E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSA Rhode Island soldier is remembered after he died saving a child in Afghanistan. Mario Hilario reports.
Sgt. Dennis Weichel, 29, of the Rhode Island National Guard died saving the life of a little girl in northeast Afghanistan, according to the Rhode Island National Guard.
According to the report, Weichel was in a convoy in Laghman Province last week when he noticed some children were in the path of the moving vehicles. Weichel and other soldiers got out to move them out of the way.
According to the press release, while most of the children scattered away, one girl went back to the road, as a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle continued moving toward her.
Weichel saw the massive truck moving toward the girl and grabbed her out of the way, the National Guard said. The girl survived, but Weichel died after the armored vehicle ran over him.
The National Guard said Weichel's remains will be returned to Rhode Island on Saturday, according to the NBC Providence affiliate. The Army said Weichel leaves three children, a fiancee and his parents.
U.S. Army
Sgt. Dennis Weichel Jr., a Rhode Island Army National Guard infantryman mobilized with Company C, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, sits inside a Black Hawk helicopter prior to a mission earlier in his deployment in Afghanistan.
The circumstances of Weichel's death speak to his character, Staff Sgt. Ronald Corbett, who deployed with Weichel to Iraq in 2005, said in a U.S. Army press release.
"He would have done it for anybody," said Corbett. "That was the way he was. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was that type of guy."
Weichel was posthumously promoted to sergeant, according to the press release.
Corbett said Weichel was considered a fun-loving guy, but he was also a professional.
"When I first heard, I kept expecting him to jump up and say, 'Oh, I got you guys,'" said Corbett. "The last few days have hit me hard."
More from msnbc.com and NBC News:
- 'Global March to Jerusalem': Israel's borders on high alert as protests loom
- For Palestinian farmer, a reminder of Israeli occupation
- Gang-raped, strangled, set on fire: Teen dies in Ukraine hospital
- Was Jewish school gunman linked to French spies?
- Three-hour firefight: Afghan militants ambush NATO convoy
- Global smartphone booms poses huge fraud risk, expert says
- US: North Korea using hackers; food aid suspended over rocket
- US orders more security for troops in Afghanistan
Follow us on Twitter: @msnbc_world
Leave a Comment:
May he find joy in his next life.
Assuming there is no "next life", may the actions of THIS life resonate and drowned out the poor example of another.
Yes, this hero will not be remembered by the Afghans who just don't care about the child's life over the worship of their mythological writings called the Koran (as opposed to the mythological writings called the Bible, or the Torah). Certainly, no newspaper will run this headline more than the headline of the murderer who killed babies instead of saving them. Sad. Anybody worth their salt will link this article whenever the article of the murderer gets posted. So we can remember the decent people.
Derek, if this guy was Christian I hope you take back what you said.
Well, no. They're not likely to be happy that a US vehicle was going to run her over. They might wonder why the drivers are not more careful. That said, this guy did the right thing, and it's sad that he lost his life doing it.
Let's please just celebrate this hero's life, without the wrangling over whether YOU, personally believe or not that he will be blessed in his life after this earth. This man is a hero and deserves to be remembered that way.
I hope this gets wide publicity in Afghanistan to counter our lousy image there. I'd also like to read stories about how Afghans have stood up for us to counter their terrible image here (at least, I hope they have but that's more an act of faith on my part). The press is lacking in both departments. Mostly we just hear about the bad stuff so it's easy for each side to demonize each other.
Too bad they didn't both survive but he should have thought more about his own children. The parents of the kid he saved would have probably preferred the $50,000.
For sure you would not see any Afgan or Muslim saving a marine or their own daughter for that matter.
Yes, this hero will not be remembered by the Afghans who just don't care about the child's life over the worship of their mythological writings called the Koran (as opposed to the mythological writings called the Bible, or the Torah). True words DEREK...you hit nail on the head.
We served so you could all voice your opinions, a lot of us have died or suffered horrific injury along the way for that very right. Please. never forget what we, men and women, old and young alike have done or do for our Constitional Republic. Everyone we lose saddens our hearts but it sustains us as a nation. Fidelity and honor are choices we freely make when we take the oath. I often wonder who lies behind the hateful keystrokes on various threads and chats, their world made up of the information fabric of those that actually do.........Only honorable warriors actually call for peace, to the bystanders it's just another 5 letter word.
The Afghans don't give a phuck about this stupid kid playing in front of trucks....personally I wouldn't have done what he did...but he did what he wanted, his decision....if I get out of my truck move the kids off the road and they decide to go back right in front of the trucks well my mind would be clear....really out of all of Afghanistan these stupid kids have to play in the middle of a road with big trucks on it coming towards them.....just how stupid are these people? They couldn't move 20 phucking feet away and do the same meaningless sh!t they were doing in the middle of the road....little b!tch deserved to get run over....better her than one of the troops....thought about her over his own three kids.....I wonder if Odumbo will be sending his widow $50K....probably not since he's white and a soldier and not a muzzie
Built into all people is a love and care for their children.
Those saying the Afghan people wouldn't care about their children are sick in their minds. True bigots can't see people for what they are and only see the ugliness in mankind. I suppose it is just a reflection of their own miserable life.
This man was a hero, and it WILL be noticed by the Afghan people. The Taliban, not so much. The people on the other hand love their children, and do notice.
Son-of-Anubis: You should be ashamed of yourself. Take your hate and leave.
Nope, only seen it here (online MSNBC) so far. Nothing on Arabic Al Jazeera yet. Maybe while we were moving yesterday, could have missed something.
Condolences to his Family.
If it was on the News here the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban as part of their Asymmetric Warfare would state that he deserved it, getting run over by his own vehicle. They would not even mention the girl.
