> > > INDEX

Aass, Erik

after Wanat, 344345

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, 9293, 172, 270

use, 94, 97104, 106, 224, 314

Abad, Sergio

background/description, 13, 216217

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, 202203, 204206

Speedbump and, 201206

See also specific attacks/battles

Afghanistan map, xii

Afghanistan people, isolation choice and, 53. See also specific individuals/groups

Afghanistan, US policies

area priorities, 5658

closing bases difficulties, 208

communication and, 206

hearts-and-minds campaign, 206

Iraq “surge” and, 34

separate, connect, transform, 5152, 53

Afghanistan wars

Iraq war vs., 58

Soviets and, 44, 53

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, 144145, 148149, 153, 155, 156157, 160161, 170, 171, 174, 176, 179

background/description, 10, 16, 343

Bell and, 342

Chele (mother) and, 132, 343

first jump, 11

in Italy, 25, 41

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

descriptions, 46, 49, 54

people’s divisions over US promises, 55

Ranch House attacks and, 71

terrorist groups and, 54, 55

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, 185190

air support and, 165, 167, 172, 174, 183, 184

ambush/fight description, 144167, 284285

apprehension about/communicating with loved ones and, 132137

Bella and, 148, 149, 161163, 164167, 172, 173, 174, 176179, 181182, 185, 186187, 190

decision on timing of return, 140141

evaluating/identifying insurgents and, 196198

honors, 193

Islamist fighter captured, 179180

Islamist fighters trap, 142143

Islamist fighters videotaping/propaganda, 143, 147148

medevac helicopters fuel and, 173175, 179

medevac helicopters rescue mission/hoists and, 168, 169, 170, 171176, 182185, 187190

meeting and, 138140

memorial service for those killed, 196

notifying families of dead/answering questions, 190193

precautions/preparations, 134, 136

Ranch House attacks explanation and, 133, 139140

return route and, 141143

route/travels to Aranas, 132133, 137138

soldiers’ situation at night, 170171

those killed/missing and, 177179

thoughts of captured American soldier and, 176177

travel plans, 132133

See also specific individuals

Arlington National Cemetery, 35, 40, 192, 217, 342, 347348

Army of Mohammed. See JEM

Army of the Righteous. See LET

Army, US

culture/nicknames, 19

Sky Soldiers/173rd Airborne Brigade history, 1920

See also specific events; specific individuals/groups

Asadabad (city), 45

Atchley, John Paul, 105

Aviano Air Base, Italy, 3334

Ayers, Jonathan

background/description, 13, 233

calling mother, 232

death/remains, 282, 292, 297, 312

honor/Wanat battle, 331

Wanat mission/battle and, 237238, 240, 247, 258, 259, 264, 268, 282

Baldwin, Jason

background/description, 12, 6566

first jump, 1112

following Ranch House attacks, 108

guilt feelings and, 341

honor/Ranch House attacks, 108

Ranch House and, 64, 66

Ranch House attacks and, 7576, 79, 84, 85, 9092, 9697, 102, 104, 105, 106

transfer, 216

Band of Brothers (HBO series), 65

Barrioneuvo, Sonia, 347

Beeson, Scott

after Wanat, 347348

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 186, 190, 191

background/description, 2122, 29

Bella and, 204

Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 21, 22, 36, 213

on enemy fighters, 197

following Wanat battle, 326, 326327

Giselle/Scott (wife/son) and daughters, 347

guilt feelings and, 339340, 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, 323324, 327

