Legends of the fall

Image courtesy: Lance Cpl. Andrew Johnston

Despite real examples of progress, it has been a difficult summer for U.S. forces inside Afghanistan. According to a senior military officer, the season ahead will be even more challenging.

"It will be a tough fall. But what we're gaining is, we're clearing these areas that never have been cleared," a senior U.S. military officer who serves in Afghanistan said during a background interview with Pentagon reporters.

An article by Lisa Daniel provides another important detail. By the end of August, all of the 30,000 American troops ordered to the war zone in President Obama's troop surge will be in Afghanistan. While combat is taking place around the country, the southern and eastern fronts still contain the most critical battlefields.

Several enemy fighters were captured Thursday in Patika province, most notably a commander of Taliban operations. A NATO news release said the terrorist helped execute numerous attacks against our troops using machine guns, grenades, and improvised explosive devices.

"We suspect this operation will significantly reduce insurgent morale within the Mota Khan district," Col. Rafael Torres said in a written statement. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue to pursue and capture those standing in the way of peace and stability in Afghanistan."

As the nature of war dictates, there has also been a steady stream of tragic news from Afghanistan. Over the past week, nine fallen U.S. troops from nine different states have been identified by the Pentagon.

Sgt. Martin Lugo, 24, Tucson, Arizona
Chief Petty Officer Collin Thomas, 33, Morehead, Kentucky
Lance Cpl. Kevin Oratowski, 23, Wheaton, Illinois
Sgt. 1st Class Edgar Roberts, 39, Hinesville, Georgia
Pfc. Benjamen Chisholm, 24, Fort Worth, Texas
Pvt. Charles High IV, 21, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Staff Sgt. Derek Farley, 24, Nassau, New York
Staff Sgt. Michael Bock, 26, Leesburg, Florida
Cpl. Kristopher Greer, 25, Ashland City, Tennessee

As we mourn for the families of these departed warriors and reflect on this summer, which is by far the deadliest period of the almost nine-year war in Afghanistan, it's hard to imagine losing even more fine Americans this fall. Yet if one fighting force has distinguished itself for unbreakable resilience, it is the United States military. They will not give up, and neither should we.