It is just like when we save Afghans (men, women, children) that were beaten, tortured, repeatedly raped, limbs chopped off by the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban, Al Quada, Hamas Foreign Fighters, etc.; if we don't save them then they claim we killed them or let them die. That too is also part of their Asymmetric Warfare, Our loss of Local, Province, National Support and their gain of that Strategic Asymmetric Warfare Goal of obtaining Local, Province, National Support for their Cause (Fundamentalist Islam).
The idea that you have that we have a terrible image here is also part of their Asymmetric Warfare Strategic Goal, "Defeat the National Will of the Enemy".
If you ever sat in a MRAP, you would know. Ok, even better, put a traffic cone about 5-10 feet behind a pick up truck or SUV, get into the cab of a pick up truck or climb into an SUV drivers seat, now what do you see in the rear view mirror.
http://media.photobucket.com/image/mrap%20buffalo/JCANTON/Album%25203/BuffaloMRAP.jpg
From what we know from experience when we use vehicles (rarely), we know that when the Afghan children are around the road go like a bat out of hell, because the road is safe. It is when you do not see the Afghan children around the road that there are going to be a heck of a lot of IEDs (big enough to blow up a MRAP), RPG Ambushes, etc. just waiting for you. That is why as US Military Asymmetric Warfare we do NOT use vehicles or the few Afghan Roads (known routes of advance).
RIP , and you know he was a Liberal because a Teapublican would not of helped a little foreign girl
Teapublicans are just in it for themselves now, the name so hollow, it's use tarnishes the image of the birth of our great nation. The movement has grown it's own head, it is truly light years away from what it was intended to be in the beginning. The Koch boys funded it as if it were a brand new fossil fuel reserve. They quickly bought off it's leadership and morphed it into a loathed Libertarian watershed that spawned the brand new AFP (American Faith Party) or as I like to say the "New Inquisition", The Republicans have to vote for the TP candidate's because they're just aren't anymore real Republicans left. The Teapublicans have made our Congress into the laughing stock of virtually every civilized nation on earth. Ronald Regan would have been described as a flaming liberal in a Tu Tu compared to the AFP's Proselytizers that lay homage before you nowadays.
Now this guy is a shining star and very deserving of the uniform of a soldier of the United States of America! May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family. I'm sure they are very proud of their brave soldier!
For all that some have shown us is wrong within some members of our military, it is true heroes such as this person that made such the sacrifice and for all the right reasons that make us proud. If there is a heaven, this hero most certainly has earned a rightful place there.
Medal of Honor, Not much is more honorable than giving your life to save another.
So many times the military news stories are fake..military BS..I do hope this is true..I can't believe our own country anymore... its that bad these days..
Stg. Weichel Jr. I salute you sir for serving our country..I salute you sir for being a human, I salute you sir..because I'm crying my eyes out now and don't even know you..GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY and RIP STG.WEICHEL JR.
Was just thinking what I said in last post.."don't even know you"..I don't know how not into this Internet stuff to much..but why can't some start up a web page for past hero's of America. Like letting their family's have edit rights to add info of our brave fallen ones..like an .org site. I'm not even sure if there is one yet..maybe there is..be great if all states have one for family's to add to their loves ones lost in the military.
The internet will be around 100 years after we are all dead..best place to leave info about anyone or anything!
@mike277.. what happened is the truth.. his ex-wife informed us (his friends and family) this past friday, though all of the details were not known at the time. apparently, the children were picking up brass shell casings in the road.
Jay..my heart already knew the truth..I wasn't just saying about this story..I meant the military been faking us so much..its hard to tell the truth now.
I'm so sorry for your loss of a friend..that's what I was thinking..why not make web sites per state and tell all about our fallen ones..did he like baseball..was he a good dancer..etc..let others know what this young man did in his life..who serve our country and died for it also so..might give ideas for our future children if they read about our fallen ones.
In this cruel world, poor Sgt. Dennis Weichel gave life at very young age for saving someone!
Will the ungrateful Afghans remember it?
After some time, many in the US also will forget!
Thank you SGT Weichel for your unselfish and heroic deed. I am sorry that our media failed to pay proper tribute to you because it wasn't negatively sensationalizing enough to headline.
To Karzai et all his death means nothing no press release, all afghan care less why he died. That certainly tells all of us what kind of people live in a countrylike afghansitan. Thankless and only understood how to riot and killing each other
I expect Karzi doesn't mention this to his people.
This hero must have been a Democrat, because no self centered Republican would do anything unless it benefited themselves.
Well, you won't find any Tea Party fans of Ayn Rand doing this selfless deed of heroism, that's for sure! (Ayn Rand was openly opposed to altruistic gestures like this).
@brenda1964, thanks for a useless comment from a useless human being. Instead of honoring and remembering this fallen hero, you have managed to drag the thread down with completely heartless and useless political grand stand. I'm not sure about the other 99.9% of the posters but I seriously doubt anyone gives a rats a** about his politics and thank him for showing what our men and women of the armed services are willing to do to protect a life. God bless Sgt. Weichel Jr. and thank you for showing the love and courage that makes me proud to be an American!
I'd like to think something like this transcends political affiliation, and members of each party only verbalize divisive, extreme, and reactionary things without thought. As such, I'd like to think the young man realized he was in Afghanistan in 2012 because both major political parties failed.
Very sad but it does prove there are still TRUE American hero's to bad they are so hard to find now days ... Here back home We are to wrapped up in BS politics that is splitting this country apart is so sad when winning an election takes precedence over the citizens needs ... RIP
Sorry, just had to get in the politics first before anyone else. That being said, he is a true hero.
My heartfelt thanks to Sgt. Weichel's parents for raising such a brave, patriotic and caring son. My sympathy to his children and girlfriend for their loss, as well. They will all be in my prayers.