Beeson, Todd, 347

Begaye, Conrad

after Wanat, 350

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 133, 135136, 140141, 145, 149, 150, 152153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 160161, 162, 163, 164165, 166, 167, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 177, 179, 181, 182

background/description, 6061, 350

honor/Ambush, 193

medicine pouch and, 61, 136, 350

Ranch House and, 60

Ranch House attacks/injury and, 70, 7374, 80, 103, 104

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118119, 120121

Bell, Chuck

background/description, 13

in Italy, 25, 41

naked run/photo, 41

Ranch House attacks and, 72, 76, 7778, 8081, 8788

Sean Albert Bell (son), 342

Bella base

Afghan people visiting, 114

Afghan soldiers/security guards, 200

attacks on, 67

defenses, 112

geography/descriptions, 4546, 50, 112, 113115

humor/spare time activities, 116127

plans to close/reasons, 5657, 5859, 110, 198, 198199, 207, 207208, 208, 210, 217218, 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, 228229

closing base and, 225226, 227228, 285

enemies roadblock/fight plan and, 201206

Green injury/evacuation, 226227

helicopter bringing produce and, 223225

intel reports, 220, 222223, 225, 227228, 229, 230

June (2008) summary, 225

LET and, 221, 225

propaganda and, 222, 241

stories on civilians and, 230231

three-day fighting (beginning Nov. 29, 2007), 199200

trucks/mobile weapons and, 229230

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, 147148, 151, 152, 158159, 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, 121122

Bella/fighting and, 205206

calling/writing mother before Wanat, 233234

death/remains, 287, 306

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

mother and, 122, 233234

as Platoon’s videographer, 122123, 124, 238, 246247, 287

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 121, 122123, 124

Wanat mission/battle and, 238, 240, 246247, 258, 260, 262263, 265, 279, 286, 287, 291

Bowden, Mark, 336

Brennan, Josh, 129, 130, 238

Brostrom, David

background/description, 115

investigation/son’s death and, 333334, 336

upgrading son’s medal and, 342

Brostrom, David/Mary Jo, 115, 116, 204, 214, 333

Brostrom, Jonathan

background/description, 13, 115116

Bella/fighting and, 199200, 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

leave and, 214215

Wanat mission/battle and, 236, 237, 239, 246, 248249, 271, 272, 275, 277279, 287, 293, 305

Wilson and, 214215, 232, 329330

Burton, Shane

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118, 127

Wanat battle and, 322323

Bush, George W./administration, 3, 35, 51, 195

Caldwell, William, IV, 334

Camp Ederle description, 22, 27

Campbell, Charles “Hondo,” 335336

Canales, Jose, Jr., 76

Carson, Christopher

background/description, 171172

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

road projects and, 52, 210

Waigal Valley/Aranas and, 54, 207

Chavez, Hector

honor/Wanat battle, 331

Ranch House/attacks and, 75, 76, 8384, 91, 96, 102

Wanat battle and, 266267, 280, 281, 307

Choay, Christopher

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 134, 137, 142, 143, 161, 165166, 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

backgrounds (summary), 2, 3

battlefield medicine training, 33

deployment shift to Afghanistan and, 3637

description/ethnicity, 15

8th of November song/story and, 132

geographic diversity of, 13

Germany training and, 2930, 3133, 36

guilt feelings after Wanat and, 339341

individuals time with, 15, 20

Italy training/life, 17, 20, 2228, 3335, 38, 39

leave and, 214216

mascot, 20

move from Ranch House, 111

naming children after soldier friends and, 342343, 345

nickname/origins, 2

patrols in Waigal Valley/ambush (Nov. 2007), 111112

planned reunion (2017) and, 350

signing up/reasons (summary), 13, 1417

soldiers military experience and, 2930

soldiers remembering as best time, 346, 347, 349

technology (2006) and, 36

See also Bella; Ranch House; Wanat base; specific individuals

Christophersen, Derek, 253254, 261

Combat Outpost Kahler, 228, 237, 241, 257, 276, 290, 299, 325, 331. See also Wanat base; Wanat base/battle

Combat Studies Institute (Army), 257258, 334, 336

Coons, Kevin, 226

counterterrorism and Kilcullen, 51

Cross, Carlene, 122

Crowley, Shon, 172, 184, 187

Cruz, Dan

A10 jet/Ranch House attacks and, 94, 97104

background/description, 9394

honor/Ranch House attacks, 108

Cubbison, Douglas, 334

Davis, Aaron

after Wanat, 343

background/description, 252253

Denton relationship, 252253

honor/Wanat battle, 331

Wanat mission/battle and, 236, 252, 253, 260, 262, 300, 305, 309, 316, 319320

Deloria, Jeddah

after Wanat, 343

background/description, 9, 7273

evacuation from war zone, 107

first jump, 9

honor/Ranch House attacks, 108

in Italy, 26

Ranch House attack/injury and, 72, 73, 74, 7678, 80, 81, 84, 8788, 100, 105106

Takes son and, 345

Denton, Mike

after Wanat, 346

background/description, 12, 16, 2627

Christina (wife) and daughter, 346

Davis relationship, 252253

enemies roadblock/fight plan and, 201, 203

first jump, 12, 13

honor/Wanat battle, 331

leave/Christina and, 215

signing up, 16, 27

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 122123

Wanat battle and, 295297, 303, 304, 306, 307, 309, 312, 323

Wanat investigations and, 338

Derry, Scott

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 142, 146, 150151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 171, 173, 185

background/description, 26, 35

Bella attacks and, 226

Chosen Company/positions and, 21

in Italy, 26, 34, 36

“lucky grenade” of, 156, 321

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 127

Diaz, Juan, 166, 178

Din, Mohammed

background/description, 203

Kahler’s death and, 203, 205206

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

Wanat meeting and, 248249

Dzwik, David

Afghanistan deployment shift and, 37

after Wanat, 345

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 133, 134, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 172, 176177, 178

background/description, 37

Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 216

following Wanat battle, 330

honor/Ranch House attacks, 108

Ranch House and, 50, 60, 109

Ranch House attacks and, 79, 86, 92, 98, 101, 103104, 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, 265266, 292, 300, 305, 310, 313, 318, 319

8th of November song/story, 131132

Eller, Jason, 25

Ferrara, Matt

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 132, 133, 134, 138, 139, 140141, 142, 143, 146, 150, 151, 161, 163, 174, 178, 195, 248, 322

background/description, 13, 15, 23, 29, 6061, 192

death, 151, 308

death notification to parents, 192

in Germany/training, 33

honor/Ranch House attacks, 108

in Italy, 23, 25

memorial service for, 196

on men he served with, 193

patrol/ambush, 111, 250

Ranch House and, 60, 6162, 64, 6869

Ranch House attacks and, 73, 74, 80, 82, 83, 89, 91, 92, 99100, 101102, 103, 104, 105, 108

Ranch House defenses/risks, 6869

Stockard relationship, 6162

fighting

enemy weapons, 199

insurgents killing Americans/significance, 284285

Korengal Valley, 53, 5758, 129130, 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), 127130

US weapons, 52

See also specific attacks/battles

Flex magazine, 123

Forrest Gump (film), 309

Gafar, Abdul, 79

Garcia, Israel

background/description, 24, 298

death/remains, 305, 324

honor/Wanat battle, 331

in Italy, 24

leave, 215216, 243

Lesly (wife), 24, 40, 215216, 243, 333

plans for death/burial, 4041

Wanat mission/battle and, 243, 245, 253, 274, 293, 295296, 298, 303, 304, 305, 315, 324, 340, 341

Gates, Robert, 337

Gavreau, John, 270, 321

George, Devon, 15, 33, 59, 115

Geren, Pete, 335

Gilmore, Jared

background/description, 300

honor/Wanat battle, 331, 337

Wanat battle and, 300, 307, 310, 316, 318

Wanat investigations and, 337338

Giunta, Salvatore, 129130, 163

Gladiator (film), 339

Glenn, Andrew, 210

Gobble, Matthew

background/description, 340

guilt feelings and, 340

honor/Wanat battle, 331

Wanat mission/battle and, 56, 237, 240, 246, 258, 259, 260, 262, 265, 268, 273, 279, 287, 288, 290293, 300

