
Wanat battle and, 322
National Guard soldiers, Tangi Valley, Wardak Province (June 2008), 219, 285
Natonski, Richard, 334–335, 336, 338
Nicholson, John “Mick”
separate, connect, transform theory of, 51–52
Waigal Valley/Aranas and, 54
NODs (night-observation devices) abilities, 137, 169–170
Nuristan Province
Muj Highway and, 44
See also Waigal Valley
Nuristani, Tamin, 230
Oakes, Jason
Wanat battle and, 293, 300, 307, 316, 326
Omar, Hazrat
death/materials found on body, 104, 140
Ranch House attack, 71, 78, 90, 104
Ranch House attack plans, 67, 70, 104, 248
Osman, Maulawi Muhammad
Bella attacks/injury and, 197, 221, 227–228, 229, 230, 231
Wanat base/battle and, 212, 250, 325, 327
Ostlund, William Brian
on Afghanistan mountain people, 53, 338–339
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 161, 162, 181–182, 185, 190, 198, 322
background/description, 17–19, 57
battles/enemy deaths and, 53–54, 128, 129, 130
calling families of soldiers killed and, 191, 192, 193
Chosen Company/positions and, 36, 124
data-driven approach and, 57–58, 197–198, 335
memorandum for Petraeus on Afghanistan, 251–252
plans to close Ranch House/Bella and, 56–57, 109–110, 198–199, 207
preparing soldiers for Afghanistan, 36–37
Ranch House attacks and, 88, 106
taking over Cavoli’s area of operation, 56
Wanat base after battle and, 327–329
Wanat investigations and, 334, 335–336, 337, 338
Wanat meetings/firefights (March/June 2007), 210–211, 213–214
Wanat mission/battle and, 237, 260, 268, 301
Pakistan Taliban/Tehrik-e Taliban, 45
parachuting
Fort Benning, Georgia training, 10
Parra, Christina/Lorilei, 342
description, 45
US combat outposts, 51
Petraeus, David
after Wanat battle, 329
Desert Storm/getting shot, 18
Kilcullen and, 51
Ostlund and, 251
Wanat investigations and, 334, 335
Phillips, Erich
after Wanat, 347
Baldwin’s transfer and, 216
closing/torching Ranch House, 109
following Ranch House attacks, 108
following Wanat battle and, 330–331
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Ranch House/area and, 47, 59, 66
Ranch House attacks and, 79–80, 83, 84–85, 86, 89–90, 91, 94, 95, 96–97, 102–103, 104, 105, 106
Sean (son), 342
Sonia (wife) and children, 342, 347
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118–119, 121
Wanat mission/battle and, 236, 253, 254, 255, 256, 261, 266, 267, 281, 300, 304–305, 306, 312, 313, 316, 318, 340
warhead (Wanat attacks) and, 281
Phillips, Matthew
bachelor pub crawl/wedding (Eve), 26, 124, 238
birthday in Afghanistan, 124
Wanat mission/battle and, 238, 240, 246, 263, 264, 286
Pitts, Ryan
Amy (wife) and children, 349
background/description, 2–3, 15–16, 39, 116, 200
Bella/fighting and, 116, 200, 204
Blaskowski and, 128
enemy not taking him alive and, 204
honor/Wanat battle, 331, 339, 341
in Italy, 26
other soldiers feeling guilty about leaving him, 339, 340, 341
sewing machine and, 116
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 116, 119
stop loss and, 39
Wanat investigations and, 338
Wanat mission/battle and, 1–2, 3, 4–5, 6, 8, 236, 237, 240, 253, 256, 258, 259, 262–263, 265, 268, 273–274, 278–279, 286, 287, 292–293, 294–295, 296, 298, 300, 304, 305, 307, 309–310, 317, 324, 345
Ponderosa (television series), 47
Preysler, Charles “Chip”
Aass and, 213
after Wanat battle, 329
background/description, 116
Ranch House/Bella closures and Wanat base set up, 110, 198–199, 208, 218