As for an image to carry in my mind of the average man and woman serving our country, I will imprint Sgt. Weichel's face and character upon my memory.
I have no doubt that the family of the child he saved is grateful and beholding to him, as any of us would be. They are human beings caught in a horrific predicament. I wouldn't want to be them.
The fact of the matter is the Afghan people do not value life the way Americans do, especially the lives of women and little girls. You shouldn't have to have been born yesterday to not know that. They won't really care that an American soldier saved that little girl. Don't fool yourself.
Alan, I've been around this ol' world a long time; worked within the Probation and Parole System, as well as DSHS, and met every kind of person out there. Afghans do not hold the monopoly on devaluing the life of women and children, believe me! And, whether you believe it or not, they ARE people and they do feel love. You can take your brainwashed mind and go seek peace or war elsewhere, because I've said my 'piece', now, to you.
Peace out!
I'm upset that he died for people that have nothing but hate for us. I'm upset that he left behind children here in this country. I'm upset that he left behind a wife. I'm upset that he was even there. I'm upset because I know the country lost one of it's finest warriors. God bless him, and God bless America.
Derek-381097
Your mythological. You need proof
I served 26 years in uniform and retired two years ago. I deployed to, or was stationed in, several countries with majority Muslim populations. All these posts from people who think they know everything about everyone in the world, without exception, and with so much hatred and ignorance are just wrong. What has my beloved America become? Have we become a nation of hate?
Sgt Weichel died saving a child. Please don't make his sacrifice less by assuming the child has no value. To do so makes his death appear meaningless. Don't do that to his family. Respect his choice to value the life of the little girl he saved.
What a wonderful thing he did, what a horrible thing to happen. I hope this stays as a story about a hero who died saving the life of a little girl, nothing more, nothing less.
Sadly there will only be people who will criticize the US. This girl will be driven down and abused by her own people. This soldier is a hero, and the world should understand that a vast majority of our soldiers have done the same thing for many generations. Good stories don't make the news and offer good ratings. Thank you to all who have served and are serving this country.
I prayed for the family of this hero this morning.
Why did the vehicle keep moving........... who was the A$$hole that ran over him!!!!!!!
You folks want to learn about how it really is over there read post #1.13 by David above. He drilled it spot on. Probably because he lived it, not just read about it like most of you.
Many of you come on here to get your venom out. Spewing your devisive BS. You are all little people of no consequence. You have no honor, no integrity and little character. This soldier had more of those traits in the tip of his pinky than any of you have in your entirety.
So buzz off and quit dumping on a heroic act of an honorable man. He is most definately going to a good place for his actions on this earth. You in all likelihood are not. So have a nice day while you can.
sezme, if he was a Liberal, he would have called for someone else to do it. Take your comments and place them in your apprpriate place.
Derek. Just curious, why is your icon a Crusader if you have the views on religion as you do? It must be sarcasm, but when you do not comment on religion people would have a completely different view of your beliefs.
I wonder if this story is true. I believe the soldier is dead but I wonder if it happened the way the military says. Our soldiers have gotten into so much trouble lately, including the massacre of 16 women and children, I wouldn't be surprised if they took advantage of a situation to make it look like not all American soldiers are neaderthals to the Afghans. See - this incredible soldier saved a little girl. Maybe.
Hmmm...now his children have to be raised without a father. He should have thought about his children. These Muslims have no value of life. They blow up their children, cut their heads off, etc.. I mean really Muslims hate Americans and are taught to hate and want to kill us from the time they are born. These children should not have lost their father for these haters of Americans. The muslims will never appreciate what he did for them and it is so very sad that there are 3 little children here who will never have the love of their father in their lives.
well, considering how many civilians have died in afghanistan why would they care about one american who did the right thing? he was already outweighed by one who did the extremely wrong thing and murdered 16 or 17 afghans including children.
@brenda1964, no you did not have to get politics in this first. You or any one else did not have to get politics into this one AT ALL!!! Those of us that served raised our right hand and swore to defend not a party or a movement, but the Constitution and the WHOLE nation. So to you and a few others who brough politics in these coments- Shame on you.
What a Brave young man...I pray to God, that May his soul rest in eternal peace and may he be rewarded with the utmost blessings in the life here after...I truly hope that his family gets blessed with mental peace and satisfaction that their father, son, brother, friend died doing something noble.
Guys I am truly amazed, rather hurt, at some of the ideologies of the people about Muslims. We are not savages like you think we are. It is true we study Qur'an and we respect that holy scripture, but that does not mean we worship it. We worship only One GOD. We also respect Bible and Torah.
I dont blame people who spew so much hatred towards Muslims, maybe they have never had an interaction with one and their only source of knowledge is news, which in most cases is very misleading.
I wish media would share more positive stories about the hero's from both US and Afghans rather than spreading the negatives.
A lot of negative comments on here. Can't you people find the good in anything? You people are really miserable. I think it's time to go outside and make some friends.
Opon pending review.
Military Final Report:
Death By Friendly Tire.
(I'm sorry, I couldn't resist)
I wonder what Karzai will say publicly about this...or, at all.
Why are we still there? Bin Laden is dead. Hussein is dead. Why don't we bring our troops home? My deepest sympathies to this hero's family.
Now this man was a true soldier. Saving the life of another and by doing so bettering the reputation of his country.
grumpy_jon
I wonder what Karzai will say publicly about this...or, at all.
1 life saved vs thousands of innocent ones lost. or save 16 more and you've made up for that 1 crazy guy who killed 17 including children.
Brenda Abraham Lincoln was republican and no one can say he didn't give his life for a lot of people. Read history or keep your idiot mouth shut you make your party look bad.
