Remembering The Fallen... Preparing For The Future...
Start writing a post
Politics

Remembering The Fallen... Preparing For The Future...

A Life Lost Fighting to the End

93
Remembering The Fallen... Preparing For The Future...
https://www.nbcnews.com/

Today, I take the time to remember a fallen solider, who died fighting for his country and for his life. Army Sgt. La David T. Johnson, who died after fighting for his life fleeing militants who killed about three soldiers in an ambush this October. Even with many speculating as to how the young man lost his life, it was later found that Johnson wasn’t captured alive, nor was he killed via execution or close range humiliation. Johnson probably died the most bravest and honorable death that he could have endured while in his situation…

He died fighting for his country, and fighting a wave of enemies until his last breath was taken. Fighting for his life is how the United States lost a disciplined fallen solider, a great man, but most of all a family man and a father.

Johnson, a 25 year old man from Miami Gardens, Florida was unfortunately shot down by enemy gunfire; coming from members of the Islamic State as reported by U.S. officials. He was ambushed in a dense wooded area over 100 miles north of the African nation’s capital Niamey. His body was recovered by a rescue team about two days later. He was accompanied at the time by 11 other members, all part of the Army Special Forces unit. They were also travelling with about 30 members of the Nigerian forces when they were ambushed by about 50 enemy militants, whom were travelling by foot or using armored transport; carrying machine guns and grenade launchers.

Johnson was caught in crossfire, being struck as many as 18 times as he fled and took cover in a dense bush, firing back at the opposition. Johnson and two other Nigerian soldiers tried to escape, but to no avail; as four U.S. soldiers along with four Nigerien troops suffered causalities during the ambush. The ambush itself also left ten soldiers wounded; two from the U.S. and about eight from the Nigerian forces. Three U.S. soldiers were found the day of the attack, but Johnson was not one of them, which let to rumors swirling around that maybe he had successfully fled the militants and is in hiding, or he has been captured and held off until further notice.

When it comes to the final report, officials concluded that Johnson and two Nigerien soldiers attempted to escape the militants via vehicle transport, but failed leaving them separated from the rest of the group and ended up dying became separated from the others and ended up dying as they were caught fleeing. Out of the three of them, it appeared that Johnson had gotten the farthest before seeking cover in a bush, and stayed there fighting until it was all over. He was found two days later by local forces, and he was still wearing his uniform although but his equipment and boots were stolen. The U.S. military believes that the ambush was most likely caused by informant on the enemy side, who exposed details of the forces stop to a nearby village, before heading off towards the wooded area, most likely setting the platform for the ambush.

When news broke out in the U.S. the family of La David Johnson was heartbroken. They weren’t alone, as the families of the other three U.S. military force members that met their fate also joined in grief. The other U.S. soldiers killed in that ambush were Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black; Staff Sgt. Jeremiah W. Johnson; and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright. However, this was also met with some political warfare as the president had a particular choice of words for the Democratic Representative as well as the now widowed wife of La David Johnson, for which Trump told the wife over a phone call that Johnson "knew what he signed up for.” Regardless of the situation in Washington, all we know was that this man, along with others died fighting for the protection of our livelihood.

When will we put media propaganda and politics to the side and care for our fallen soldiers? This article is made in remembrance of all the men who fought bravely, and continue to fight every day for the safety of our great nation. We are all in your debt, and we applaud your courage.

Once again, thank you…

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71389
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133460
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments