© 2009 Jeff Falkel - Gold Star Dad of SSG. Chris Falkel
On August 8, 2005 the men of Special Forces ODA-316 (1st Bn, 3rd SFG(A) engaged in a 54 hour battle with 200 Taliban insurgents at Mari Ghar, Afghanistan.
The Taliban was lying low, trying to signal U.S. decision-makers that the fight was over and it was time to withdraw U.S. forces.
At the end of the battle ODA-316, one of the most combat-hardened and aggressive Teams, counted 65 Taliban killed.
ODA-316 lost their youngest member of the team. While manning his M2 .50-caliber, 22 year old SSG. Chris Falkel lost his life to a Taliban sniper.
What is it like to raise a Warrior, and to lose him? What is it like to be a part of the unique Special Forces family? And what is it really like to belong to the Gold Star Family.
"This should be required reading for every leader in command of every Special Operations Team worldwide and their families." - Gen.(Ret.) Doug Brown. U.S. Army
"This is an extraordinary story about the true strength of America." - Gen.(Ret.) Peter J. Schoomaker, U.S. Army
"... warrior, athlete, patriot and son. Heartbreaking at times, it provides unique insight into the Special Forces warrior culture." - MG Geoffrey C. Lambert, Commander, US Army Special Forces Command
"A recommended read without reservation...highlighting the essence of "Why We Fight Now"." - COL. Gus Benton, Commander, 3rd SFG(A) U.S. Army