Gonzales-Rodriguez, Carlos, 72, 76, 7778, 80, 81, 87, 89

Grafenwöhr, Germany, Joint Multinational Training Command, 32, 33

Grant, Ulysses, 329

Green, Gabriel

Addy (wife) and children, 2526, 112, 113, 115

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 166, 167, 177, 178

background/description, 25

Bella attacks/injury and, 226227

Bella/OP1 and, 112113, 114, 226227

falling in love/wedding (Addy), 2526, 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, 266267, 300, 307, 317, 320

Guilbeault, Amy, 349

Gul, Haji Juma

background/description, 209

dinner/US soldier guests, 249

home of, 241, 257, 260, 290

Hagerty, Andrew, 127

Hamby, Adam

honor/Wanat battle, 331

Wanat battle and, 267, 291

Hamid, Abdullah, 227

Hanna, Tom, 166, 187

Hanson, Dave, 111, 133, 193

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, 292293, 317318, 323

Helfrich, William, 299, 309

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

as medic, 275, 276

Wanat battle and, 275276, 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, 318319

Hills, The (MTV show), 119

Himes, Scott, 325

Hindu Kush Mountain range description, 43

Hissong, Brian

after Wanat, 340341

background/description, 200201

Bella and, 201, 204, 205

Blaskowski and, 128

guilt feelings and, 340341

honor/Wanat battle, 331

on Phillips, 38

Wanat mission/battle and, 8, 256257, 258, 267, 277, 294295, 298, 300, 303, 311, 323, 326

Honaker, Christopher, 344

Horney, Clayton

background/description, 168, 169

rescue mission/Ambush and, 169, 172, 174, 183185, 187, 188189

Hovater, Jason

background/description, 123124

death/remains, 286, 296, 306, 323, 349

family/wife, 123, 124, 232

honor/Wanat battle, 331

Jessica (sister) and, 232

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 122, 124

Wanat mission/battle and, 245, 275, 277278, 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, 46, 58

Jalalabad military base, 132

JEM (Jaish-e-Mohammed or Army of Mohammed)

Aranas and, 54

purposes/violent acts, 4445

Wanat and, 5

Joel, Lawrence, 131132

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, 140141, 145146, 150, 153154, 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, 224225

Wanat battle and, 312313, 323

Johnstone, Mark, 231, 247248

Jones, Brenton, 202, 203

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

background/description, 6264

Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 21

death/remains and, 203206, 247, 248, 276, 289, 297, 299

enemies roadblock/fight plan and, 201, 202203

in Italy, 63

leadership/style and, 6264

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, 170171, 175

background/description, 1314, 343

helicopter rescue, 175, 180, 182

in Italy, 25, 34

signing up, 13

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 127

Karzai, Hamid, 230

Keane, Jack, 18

Kilcullen, David

counterterrorism and, 51

on enemy fighting/strategy, 5253

Kinney, Matthew, 299, 309, 310

Korengal Valley

description, 53

fighting in, 53, 5758, 129130, 198, 199

people, 53

reputation, 5354

Krupa, Will

background/description, 267268, 289

Wanat battle and, 267, 268, 271, 289290

Kuhlman, Tyler, 314315, 322323

Kunar Province

descriptions, 44

Muj Highway and, 44

Lancour, Joseph

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 142, 146, 150, 178179, 185, 186

background/description, 1415

death notification to family, 192193

death/remains, 186, 188, 190, 226, 342

honor/Ambush, 193

in Italy, 34

memorial service for, 196

patrol ambush and, 111112

plans for funeral/burial and, 40, 342

Silvernale’s son’s name and, 342

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 178

Lancour, Rob/Starla, 14

Langevin, Jessica

background/description, 24

husband calling Nov. 2007 and, 132

in Italy, 2425, 41

notification of husband’s death, 191, 192

pregnancy/Zoe, 115, 132, 191, 192

Langevin, Sean

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 135, 145146, 150, 153, 163, 178, 344

