Resolute Support Headquarters hosts ceremony for veterans of the Afghan war

AFGHANISTAN

08.12.2017

Story by Julie A Kelemen 

Resolute Support Headquarters

KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 12, 2017) — Six American wounded warriors visited Resolute Support as part of Operation Proper Exit today. The event also honored Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick Feeks, a Navy SEAL killed in action in Afghanistan Aug. 16, 2012.

The visit was the final stop of a multi-day tour in Afghanistan, which kicked off Monday (Purple Heart Day).

The veterans spoke to the NATO troops in attendance about their life-changing experiences in Afghanistan. Each wounded warrior was medically evacuated from the battlefield in Afghanistan to hospitals in the U.S. and Germany.

The group included dual master’s degree holders, a Harvard graduate, motivational speakers and a Medal of Honor recipient. Each veteran had deployed to Afghanistan in the early years of the NATO and US operation and had been personally impacted by the mission to rebuild the country.

“Yours was an incredibly selfless and honorable act which has earned you the eternal gratitude of all of your fellow citizens,” said Gen. John Nicholson, commander, Resolute Support.

Operation Proper Exit offers a chance for injured service members to get closure and a unique opportunity to witness first-hand the progress in Afghanistan that they helped bring about.

“Your sacrifice is incredibly important. The stakes are high. If we fail in Afghanistan, we will invite terror attacks on our homelands and embolden jihadists globally. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces are delivering on the mission which you began,” Nicholson said.

After Nicholson’s remarks, each veteran shared their story of their life after their injuries, and why it was important for them to come back to Afghanistan. In the years since the veterans were evacuated, each have had to focus on their recovery, but they wanted to come back for closure.

“Every thought I had was how to return to Afghanistan as quickly as possible ... I think about Afghanistan every day,” said Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Joe Healey.

Healey was on his ninth deployment when he sustained serious injuries a helicopter accident in October 2005.

“I am very grateful to be here again and see the beautiful faces and the great terrain in the country of Afghanistan,” said Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Joe Healey.

Healey also spoke about his invisible scars and personal battles with reintegrating to society as his physical condition deteriorated.

“All of coalition forces represented here today have an important role in making a difference in the fight,” Healey said.

The wounded warriors’ visit comes at a significant moment in the history of Afghanistan, as the coalition forces have moved from a frontline position to a train, advise, and assist mission, according to Col. Jan Dunmurray, Swedish Navy and NATO spokesperson.

“We are making progress here with the help of the coalition forces and through our trusted and committed partnership with the Afghan Security Institutions and Defense and Security Forces represented here today,” Dunmurray said.

Hundreds of NATO troops came to the event to support their brothers-in-arms.

U.S. Army Maj. Will Garvin, a plans officer at Resolute Support, said he was inspired by the message of partnership.

“It was interesting to hear their stories and how they recognized the significance of having the Afghans here today. We are making real progress, with our NATO coalition forces and the Afghan Army,” Garvin said.

After sharing their stories, the hundreds of currently deployed troops in the audience rose in applause, and lined up to shake hands with the heroes and promised to continue the mission.

• Date Taken: 08.12.2017
• Date Posted: 08.14.2017 00:19
• Story ID: 244697
• Location: AF