Benghazi
September 11, 2012.
Caleb called me when he heard about it,
and talked to me for quite a while.
I learned a lot that night...
One of the former Navy Seals killed in the attack was someone Caleb knew.
He was his friend.
Caleb had done independent contracting.
He knew what it entailed....what it was about.
He was a Recon Marine - highly trained for all situations.
These guys in our military, in Special Forces, have a keen sense for their surroundings.
of impending danger,
and are highly trained to respond, to protect.
He talked to me about so much - and it's all been locked away ever since.
Until now.
It all came back when I saw the movie.
I've followed Benghazi ever since Caleb's and my conversation in 2012.
It's part of my heart -for my son, what he stood for - for his brothers, for those in Benghazi who stood in the face of opposition - from the enemy and from the "those in charge."
I remember the account by Ms. Clinton and I quote, "Was it because of a protest or because of guys out for a walk one night, that decided to kill some Americans? What difference at this point, does it make?"
While four flag-draped caskets were ushered into a building filled with grief-stricken families, Ms. Clinton said, "It has been a difficult week for the State Department and our country....we've seen the heavy assault on our post in Benghazi that took the lives of those brave men. We've seen rage and violence directed at American Embassies over an awful internet video we had nothing to do with."
Then, the book was released - a first hand account of what the annex security team witnessed and experienced in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012.
The movie followed. I watched several interviews by Oz, Tanto and Tig, the three who were there, who waged war against the attacks that took the lives of American Ambassador Chris Stevens, Foreign Service Officer, Sean Smith, and former Navy Seals, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. These three, along with Doherty and Woods, saved the lives of the twenty to thirty-two Americans working at the State Department's Special Mission Compound.
I believe the account given by Mark (Oz) Geist - former Marine, Kris (Tanto) Paronto - former Army Ranger,, and John (Tig) Tiegen - former Marine. Getting the story out to honor their fallen brothers, to educate America on what really transpired at that time, is important.
I'm glad I saw the movie.
It was not easy, but I had to see it.
It brought tears, but I had to watch the story unfold.
The attack happened, and not because of an internet video. That statement is an insult to our intelligence, and a dishonor to the families of the fallen.
Stating it doesn't matter how the Americans were killed, 'what difference, at this point does it make?'
Believer me, if it is your child, your loved one who is killed - it matters.
One quote that stands out from Thirteen Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi:
“People in America get up and go to their nine-to-five jobs every day and are oblivious to all these battles and wars and people dying every minute all over the world. This is life. This is how other countries live. This is a daily occurrence in some places.”
Men, like my son, have seen, have lived in these places.
They understand what can happen when freedom is lost, is taken away and when tyranny rules.
Being a Harvard graduate (one base chief in the movie flaunts his 'education' in the face of those highly trained for such situations ) does not make one an expert in areas of experience in war and dealing with surrounding, real life-threatening situations.
These men were not deployed. They were hired CIA contractors willing to risk their lives.
because they knew what it meant to be in a place like Benghazi. They'd been trained. They knew to be on the alert, always.
A line that stands out to me -
"Warriors aren’t trained to retire."
Warriors -
It's who they are.
They can be counted on,
They can be trusted.
They believe in the Constitution of the United States.
They believe in freedom.
They know the high cost of that freedom, and are willing to pay
the ultimate price....
The warriors/the 'secret soldiers' of Benghazi fought to the end, never giving up, never giving in...
even when no help was in sight.
I know many men like this.
I have total respect for them.
These are
men of honor, of integrity, and courage.
Men with no personal agenda.
Men who love their country, their fellow man - willing to
sacrifice even their lives.
Benghazi is important.
Yes, it does matter, and it does make a difference.