Wanat investigation and, 334, 335, 336, 337
Pry, Benjamin
Wanat base/battle and, 250, 251
Wanat base set up/defenses and, 219
Queck, Jesse, 265, 266, 300, 307, 319, 320
Rahman, Ziaul
background/description, 206
insurgents and, 206, 214, 230–231, 248–249
meetings (May/June 2008), 211, 214
Rainey, Pruitt
Albert relationship, 10, 20–21
background/description, 10, 118, 120
in Italy, 23
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 120
Wanat mission/battle and, 234, 237–238, 240, 247, 264, 268, 271, 279, 286
Ranch House, 48 (map)
Chosen need to defend, 37
defenses/risks (summer 2007), 68–69
descriptions/area, 4, 37, 43–44, 45–50
difficulties establishing, 55
helicopter “landing” and, 47
Phillips/mortar section members, 59
plans to close Ranch House/Bella and, 56–57, 58–59, 109–110, 198–199, 207
soldiers climbing and, 46–47, 49
soldiers stationed at, 60–61, 68
summer 2007 planned attack on, 66–67
US soldiers attacked/casualties (2007), 55
See also Waigal Valley
Ranch House attack (August 2007)
Afghan National Army compound and, 81, 85–86, 88, 90, 91–92, 101
Afghan soldiers/security guards and, 71, 74, 78, 79, 82–83, 97, 106–107, 110
descriptions, 70–72, 73–92, 93–106
honors to soldiers, 108
Jihadist deaths/wounded, 104–105
Jihadist gunmen descriptions/groups from, 70–71, 74, 78, 85, 90–91, 107
Jihadist propaganda videos, 71, 78, 90, 104, 140, 222
significance of bombing mission inside base perimeter, 107
soldiers wounded/evacuated, 107
See also specific individuals
Rauwolf, Gregg
memorial service and, 196
Ranch House attacks and, 75, 82, 88
Relph, John
evacuation from war zone, 107
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
Ranch House attack/injury and, 87, 95, 96
Remmel, Robert
evacuation from war zone, 107
Ranch House attack/injury and, 75, 81, 82, 88, 97
Restrepo (documentary), 54
reunion (planned/2017), 349–350
Rich, John, 131
rifle jam/fixing, 160
road projects/effects, Waigal Valley, 51–52
Rock Battalion
companies within, 20
fighting/fatalities summary, 127–130
See also specific companies/individuals
rocket (107mm) use by enemy, 199
Rodriguez, David, 187
Rohrs, Peter
background/description, 168
honor/Ambush, 193
rescue mission/Ambush and, 168–169, 172, 174, 175–176, 179, 180–181, 184, 188
Rome (HBO series), 119
Roque, Lester
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 138, 145–146, 150, 163, 178–179, 185
death notification to family, 192
death/remains, 150, 185, 186, 188
honor/Ambush, 193
Rubin, Elizabeth, 130
Ryan, Chris
after Wanat, 344
background/description, 168
Charlene (wife), 344
rescue mission/Ambush and, 169, 172, 174, 175, 183–185, 188
Salazar, Joshua
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 161, 162, 182, 322
Bella attacks and, 229
Wanat battle and, 322
Samaroo, Sean
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 187, 189
background/description, 244
honor/Wanat battle, 331
leave/wedding (Natasha), 215, 244
Natasha/Dylan (wife/son), 215, 244, 298, 346
Wanat mission/battle and, 244, 256–257, 258, 279, 287, 291–292, 295–296, 297, 298, 303, 304, 305, 306–307, 309, 340, 345
Santiago, Mike
after Wanat, 341
following Wanat battle, 324, 330
guilt feelings and, 341
mourning Garcia and, 324, 330, 341
stop-loss and, 40
Wanat mission/battle and, 243, 274, 293, 315, 324
Saturday Night Live (television), 122
Saving Private Ryan (film), 65
Scantlin, Jeffrey