Wow Brenda! You remind me of a stupid ass just like you of the same name and about the same age!!! You, Sez Me and that other idiot Anubus take away from what this brave man did with your petty politics. Good Grief!!
Thanks for your post Jon!
f walsh, your party is not the party lincoln would have joined if he were around today. your ideals are completely different than his were.
@ HATR HURTER
to add...
I wonder what Karzai makes of this considering he labeled all U.S Forces "Demons".
Are you talking about the thousands of innocent Americans killed in one day on 911? or thousands of innocent lives lost in Afganistan over the last 8 years?
Shame on everyone who said that the Afghan people will not appreciate what this man did and that he shouldn't have done it.
This man is a true hero.
Why can't everyone just realize that we are all human and quit tearing each other down?
@Brenda
Sorry, just had to get in the politics first before anyone else
Don't you mean...
Sorry, no self centered Democrat would post a compliment before posting a useless jab that benefited themselves and their ego first.
Your tacky.
@Tina
He SHOULD have done it and it was right....but the Afgany people as a whole will not appreciate it.
Sabot,
Little Girl = Non-human or same as a dog to them. Am I wrong?
Well, I like to imagine NO AMERICAN ARMY TRUCKS rumbling around Afghanistan. That in my mind is a much brighter picture. The little girl would not have been in danger and Weichel wouldn't be dead and still would be a dad to his three children.
Nope... they are property. They 'belong" to the father, they are watched over by their brothers, uncles, cousins.
Then ownership is transfered to husband. If, when he dies - it the are lucky, ownership is transfered to Son or sons or they are sent back home.
They do have value , for trade or fufilling obligations ... bride price.
BrianB-2641029
I don't believe that this type of action allows for the Medal of Honor. It may however warrant the Soldiers Medal, which if I recall correctly is the highest award for this type of action. It all depends on his chain of command and if he is nominated. Very brave and compassionate act by this young man!
Needless to say, there are truly some extremely brave and courageous servicemen and women who'll go in harm's way even if it is their last act on earth. May this soldier Rest In Peace and may his family be comforted.
Now, I want to see our government make this a major item for the American people. I want Karzai to speak of the selflessness and bravery of this soldier. I want to see all those who rioted over the burning of the Quaran (mistakenly) go and pray five times in one day asking Allah to be compassionate to the family members left behind by this soldier's act of honor and bravery.
I'll certainly listen to hear this reported on mainstream media news outlets. Let's see if any of what I asked for here will come to pass.
@ Ironforce..... well said! We don't turn into monsters when we put on the uniform. Sgt Weichel showed that.
I could not have stated it better, IRONFORCE!
Well stated! I'd like it to run for 24 hours strait on Al Jazeera
I don't understand why these vehicles didn't stop...they don't explain it in the article.
Bless his heart..
@Ironforce
Are you kidding me....of course you're not going to hear it on the lame stream media/controlled media. They don't want to put the troops in a good light....just focus on the supposed murders by Bales. Karzai the phucking idiot, you expect him to say anything good about this guy throwing away his life. This scumbag is lucky he hasn't been assassinated yet, no way he's going to say anything positive about the saving of this stupid kid....needs to keep the hatred up for what Bales supposedly did...more hatred the more money Odumbo throws at him, so it pays to hate America with this Muslim in Chief in the White House, 'hate America and we'll pay you' is his creed.
Read post#1.13.
Addtion to post#1.13.
We also know something else, it is also possible (happened before) that the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban, Al Quada, Hamas Foreign Fighters, etc. will have children stand in the road to get the vehicle to stop right on top of an IED, or if you get out of your MRAP their Ambush starts.
Ever seen a bunch of fully armed US Military running like hell. Well, I was one of them, when a small Afghan child walked up to us with a handgrenade with the pin pulled (yes, I could see that, that is how close I was). note: the handgrenade is not like ours with a "spoon" (lever) release, you pull the pin the fuse is burning.
Amen to that! IRONFORCE
add to post#2.6.
Don't even say grab the grenade from the child and toss it away, it was too late to even attempt to play hero. And if you think you would not be fighting with the child to get the handgrenade away you are sadly mistaken (like some of the other dead heroes). Most of us had only taken a couple of steps to run before being picked up and thrown to the ground.
Everyone here should share this link via email or social media...WE can make it so THIS compassionate warrior is remembered for a long time. RIP
Motherhood is the same there as it is here, and I am quite sure the mother of the child he saved has not forgotten him in her prayers. In all our hate here, it's hard to remember that people are people no matter where they may live and to suggest that somehow they don't love their children because they happen to be Muslim one would need to be heartless and incredibly bigoted. These people have went through hell on Earth for decades. I am sure if someone saved your own child from certain death you would pray for the person that saved your child while making the ultimate sacrifice. Cheap comments like I have read thus far make this Soldiers ultimate sacrifice cheap. He is a true American Hero. May your rest in peace while you await that final rollcall from the highest authority. Truly I pray for the soul of America the hate I see daily in comments has no excuse
I have a major concern on Sgt. Dennis Weichel's sacrifice.
How many Weichels' have to lose lives fighting somebody's dirty wars?
When the NATO forces are involved in a major war in Afghanistan that too with backstabbing Pakis as allies, it was most foolish to go into war in Iraq in 2003 on Saudi, oil companies and lobbyists' directions.
Look at that Sgt Bales case! These too many wars are driving crazy even the most sane people. Then imagine the case of those fighting battles.
Some of the sick politicians, who are doing scare and war mongering on Syria and Iran, can't even locate the battle zones of Afghanistan and Iraq!
Have a little bit mercy on poor soldiers and those huge unemployed, sickly and elderly right in the US!!
