Soldier Survives Shot to Helmet During Firefight. What Feelings Does This Video Inspire In You?

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 08:10:36 -0500

In March 2011, Soldiers from 2-327 IN “No Slack” (101st Airborne Division) conducted a mission called Operation Strong Eagle III in vicinity of the villages of Sarowbay and Barawarlow Kalay in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The mission was planned to last 24-48 hours, but reportedly ended up lasting 9 days. We lost 6 of our brothers during the mission.

This video reportedly shows footage from a firefight that took place during this mission. Soldiers are engaging the enemy and taking fire in an attempt to provide cover for another platoon. One Soldier takes a round to the front of his helmet, yet manages to keep some sense of humor while getting worked on by the medic. Make sure you don’t miss his quote at the end of the video.

I watched this video several times, and the main feeling that kept coming back to me was “Brotherhood.” There is just something about this video that conveys the pureness and depth of the bond these Soldiers share with one another, and their commitment to one another. People talk a lot about the strong bond of military service – well this is a fine example.

** Question for RP members: What feelings does this video inspire in you? **

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWRhPpVZk8k

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Note: this is raw footage that may elicit tough memories for some RP members. It also contains NSFW language.

Soldier Survives Shot To Helmet During Firefight

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Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 16 at 2015 8:12 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 08:12:24 -0500

I have seen this video before and thought for sure he was TAPS. However, that goes to show faith in our equipment, medical staff from the medics to the doctors.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Feb 16 at 2015 8:16 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 08:16:16 -0500

CPT Aaron Kletzing, agreed on the "brotherhood" thought/feeling. I also thought of "camaraderie" and "faith," just as SGT Jim Z. addressed in his comment.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 16 at 2015 8:30 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 08:30:08 -0500

"Loyalty" and "Personal Courage" also come to mind for me with this video. Loyalty to one another and to the mission, and personal courage to Charlie Mike no matter what is going on, and regardless of personal risk or sacrifice.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 12:36 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 12:36:39 -0500

This needs to be shown to every new Soldier so they can get an idea of what can await them, how real Soldiers act, and how dedicated the team really is to each other.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 16 at 2015 2:20 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 14:20:52 -0500

I know quite a few of those No Slack studs. Hard as woodpecker lips.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 16 at 2015 4:03 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 16:03:28 -0500

Ultimate courage.
You can tell he wanted the helmet back on and back in the fight. I think any of us would want him on our team.

Response by 2LT Scott Armstrong made Feb 17 at 2015 7:03 PM

2LT Scott Armstrong — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 19:03:45 -0500

Confidence is born of proper training and the strength of those around you. This trooper's team stayed calm, the medic did his job and thus he stayed calm when most would have lost it. Outstanding job by the 2-327.

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Feb 17 at 2015 8:12 PM

SGT Greg Gold — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 20:12:16 -0500

Hardcore!

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 17 at 2015 11:48 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 23:48:18 -0500

How you feel, you dizzy or nauseous. Nah man I'm a f'ing stud.

All I can say is Charlie f'ing Mike.

Response by SFC Rod Bledsoe made Feb 18 at 2015 9:42 AM

SFC Rod Bledsoe — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 09:42:12 -0500

Courage...Brotherhood...loyalty...faith...discipline. And Warrior Spirit!!

Response by Maj Thomas Venable made Feb 18 at 2015 2:15 PM

Maj Thomas Venable — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:15:21 -0500

How many soldiers will a foxhole hold...one more! Brotherhood, wathcing your brothers back in the defense, courage...moving through fire to get your wounded brother for care. Thoughness...wanting to get back into the fight. All the Way boys...

Response by Sgt Joshua Anderson made Feb 18 at 2015 5:24 PM

Sgt Joshua Anderson — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 17:24:49 -0500

"He shot me right in the f'ing head!... this f'ing hurts... come on, let's go back out!"

"Do you feel dizzy, nauseous...?"

"nah man I'm a f'ing stud"

CLASSIC BAMF

Response by SGT Blake Hodnett made Feb 18 at 2015 8:57 PM

SGT Blake Hodnett — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 20:57:06 -0500

From a previous combat medic attached to Bravo Co. 2/327 INF, a big "No Slack" to these guys! Take care of business boys...Air Assault!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 10:18 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 22:18:43 -0500

My brothers in arms..

Response by PFC Kevin Higgins made Feb 19 at 2015 1:43 PM

PFC Kevin Higgins — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:43:44 -0500

Hooah Soldier!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 6:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 18:52:20 -0500

This is typical humor of most Service members who have been injured... The only time they weren't cracking some kind of sarcastic remark is the obvious, fallen brother, when their injuries were so severe they were unconscious, and worry over an injury in, shall we say, a delicate location... (A story I would love to share, but has a lot of profanity!!! But was absolutely hilarious if you were there!!!) the men that came across my trauma beds were an inspiration to me everyday and kept me going no matter how long or hard my day..... Though under Geneva Convention we take care of everything, reality for me I was there for them, our men and women... The rest were just my duty and obligation...

Response by SSG Christopher Buck made Feb 19 at 2015 9:21 PM

SSG Christopher Buck — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 21:21:42 -0500

I wonder how they will wrote that field loss up. SM shot in head. ACH is unsatisfied for duty. SM is ready for duty. I'd want to keep the ACH, but we know that isn't happening.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 19 at 2015 11:48 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 23:48:44 -0500

That my gear actually works as it's supposed to..... ;o)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 9:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 21:50:25 -0500

lol. typical infantryman's attitude.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 9:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 21:56:15 -0500

actually looks and sounds a lot like Joe Mckenzie, but i can't see his nametag. maybe somebody else can id him?