background/description, 24, 25

Bella and, 115

death, 153, 163

death notification to family, 191, 192

following Ranch House attacks, 108

friends naming children after, 342

honor/Ranch House attacks, 108

in Italy, 2425, 41

memorial service for, 196

naked run/photo, 41

Ranch House attacks and, 80, 81, 87, 9596, 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

attacks by, 5, 44, 221, 225

Bella attacks and, 221, 225

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, 194195, 233

birthday and, 235

first jump, 12

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

in Italy, 194, 195

signing up, 16

Wanat mission/battle and, 234235, 237238, 240, 247248, 259, 263264, 265, 268, 282283, 287288, 290291, 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

Bella attacks and, 226227

hoist missions description/training, 169

motto, 294

Wanat base/battle (July 2008) and, 268, 293294, 299, 307, 308309, 313, 318319, 320, 324, 326327

See also Aranas meeting/ambush

Mendoza, Hugo, 129, 130

Mercier, Brad

in Italy, 25

position in Chosen Company, 25

Mersman, Jeff

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 138, 142, 146, 163, 165, 176177, 178179, 185, 189

background/description, 26, 125126

death notification to family, 192

death/remains, 189190

in Italy, 26, 125

Lynn (wife) and family, 125, 192

memorial service for, 196

Takes and, 125

Mersman, Marvin, 125

Meyers, Bradley, 32, 218

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

Muj Highway, 44, 208

Mujahedeen

history/insurgencies, 44

Soviets in Afghanistan and, 44

Mullen, Mike, 334

Myer, Matt

Aass’s wedding and, 345

on Afghan people, 247248

after Wanat, 345, 349

Aranas meeting/ambush, 133, 161, 178, 186187

background/description, 22, 3031

Bella/Bella attacks and, 204, 225, 229, 230

calling families of those killed in Ambush, 191193

Chosen Company/positions and, 2930, 63

closing Ranch House/Bella and, 5859, 110, 111, 206207, 228, 229

decreased force and, 5960

following Wanat battle, 335

Germany and, 2930, 31, 3233

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, 327329

Wanat base set up and, 218, 228

Wanat investigations and, 335, 336, 337, 338

Wanat meeting/firefights (March/June 2007), 210, 211, 212, 213214

Wanat mission/battle and, 6, 8, 235, 241, 249, 250, 255, 260, 267, 268, 271272, 290, 292293, 295, 298, 299300, 301, 305306, 307, 311, 320321, 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, 334335, 336, 338

New York Times, 130, 230, 231

Nicholson, John “Mick”

background, 5051

mission, 5051

separate, connect, transform theory of, 5152

Waigal Valley/Aranas and, 54

NODs (night-observation devices) abilities, 137, 169170

Nuristan Province

descriptions, 4344

Muj Highway and, 44

See also Waigal Valley

Nuristani, Tamin, 230

Oakes, Jason

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

Wanat battle and, 293, 300, 307, 316, 326

Omar, Hazrat

background/description, 6667

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, 227228, 229, 230, 231

Wanat base/battle and, 212, 250, 325, 327

Ostlund, William Brian

on Afghanistan mountain people, 53, 338339

after Wanat, 335, 338339

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 161, 162, 181182, 185, 190, 198, 322

background/description, 1719, 57

battles/enemy deaths and, 5354, 128, 129, 130

calling families of soldiers killed and, 191, 192, 193

Chosen Company/positions and, 36, 124

data-driven approach and, 5758, 197198, 335

memorandum for Petraeus on Afghanistan, 251252

plans to close Ranch House/Bella and, 5657, 109110, 198199, 207

preparing soldiers for Afghanistan, 3637

Ranch House attacks and, 88, 106

reunion (2017) and, 349350

taking over Cavoli’s area of operation, 56

training and, 32, 33, 3637

Wanat base after battle and, 327329

Wanat investigations and, 334, 335336, 337, 338

Wanat meetings/firefights (March/June 2007), 210211, 213214

Wanat mission/battle and, 237, 260, 268, 301

Owens, Starla, 192193, 342

Pakistan Taliban/Tehrik-e Taliban, 45

parachuting

description, 9, 11, 1213

first jumps, 9, 1113

Fort Benning, Georgia training, 10

Parra, Christina/Lorilei, 342

Peanut (dog), 114, 166

Pearl, Daniel, 4445, 294

Pech Valley

description, 45

US combat outposts, 51

Petraeus, David

after Wanat battle, 329

Desert Storm/getting shot, 18

Kilcullen and, 51

Ostlund and, 251

positions, 18, 51, 251, 334

Wanat investigations and, 334, 335

Phillips, Erich

after Wanat, 347

background/description, 3739

Baldwin’s transfer and, 216

closing/torching Ranch House, 109

following Ranch House attacks, 108

following Wanat battle and, 330331

honor/Ranch House attacks, 108

honor/Wanat battle, 331

in Italy, 2728, 3738, 39

Ranch House/area and, 47, 59, 66

Ranch House attacks and, 7980, 83, 8485, 86, 8990, 91, 94, 95, 9697, 102103, 104, 105, 106

Sean (son), 342

Simmons and, 28, 38

Sonia (wife) and children, 342, 347

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118119, 121

Wanat mission/battle and, 236, 253, 254, 255, 256, 261, 266, 267, 281, 300, 304305, 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

death, 263, 268, 273, 286

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

in Italy, 23, 26, 124, 275

Wanat mission/battle and, 238, 240, 246, 263, 264, 286

Pitts, Ryan

after Wanat, 348349

Amy (wife) and children, 349

background/description, 23, 1516, 39, 116, 200

Bella/fighting and, 116, 200, 204

Blaskowski and, 128

Chosen Company bonds and, 23

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

signing up, 1516

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 116, 119

stop loss and, 39

Wanat investigations and, 338

Wanat mission/battle and, 12, 3, 45, 6, 8, 236, 237, 240, 253, 256, 258, 259, 262263, 265, 268, 273274, 278279, 286, 287, 292293, 294295, 296, 298, 300, 304, 305, 307, 309310, 317, 324, 345

“plunging fire,” 7071

Ponderosa (television series), 47

Preysler, Charles “Chip”

Aass and, 213

after Wanat battle, 329

background/description, 116

Brostrom, David and, 333, 334

Ranch House/Bella closures and Wanat base set up, 110, 198199, 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, 230231, 248249

meetings (May/June 2008), 211, 214

Rainey, Pruitt

Albert relationship, 10, 2021

background/description, 10, 118, 120

death/remains, 286, 306

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

in Italy, 23

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 120

Wanat mission/battle and, 234, 237238, 240, 247, 264, 268, 271, 279, 286

Ranch House, 48 (map)

Chosen arrival, 43, 45

Chosen need to defend, 37

closing/burning, 109111

defenses/risks (summer 2007), 6869

defensive features, 4749

descriptions/area, 4, 37, 4344, 4550

difficulties establishing, 55

helicopter “landing” and, 47

Phillips/mortar section members, 59

plans to close Ranch House/Bella and, 5657, 5859, 109110, 198199, 207

soldiers climbing and, 4647, 49

soldiers stationed at, 6061, 68

summer 2007 planned attack on, 6667

US soldiers attacked/casualties (2007), 55

weather and, 4950

See also Waigal Valley

Ranch House attack (August 2007)

A10 jets and, 97104

Afghan National Army compound and, 81, 8586, 88, 90, 9192, 101

Afghan soldiers/security guards and, 71, 74, 78, 79, 8283, 97, 106107, 110

aftermath, 106108

communication breaks, 82, 83

descriptions, 7072, 7392, 93106

honors to soldiers, 108

Jihadist deaths/wounded, 104105

Jihadist gunmen descriptions/groups from, 7071, 74, 78, 85, 9091, 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), 349350