And that David is exactly what seperated this young hero from persons such as yourself. Many a soldier has tossed his own body over live grenades to save those around him. Many have died realizing they never had to do that as those people around him had already ran to save their own hides but still, the heroes did not stop to think about their own butts... they reacted in a true heroes way.
Dear Karen Britton: While what you wrote is quaint and nice and warm and fuzzy, please read David's comments 2.6 and 2.8. This is what these barbarians actually think their children are good (useful) for. If people like you don't wake up and see the reality of the world we live in, the barbarians will win.
Hamas foreign fighters? Sounds like the zionist apologists have arrived to pedal their wares on the evils of Muslims everywhere. David and steel toed boot have reduced them all to "savages".
Why is anyone even proselytizing here. We lost a soldier who, in the term of his military service, now exemplifies the nature of moral commitment as nested in duty. We, the people whom he laid down his life for, owe him a debt of gratitude. His loss is heartbreaking. I am sure the Afghans will agree as well when all is said and done.
why would karzai say anything about it? he's still dealing with the issue of the soldier who murdered 17 people. 1 courageous act doesn't undo several years of innocents dying.
Steel toed boot
I feel sorry that you have such a negative view of other human beings.
Karen was right.
Mothers are the same everywhere.
In fact, if mothers ran the world there would be a lot less killing.
Ok...thank you David...
We are likely to see more reportings of this sort to play the humane side of US military. This is to counter the adverse effect of mass murdering of people in their sleep.
Yup, you got it Hank.. This guy thought to himself, hmm let me give up my life so we can report a nice thing... What the hell is wrong with you...This young man is everything that is right about American and his family should be proud as hell...
You're an ass! I'm sure you think this didn't even happen. The acts of kindness and humanity performed by individuals in the U.S. military far outnumber the atrocities. The selfless acts of kindness don't make for good news because people like you just want to hear and see the evil side of things. You vilify the entire military because of the evil act of one, but give no praise, to even a single individual, for a selfless act of kindness.
Ignore him. His opinion means less than our opinion does to him.
Hey Hitler von Scumb@g! ! Go "F" yourself!
Hey Joe
Leck mich am Arsch! Dumme Schlampe.
Nazi's have been and always will be Nazi's. We kicked your rumps in the war and it looks like you are asking for another beating. Where do you live tough guy? Oh, only your internet muscles are tough huh?
The Truth-2190315
Heinrich is a 'troll', someone who acts like an a$$ online. I doubt he wants a physical confrontation with anybody since he rather cowardly harrass behind his computer.
Germany was defeated in WWII due to her great loss at the eastern front. Germany diverted 90% of her troops in fighting the Russia and it was Russia who broke through to Berlin. US involvement at the western front paled in comparison.
Do yourself a favour, look up the history and learn some truth. Don't have yourself on. You give "Truth" a bad name.
Henrich von Loser,
What does WW2 have to do with this? You must have a very miserable life if you can't even acknowledge this soldier died saving someone's life - which was a good deed.
we got some nuts but we got some heroes! lets see if the afghans recognize him as such!
This girl wouldn't have needed saving if we weren't waging war against a near-defenseless country in the first place. This article is such BS.
An American Hero is dead Laura and you say BS, I say eat @!$%# and die traitor!!!
I can't imagine the ignorance required to refer to a country known as "The Graveyard of Empires" as "near-defenseless." Afghanistan occupations have broken the backs of empires from ancient Rome to modern Russia, and depending on who you ask, they may or may not have broken our's as well.
Just because they lack fighter jets and nuclear weapons does not make them defenseless. Heck, the fact that we have been waging a war there for 10 years proves they are not defenseless.
I cant imagine a leader of an empire that would take his empire to war into a place known as "The Graveyard of Empires." The Russians and the world for that matter are still laughing at our folly.
steelermama- Talk about over reacting, traitor because she questions why we are over there?
I think what this soldier did was very brave! My thoughts go out to his family!
She will probably will grow up to be a suicide bomber anyway. Worth saving? I think not.
Laura,
Perhaps we shouldn't be there, but that isn't the point. You diminish what this man did for a child extremely few would even care about. That American soldier spent all he had and all he ever would have had to save that little girl he didn't even know. His own three children will have to grow up without him but I imagine they will grow up knowing what kind of father he wouild have been. They will miss him terribly but they will love him all the more for knowing.
I understand your resentment at our being there. I resent it, too. But the article is not BS. The world deserves to know the heroism of this soldier.
Laura made her own story up about what happened. Too bad none of it has anything to do with reality.
I agree with Laura. Only problem is she would be in the care of the Taliban,forced to provide sexual acts,mutilated,tortured,imprisoned,enslaved...and the list goes on. I have an idea,hows about you moving to that cesspool when the U.S. pulls out.
I'll never understand the thought process of people like you, Laura. Sad really. Living your life with such angst [look it up] must be tough.
How about this, instead of the Teams doing what we did, how about you doing your Civic Duty, "US Military Service is a Civic Duty" - Candidate Obama
Not mentioned here (link below), we were the Teams that went into the Afghan Cities and fought the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Militias:
http://dougstanton.net/
Cappy1911, is that you Mr.Obama? Sure looks like ya, but, I don't have on my glasses.
Should have shot her in the head! You know a mercy killing so she wouldn't have felt the truck run over her. Just another forrest gump, stupid is as stupid does.
steeler, the traitor is the one who doesn't speak out when they see their country doing something wrong. why have the freedom to dissent if you're never going to use it?
the US has gotta get its black market opium trade secured from afghan. no oil? no problem! heh heh ;)
Not only that he saved the little girl, but he saved his country from embarrassment. A brave man!
Let's hope this is true and not a Pat Tillman-type tall tale. We can't afford another one of those.
