Tuesday 10/15/24

On this day, 21 years ago, October 15, 2003, while escorting US Diplomats to a meeting in the Gaza Strip for the purpose of interviewing students for Fulbright Scholarships, my Team was hit by an IED just past the point of entry into the Gaza Strip. This was a cowardly attack planned and executed by Hamas.

I lost three Brothers that day:

John Eric Branchizio, United States Navy.

John Martin Linde, Jr., United States Marine Corps.

Mark Thadeus Parsons, OGA.

Save my place Boys, I'll see you when I get there. In the Halls of Valhalla.

Post Script

Months later, the individual who planned the attack met his end in a most appropriate manner.

BRAVO TEAM

“FIANNA FÁIL”

AMRAP in 30

10 Burpee Pull-ups

15 Kettlebell Swings (35/53)

20 Kettlebell Box Step-Overs (35/53)

200m Farmer’s Carry (35/53)*

*Use two Ketlebells of different weight

And push hard. There are my Boys.