Rich, John, 131

rifle jam/fixing, 160

road projects/effects, Waigal Valley, 5152

Rock Battalion

companies within, 20

fighting/fatalities summary, 127130

planned reunion/2017, 349350

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, 168169, 172, 174, 175176, 179, 180181, 184, 188

Rome (HBO series), 119

Roque, Lester

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 136, 138, 145146, 150, 163, 178179, 185

death notification to family, 192

death/remains, 150, 185, 186, 188

honor/Ambush, 193

zip line and, 6465

Rubin, Elizabeth, 130

Ryan, Chris

after Wanat, 344

background/description, 168

Charlene (wife), 344

rescue mission/Ambush and, 169, 172, 174, 175, 183185, 188

Salazar, Joshua

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 161, 162, 182, 322

Bella attacks and, 229

Wanat battle and, 322

Samaroo, Sean

after Wanat, 345346

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, 256257, 258, 279, 287, 291292, 295296, 297, 298, 303, 304, 305, 306307, 309, 340, 345

Santiago, Mike

after Wanat, 341

background/description, 3940

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, 158159, 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, 207208

position, 207, 231

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, 307308

Wanat battle and, 299, 307, 308, 309, 319

Shaw, Jeffrey, 75, 88

Shelke, Nikhil, 280, 312, 318, 319, 320

Sherman, William Tecumseh, 329

shrapnel wounds described, 259

Silvernale, Kyle

after Wanat, 346347

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 185186, 187

background/description, 11, 34

Bella/attacks and, 224

on Chosen Company, 347

Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 34

first jump, 1112

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

patrol ambush and, 111, 112

son’s middle name (Lancour) and, 342

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118, 126127

Wanat battle and, 272, 311, 314315, 321323, 324, 346

Simmons, Stephen, 28

Sloan, Doug

Bravo Company and, 50, 54

death, 55

Smith, Jeremiah, 325

Sones, Jacob

after Wanat, 346

background/description, 11, 1617

first jump, 11

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

in Italy/drinking, 17

leave/wedding (Nicole) and, 215, 346

Nicole/Gavin (wife/son), 346

signing up, 17

Wanat battle and, 274, 293, 295296, 297, 303, 304, 307, 309, 315, 324, 341

Sones, Phillip/Teri, 1617

Spotanski, Adam, 87, 105, 106, 107

Stafford, Tyler

background/description, 14, 339

Brostrom’s medal and, 342

guilt feelings and, 339

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

in Italy, 23, 275

signing up, 14

Wanat mission/battle and, 6, 238, 246, 258259, 264265, 268, 273, 279, 286, 287, 290292, 296, 317, 341

Stamper, Anthony, 201, 202, 203

Stenoski, Scott, 332

Stockard, Shane

after Wanat, 345

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 133, 134, 136137, 161, 179, 190

background/description, 6162, 126, 136137

Begaye’s medicine pouch and, 350

Bella and, 61, 113

Bella attacks and, 223224, 226

Chosen Company/positions and, 15, 21, 37, 60

Ferrara relationship, 6162

Kahler relationship, 63

memorial service and, 196

Ranch House attacks and, 80

Wanat battle and, 272, 311, 312, 313, 316317

stop-loss, 3940

Sullivan, Francis Michael “Hank,” 123124

Tada, Joni Eareckson, 349

Takes, James

after Wanat, 345, 348

Aranas meeting/ambush and, 133134, 136, 141, 144145, 149, 153, 154, 155156, 157, 160161, 170171, 173, 177, 178, 180, 184