Henrich,you're an idiot. The man lost his life saving another life.What the hell is your problem. He had nothing to do with murdering anyone in their sleep. This story will probably not be seen by a lot of people because it's not sensational enough. But when someone in the military does something horrifying it's front page news. Lots of people know the name of the soldier who massacred those people in their sleep,but this hero will hardly be noticed.There is something really wrong with this picture.From one vet to another Sgt. Weichel, I salute you.
My sympathies to his family. Let's hope that this story gets at least as much coverage throughout Afghanistan and the World as did the recent news of the civilian massacre by a US soldier.
Spc. Dennis Weichel, 29, of the Rhode Island National Guard your an AMERICAN HERO...HOOAH!!!
But the big bad WHITE guy kiiiilllled the sweet handsome innocent colored boy!!!We're so EEEEEEvilll, the USA is in that we so eeeevil sh*t mode again, and the big bad WHITE guy killed the sweet innocent colored boy!! F*ck everybody have a great day.:) None of this news is sh*t to my life, I'm doing the right things and they all get what they deserve, the truth is one of our own soldiers ran over his own guy and no the Afghans will not recognize a kind gesture if it came from a rat or pig like a white US Christian, that's the reality, F*ck all the news and the media But I love you guys!
Take your meds, dude.
Better yet, go OD on the meds.
Logoslogic - You think you make sense and you do everything right until YOU one day carelessly walk in front of a bus or a piano falls on yer head as its being moved...could happen...eyes wide open putz.
Cappy1911, is that you Mr.Obama? Sure looks like ya, but, I don't have on my glasses.
Dang gone White House is taking it's toll on ya huh.
what does that even mean, Darrell?
Well I thought liberals were big on being smart and what I said doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand. Look at your moniker and then you tell me what it means.
So lets us treat one another with kindness and fairness in a world that is a scary wilderness, Okay?
Heinrich Von Dorf is 100 % right. Thank you Mr. Dorf for your input. Ditto.
Further, this article is pure propaganda. In addition. the US army has no business in Afghanistan in the first place. Heroes are the ones who refuse to go to Afghanistan to murder innocent people.
These men and women aren't over there by choice, Nel, they're members of the military and go where they're told to go. If they refuse, they're AWOL and get court-martialed...
You got a problem with us in Afghanistan, talk to good ol' George W...he's the one who put us there - actually, no, go talk to Al Quaida...they started it with the 9/11 attacks.
Nel, sorry to hear about your recent lobotomy. Those of us with fully functional brains are proud of this hero.
I agree Nel, They don't get it.
So, those in Afghanistan are all innocent? In what world do you live? They harbored terrorists and most that are killed are the ones responsible for much of the hate in that part of the world. I am not saying we still need to be there. But the cowards that refused to go are NOT heros! You and Dave are the ones that dont get it!
Positive news is war propaganda while negative news is anti-war propaganda. You are no different sir!
Nel - they are NOT innocent! Did you forget 9/11? War sucks and some innocent people do get hurt as a result, but the regime responsible for the terror they brought to this country needed to be dealt with. What about all of the innocent victims of 9/11 and their families?
How about this, instead of the Teams doing what we did (most not surviving), how about you doing your Civic Duty, "US Military Service is a Civic Duty" - Candidate Obama
Not mentioned here (link below), we were the Teams that went into the Afghan Cities and fought the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Militias:
http://dougstanton.net/
Must be really nice, Nel N., not having to deal with the fact that you may never see the US, your Relatives, Friends again. Just because you are stopping the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban from massacring the US Ally Afghans like they did before.
David, were you one of the Horse Soldiers?
I read the book and it was absolutely an epic account of the early days against Al-queda and the Taliban. Special forces doing what they do best. If indeed you were there - Thank you!
Nel, bro...
Military service is a noble, brave thing for a young person to do. It has been that way for thousands of years. Go back to your drum circle and visualize a world full of passive, baked, conflict-avoiding males such as yourself. Awful place, isn't it?!
The alpha males (and females!) will take care of business whether they are soldiers proudly carrying out US foreign policy abroad, or bankers foreclosing on your smelly hippie commune. Ok, got carried away there:)
Mohamedians couldn't care less... since it was a girl.
Sounds like you don't either "christian".
Does the truth sting you somehow?
Now if he had dove in front of a truck to save a Koran... Mohamedians would have respected that.
Maybe she went back in the street because she had a grenade or something in her hand and was supposed to blow up the vehicle, maybe that's why they were in the road. These people use their kids to do their dirty work, especially being it was a girl-they have no value for the life of women and girls, really of no one's life.
I'll bet you won't find the Afghan government giving any of our soldiers who died for them $50,000 for their families! You won't hear the Afghan govrnment make any apologies for this soldier's death either, since it was an American or UN vehicle that ran him down. What a shame this is on our military. And this young man is not in this situation alone! There are many, if it was or would be known, that have died in much the same scenario, helping out their fellow man, no matter what race, nationality.
It dismays me to see so much hatred and negative comments directed toward others.
But it does not surprise me.
The soldier was posthumously promoted, while the little girl he saved will likely be punished by the tribal leaders in her village for having contact with an unrelated male. (probably punished for failing to be killed by an american vehicle in a way to provide ammunition for the anti american groups) Good job and kudos for the soldier, but the Afghan gov't will not acknowledge the act in any positive light.
Graybiker: I hate to say this, but you're probably right on all counts. Sad, isn't it, that all we can see the afghanis doing is to negate the good this man did.
Nothing will "negate" the good that this soldier did. Nothing honorable done with a pure heart is ever diminished by human reactions to it. There is no greater love than to give ones life for another. We are celebrating that love this Sunday. I am sorry for all of you who have no concept of agape love. This young man saw a child in danger. I have a feeling it wouldn't have mattered if she was an Afghan or not. This is the same love my friend Richard Ginsburg USMC had when he ran into a burning house to rescue the occupants. They survived. He did not. That was stateside. Good people do good things. Let us celebrate those lives and honor their memory.
