Veteran’s Corner
Tom Krabbenhoft
As we go in life we often owe thanks to people that helped make us successful.
Sarah Knutson and the Felton Saloon are center for me this week. The thousands of dollars raised by different groups by events held by Sarah at her saloon are impressive. The veterans groups in the area have benefited greatly by her endeavors. She helped contribute to the success (and still does) of the FM Legion Riders when I was directing it. The Felton Saloon is for sale and Sarah is writing a new chapter. Good luck Sarah on the new chapter, we appreciate you.
Recently in Syria a drone strike killed an American contractor and injured several service members. What?! You might be asking why US troops in Syria? Yes they’ve been there since 2014 in one capacity or another. Currently we have 900 – 1100 troops in Syria. The contractor presence there is hard to guess. The drone that attacked our base was Iranian. The Iranians have been flexing muscle in that area for a long time. Iran arms and funds Hizballah and Hamas which are essentially an extension of the Iranian military.
Battle of Khasham- a very major battle took place between Russian, Syrian and US troops in 2018. 500 troops, many of them from the Russian Wagner group attacked a small base with 40 Americans and a small smattering of Kurdish and Syrian troops there. The 500 troops were backed by 27 armored vehicles. US and Russia have what’s called a “de escalation phone”. The Americans could tell by the radio traffic the attack was being led by Russians. The Americans tried to talk the Russians out of the attack. The Russians and friends assumed the base would be wiped out quickly.
US troops, mostly Delta Force and Rangers took cover behind dirt birms. They engaged with machine guns, grenade launchers and Javelin anti-tank missiles. They were being overcome by more than 12-1 firepower and 27 armored vehicles. The Americans held out for an impressive time. They took shelter underground and seemingly a portal to hell opened.
American airpower in AC-130, F-15E strike Eagles, a couple B-52s, Reaper drones and AH64 helicopters arrived and hit the Russians and their allies. Hit them they did! Radio traffic recorded Russians begging for help and not being able to escape the hell unleashed on them. The Russians attempted to retreat which the airpower thwarted. They assured a counter attack would not be considered.
The battle lasted only 4 hours and the Americans slaughtered the Russians. Estimated casualties are 120-300 killed. The Americans took no casualties and suffered no further attacks in Syria until recently.
Most people are unaware of troop deployments and the danger they are in daily. Is this a prelude of things to come?
Send your veteran-related items to me at 11btwk@gmail.com.