background/description, 3536, 275

becoming father and, 115

Bella/attacks and, 115, 224

Chosen Company/positions and, 35, 125126

honor/Ambush, 193

in Italy, 25, 34, 35, 41

Lauren/Sullivan Joseph (wife/son), 345

Mersman and, 125126

naked run/photo, 41

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 118, 127

White and, 348

Taliban

alliances, 45

Pakistan Taliban/Tehrik-e Taliban, 45

violence/activities, 200201

Talladega Nights (film), 172

Tehrik-e Taliban/Pakistan Taliban, 45

Tellez, Michael, 275, 280, 307

Thurman, Aaron

Bella/attacks and, 222, 224, 228229

honor/Wanat battle, 331332

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, 301303, 314, 323

Turner, Ken, 166, 173, 187

Vanity Fair, 3, 336

Vietnam War, November 8, 1965, battle, 131132

Vimoto, Isaia, 127

Vimoto, Timothy, 127

Wahhabism, 53

Waigal Valley

descriptions, 4, 4344

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

in Italy, 23, 26

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 117

Wanat mission/battle and, 245, 275, 280, 307

Wall Street Journal, 45, 294

Wanat

attacks/US soldiers’ deaths (Sept. 2006), 55

Blessing and, 59

descriptions, 112, 207, 208209

government and, 207

meeting and ambush/firefight (June 2008), 213214

meeting and ambush/firefight (March 2008), 210212

Wanat base

Chosen Few movie idea and, 219220

Chosen Few responsibility and, 217220, 231232

conditions, weather and, 245246, 256

description after battle, 327328

fate after battle, 325326, 329, 330

leaving Bella, 235236, 241

plan to evacuate Bella/occupy Wanat, 110, 198, 207, 208, 210, 217218, 228, 232, 237

plans for, 198, 207, 208, 210214, 217220

set-up defenses and, 219

set-up risks, 219, 220

supplies (water, sandbags) and, 245246, 256

town fathers meeting without inviting Brostrom, 248249

videos and, 245247

Wanat base/battle (July 2008), 242 (map)

Afghan guards/soldiers and, 7, 241, 258, 293

air support and, 268, 269271, 293, 294, 295, 296, 301303, 305, 307, 308, 312, 313314, 317, 319, 320321, 322, 323, 324, 327

apprehension about/communicating with loved ones and, 232235

Blessing soldiers coming to aid/trip, 272, 280

casualties, 326327

description of attacks/fighting, 12, 48, 258267, 268, 269270, 271284, 285323

description of base building/Topside location, 238241, 242247

Destined Company/equipment and, 219, 235, 236, 245, 252, 255, 267

dinner at Topside (July 12, 2008), 253

distrust of townspeople, 245, 247249

enemy numbers, 325, 327

enemy planning/locations and, 257258

enemy targeting/destroying major weapons, 267

enemy videographers and, 276277

equipment/weapons and, 235236

guilt feelings after, 339341

Gul’s warning on attacks, 249

honors, 331332

intel and, 235, 244, 250

investigations/controversy and effects, 333339

medevac helicopters/evacuations and, 268, 293294, 299, 307, 308309, 313, 318319, 320, 324, 326327

Predator drones and, 219, 231, 250251

preparation, 234

Rudy (spy) and, 250

as studied/analyzed later, 239, 257258

terrorist groups and, 5

US military resources arriving after battle, 325

village mosque and, 314315

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, 302303, 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, 158159, 161, 162, 163165, 171, 173, 174, 177, 178, 180, 181182, 183, 184

background/description, 139

Chosen Company/positions and, 21

honor/Ambush, 193, 339, 348

in Italy, 25, 26

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, 214215, 232, 329330

Brostrom’s death and, 329330

Wood, Andrew

A10 jet/Ranch House attacks and, 94, 97104

background/description, 9394

Young, Matthew, 312, 316

Yousafzai, Malala, 45

zip line, 6465

Zwilling, Gunnar

background/description, 118

Chosen Company/positions and, 118

death/remains, 323324

family, 118

spare time/life in Afghanistan, 122123

Wanat mission/battle and, 238, 246, 258, 259, 263, 265, 273, 286, 323