He looks like such a nice guy, what a shame. Sympathies to his family. Hopefully the little girl he saved will grow up to be President of Afghanistan. What? It could happen.
...and have a more open mind to all those different from her because of her experience.
Nice post.
We can only hope that she grows up not believing that all Americans and it's soldiers are evil. And, yes, you never know what the future holds. Maybe this little girl will be instrumental some day in saying "enough already!" I truly hope she never forgets the soldier who saved her, even if she is beaten and/or killed by her own tribesmen.
The soldier died as a result of carelessness by his own army, the US army. That is comparable to "friendly fire". Why he would be promoted for that, is beyond me.
As per the girl: the correct word is Muslims, not "Mohamedians", you (Daniel Sloan) comedian. Can't even write and leaves posts here...
The girl will not be punished by her loved ones and her "tribal leaders". They are happy that not another life has been eliminated by soldiers who are terrorizing their country.
The Afghan government is too busy dealing with the ongoing murders committed by US soldiers, thus they will indeed not reason to acknowledge this act of error.
How many innocent Afghani lives have been taken by US soldiers by now ? Does anybody know the count ? How many Afghani children has the US army murdered "by error" ? Answer me please this one question !
Nel N: You seem to be such a U.S. hater, that I suspect that you just might be a Taliban. If you so despise the U.S., why don't you get the hell out. Afghanistan might be a good place for you. Or perhaps Saudi Arabia. Wherever! Just get the Hell out of this country that you so hate!
Oh get a grip, Fred. He's Taliban because he points out some unpalatable facts? And who do you think you are to tell anyone to get out of this country? Nobody, that's who.
You need some help dealing with reality.
I'll answer the question for you nelnut. Less than the amount of people that died on 9/11.
Do you mean the Saudi hijackers that were financed by the saudis randoo?
Maybe those vehicles are not capable of stopping in time...yes, killed by our side, but quite possibly not friendly fire more than dying in the line of duty from that view.
he was promoted for being able to risk his life for the life of a child. He represents the US so what he did also is prevent our country from killing another child.
Nel! My brother! I would really like to meet you. Your hate is incredible. Your ignorance profound. You really need an attitude adjustment, if you know what I mean. You piece of crap! Take care my brother of peace? Right!!!!!!!!!!
How many Afgan citizens need to be murdered by their own leaders Nel to stop the insanity? I don't think you are aware of what life is really like for people there - and it was like that before we retaliated for their act of terrorism. If you are so fond of the living conditions there, maybe you should move there and see how you like it then. You'll be praying for American soldiers to come and rescue you!
Nel N.,
Instead of the verbal tongue lashing you deserve. If a Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban were sitting next to you and did not like what you were posting, chop chop chop one hand. Start mouthing off, chop no tongue. How about coming here, I can show you all the Afghan men, women, children that we patched up.
After the US abandoned US Ally Afghanistan and the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen that defeated the USSR 40th Army Occupation.
The Pro USSR Afghans (almost half the population) that fled to USSR Backed Fundamentalist Islamic Republic of Iran returned. They became the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban.
With the Full Support of USSR Backed Fundamentalist Islamic Republic of Iran the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban then started to massacre ALL Collaborators to the Christians, Jews, Unbelievers, by the Millions almost half the population of US Ally Afghanistan.
Without the support of the US, the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen the friends I made in Combat during Operation Cyclone were massacred, 20,000 to 50,000, then their Families, Relatives, In Laws, Friends were then beaten nearly to death then hung up by the necks like christmas tree ornaments at the trees in the Afghan Cities. At that point we then escaped and evaded into US Ally Pakistan.
The Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban become the Government of Afghanistan. They then start to destroy everything at US Ally Afghanistan that is "Non Islamic", "Western", "Modern", with the lights literally going out at US Ally Afghanistan after the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban destroy the Electric Power Plants. US Ally Afghanistan as built up into a 20th Century Nation by the US reverts back to the Stone Ages after the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban destroy everything. They then start to massacre the Unbelievers (anyone that is not a Fundamentalist Islamic Believer) starting with the Buddhists, by dynamiting the Great Buddhas.
So, Nel N., using your screwed up sense of Illogic, we have not even gotten close to the numbers (millions) of innocent Afghans that the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban, Al Quada, Hamas Foreign Fighters, etc. have massacred.
Oh, yes, almost forgot, prior to, during, and after Operation Cyclone, etc. Osama Bin Laden was still living at Saudi Arabia with his Rich Relatives forming his Fundamentalist Islamic Jihadist Organization, Al Quada, as: Anti US, Anti US Ally, Anti US Ally Government of Saudi Arabia (Sunnis are enemies of Fundamentalist Islam).
telling someone who disagrees with your views that they should leave the country is about as unpatriotic as you can get. if you don't like people being able to express opposing views fred maybe you should follow you own advice cause this a "free" country.
Second time today I'm coming across this expression "...shirt off his back," and second time I'm hearing it, ever.
It is a very common expression and not a new one, either.
By training, experience, the US Military instills the Collective Whole as what is good for the Nation, Units, Organizations, Teams, etc. and not the "me, me, me" of the 92% of US Citizens that have Never Served in the US Military.
And example of how this is done, is that when one person screws up an entire unit receives collective punishment during training. So a long time ago, Basic Training, one person screwed up, the orders, "Half Right Face", "Front Leaning Rest Position", "Move", about 300 or more doing pushups until the Drill Instructors got tired.
In the more "Elite" US Military, normally you are paired up forever for the Teams as the "Buddy System", it becomes normal that it is stated by the Buddies, that they will gladly take a bullet to save their Buddy's Life.