after Wanat, 345
background/description, 276, 289
honor/Wanat battle, 331
Wanat battle and, 276, 280, 281, 283, 307, 317, 318, 320
Schafer, Michael, 200, 201, 213
Schilling, Kain
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 141, 146, 147, 152, 158–159, 164, 165, 171, 174, 175, 177, 181, 182, 184
background/description, 65, 343
Chosen Company/positions and, 65
honor/Ranch House attacks, 108
in Italy, 25
Ranch House attack/injury and, 83, 85, 86, 89, 90, 91
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 121
White relationship, 343
Schloesser, Jeffrey
Bella attacks and, 231
closing Bella/Ranch House and, 207–208
Wanat investigations and, 337
Schmidt, James, 245, 274, 293, 315, 324
school constructions, Aranas, 56
Schwarz, Ryan, 203
Schwarzenegger, Arnold, 123
Seipel, Ben
background/description, 307–308
Wanat battle and, 299, 307, 308, 309, 319
Shelke, Nikhil, 280, 312, 318, 319, 320
Sherman, William Tecumseh, 329
shrapnel wounds described, 259
Silvernale, Kyle
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 185–186, 187
background/description, 11, 34
Bella/attacks and, 224
on Chosen Company, 347
Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 34
son’s middle name (Lancour) and, 342
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118, 126–127
Wanat battle and, 272, 311, 314–315, 321–323, 324, 346
Simmons, Stephen, 28
Sloan, Doug
death, 55
Smith, Jeremiah, 325
Sones, Jacob
after Wanat, 346
background/description, 11, 16–17
first jump, 11
in Italy/drinking, 17
leave/wedding (Nicole) and, 215, 346
Nicole/Gavin (wife/son), 346
signing up, 17
Wanat battle and, 274, 293, 295–296, 297, 303, 304, 307, 309, 315, 324, 341
Spotanski, Adam, 87, 105, 106, 107
Stafford, Tyler
background/description, 14, 339
Brostrom’s medal and, 342
guilt feelings and, 339
signing up, 14
Wanat mission/battle and, 6, 238, 246, 258–259, 264–265, 268, 273, 279, 286, 287, 290–292, 296, 317, 341
Stamper, Anthony, 201, 202, 203
Stenoski, Scott, 332
Stockard, Shane
after Wanat, 345
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 133, 134, 136–137, 161, 179, 190
background/description, 61–62, 126, 136–137
Begaye’s medicine pouch and, 350
Bella attacks and, 223–224, 226
Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 21, 37, 60
Kahler relationship, 63
memorial service and, 196
Ranch House attacks and, 80
Wanat battle and, 272, 311, 312, 313, 316–317
Sullivan, Francis Michael “Hank,” 123–124
Tada, Joni Eareckson, 349
Takes, James
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 133–134, 136, 141, 144–145, 149, 153, 154, 155–156, 157, 160–161, 170–171, 173, 177, 178, 180, 184
background/description, 35–36, 275
becoming father and, 115
Chosen Company/positions and, 35, 125–126
honor/Ambush, 193
Lauren/Sullivan Joseph (wife/son), 345
naked run/photo, 41
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118, 127
White and, 348
Taliban
alliances, 45
Pakistan Taliban/Tehrik-e Taliban, 45
Talladega Nights (film), 172
Tehrik-e Taliban/Pakistan Taliban, 45
Tellez, Michael, 275, 280, 307
Thurman, Aaron
Bella/attacks and, 222, 224, 228–229
Wanat battle and, 272
Tinnin, Wallace, 72
Tomb of the Unknowns, 35
Top Gun (film), 118
Townsend, Brian
after Wanat, 344
honor/Wanat battle, 332
Wanat battle and, 270, 301–303, 314, 323
Vietnam War, November 8, 1965, battle, 131–132
Vimoto, Isaia, 127