Of course everything changes when you become the Officer In Charge, as then everything is YOUR Responsibility, Fault, Accountability, etc.; however, it still is always what is best for the Nation, Unit, etc. and not the "me, me, me".
I assume it is very common, since I just heard and read two references to it in the same day. It's just curious that today is the first time I became aware of it.
You must be very young, Baldman. I'm only 42 and I've heard that expression a lot. Or perhaps you or your parents speak a different language so English is new to you? And English, especially American English, is a broad, rich, diverse language with many curious sayings which reflect the broad, rich diversity of the people who speak it.
And to the family of this brave soldier, my condolences on your loss. Obviously he will be sorely missed since he must have been a very kind and unselfish person. I wish there were more people like him.
Not sure about the rest of the country, but around here it is a very common expression. I have heard it all of my life, it is a compliment given to someone that is well respected for their generosity and caring. This man being given that compliment by his friends, is an honor in itself.
RIP, sir.
Now, where is the Afghani parade celebrating his courage and sacrifice???
... or will we get more rioting??
Get real.
To each his own. Opinions are like a$#holes, everyone has one. Yes, he is a hero for giving of himself for the life of another. My prayers are with his family and children. The concern is for why the convoy did not stop when the children were noticed and even more so when their own personnel were on the road clearing the way. As far as civilian casualties; al qaida, taliban, insurgents, etc. have always used human shields as they are too spineless to confront us face to face. Casualties happen in war and justified or not, there is no changing it. God bless Sgt. Weichel for his selfless act of kindness and mercy. We would all be better people if we followed his example of selfless help and concern for others.
careless reporting I am sure there was a technical reason why they COULD NOT stop in time. They should have addressed why. I assume there were tanks and heavy vehicles that could not stop...like a car or train. The way they related the story it sounded like there was time but I think that is only an artifact of sloppy reporting.
From what we know from experience when we use vehicles (rarely), we know that when the Afghan children are around the road go like a bat out of hell, because the road is safe. It is when you do not see the Afghan children around the road that there are going to be a heck of a lot of IEDs (big enough to blow up a MRAP), RPG Ambushes, etc. just waiting for you. That is why as US Military Asymmetric Warfare we do NOT use vehicles or the few Afghan Roads (known routes of advance).
We also know something else, it is also possible (happened before) that the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban, Al Quada, Hamas Foreign Fighters, etc. will have children stand in the road to get the vehicle to stop right on top of an IED, or if you get out of your MRAP their Ambush starts.
Ever seen something the size of the Tractor of an 18 Wheeler at about 25 tons thrown about 10 feet into the air. The windows on a MRAP are placed by design to prevent the occupants from getting killed from scrapnel of the windows, so very limited visability.
There are many reasons for "not stopping," not the least is that of "ambush." The use of innocent children goes back centuries. But, in the modern world, (post Korean Conflict,) it has increased dramatically. Not all cultures value the life of a child, as does ours, (to an extent.)
Saying that, a lot is not explained in the article, primarily because most journalists have absolutely no military background, (and these are the people "reporting" the news to the world.)
To get back to the main thread, to the family of Sgt. Weichel, my condolences, and be proud of him. "He gave his life so others may live. None may ask more of him."
Just an FYI @ David 475776, this story is actually a day old. Read it on Fox yesterday but even then I saw liberal idiots posting that it was just a propoganda story and doubted it was even true. I read numerous news websites daily, hate to say it but MSNBC is usually a day late on alot of stories. Just checked in and noticed they finally ran this one. BTW, not trying to be confrontational just giving you some info about how others sites offer better news.
God Bless this young man for his sacrifice for that child. It's sad our guys are dying and so many don't appreciate what they are doing to try to help. War is tough enough without stupid and unappreciative people making ugly comments about their efforts. It's no wonder some have mental issues when it's done.
I would hope that Karzi sends a letter of regret to this man's family. He is indeed a true hero and this little girl will never forget that a member of the US military saved her life. I also hope that she can go to school and become what she wishes to be as opposed to the ruthless choices which await her as a Muslim girl - absolute loss of freedom/ This honorable man had choices and he exercised his choices in a humane manner.
I am so sorry for his family who will miss him terribly.
Hooray for America
A true hero makes me proud to be an American Thank You Dennis, where ever you are!
A bittersweet story -- sad that Weichel died, but great that he saved the little girl. Just think how happy at least one family is today because of his actions. His parents raised him well.
Was searching for words but you said it. Heroes step forward because they have to. There is no other choice.
He risked his life saving this little girl. You can't get any braver or heroic than that. She will carry a memory of him the rest of her life. If there's a heaven and a life after; this man deserves it.
Or marry an Al Qaeda terrorist that kills more non- Muslims. She will probably grow up to hate Americans.
Or as she grows up, explain to her surrounding people how an "American" gave his life to save hers. He went in a seriously horrific way. Maybe it's a start (small) for all to understand and get along.
Over an out...
Sonar Guy: I think she will be greatful to the wonderful american who saved and preserved her life, gave his for hers. You sound like a glass half empty guy, thank God we have hero's like this to spread love, kindness, empathy, compassion; even against the enemy. This man is truly a man of God, maybe you need to think about this and change some of your ways of thinking. Every kindness can make a huge change in any life it touches.
only the good die young
Hey I remember that song!
He is a hero. And God will judge him, doesn't matter if the child was arab, muslim, christain, islamic, buddist. so what. Religion doesn't matter. This man saved a child of GOD! I thank my lucky stars every day that I have men like this that serve my country and protect my freedoms.
nah. there are plenty of people whom are old and continuing to help humanity. that statement is ignorant and the basis of a stupid pop song.