Vimoto, Timothy, 127
Wahhabism, 53
Waigal Valley
fighting descriptions, 54
new governor and, 206
terrorist groups, 3
US counterterrorism and, 51
See also specific events; specific locations
Walker, Jacob
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 189
background/description, 23
Bella and, 202
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 117
Wanat mission/battle and, 245, 275, 280, 307
Wanat
attacks/US soldiers’ deaths (Sept. 2006), 55
Blessing and, 59
descriptions, 112, 207, 208–209
government and, 207
meeting and ambush/firefight (June 2008), 213–214
meeting and ambush/firefight (March 2008), 210–212
Wanat base
Chosen Few movie idea and, 219–220
Chosen Few responsibility and, 217–220, 231–232
conditions, weather and, 245–246, 256
description after battle, 327–328
fate after battle, 325–326, 329, 330
plan to evacuate Bella/occupy Wanat, 110, 198, 207, 208, 210, 217–218, 228, 232, 237
plans for, 198, 207, 208, 210–214, 217–220
set-up defenses and, 219
supplies (water, sandbags) and, 245–246, 256
town fathers meeting without inviting Brostrom, 248–249
Wanat base/battle (July 2008), 242 (map)
Afghan guards/soldiers and, 7, 241, 258, 293
air support and, 268, 269–271, 293, 294, 295, 296, 301–303, 305, 307, 308, 312, 313–314, 317, 319, 320–321, 322, 323, 324, 327
apprehension about/communicating with loved ones and, 232–235
Blessing soldiers coming to aid/trip, 272, 280
description of attacks/fighting, 1–2, 4–8, 258–267, 268, 269–270, 271–284, 285–323
description of base building/Topside location, 238–241, 242–247
Destined Company/equipment and, 219, 235, 236, 245, 252, 255, 267
dinner at Topside (July 12, 2008), 253
distrust of townspeople, 245, 247–249
enemy planning/locations and, 257–258
enemy targeting/destroying major weapons, 267
enemy videographers and, 276–277
equipment/weapons and, 235–236
Gul’s warning on attacks, 249
investigations/controversy and effects, 333–339
medevac helicopters/evacuations and, 268, 293–294, 299, 307, 308–309, 313, 318–319, 320, 324, 326–327
Predator drones and, 219, 231, 250–251
preparation, 234
Rudy (spy) and, 250
as studied/analyzed later, 239, 257–258
terrorist groups and, 5
US military resources arriving after battle, 325
village police and, 326
warhead crisis and, 281
wounded/killed (by 5:45 a.m.), 299
war. See fighting; specific individuals/areas/components; specific wars
Washington, Denzel, 215
Washington Post, 334
Watkins, Thieman Lee, Jr.
background/description, 301
Wanat battle and, 270, 301, 302–303, 314
Webb, James, 334
When God Weeps (Tada), 349
White, Kyle
after Wanat, 348
Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 139, 140, 142, 146, 147, 152, 158–159, 161, 162, 163–165, 171, 173, 174, 177, 178, 180, 181–182, 183, 184
background/description, 139
Chosen Company/positions and, 21
9/11 attacks and, 139
parents/father (Kurt) and, 139
Ranch House attacks and, 76, 79, 89, 99
Schilling relationship, 343
Takes and, 348
white phosphorous, 52, 100, 229
wildlife in Afghanistan, 49, 117, 119, 138
Wilson, Amanda
background/description, 214
Brostrom and, 214–215, 232, 329–330
Wood, Andrew
A10 jet/Ranch House attacks and, 94, 97–104
Yousafzai, Malala, 45
Zwilling, Gunnar
background/description, 118
Chosen Company/positions and, 118
family, 118
spare time/life in Afghanistan, 122–123
Wanat mission/battle and, 238, 246, 258, 259, 263, 265, 273, 286, 323