Defense Tech readers who followed our Afghan embed coverage back in May will remember Capt. Josh Powers, Angel Company Commander, 3rd Batt., 3-187 BCT. We met Josh at the first shura we attended at Yahya Khel - right before the insurgents mortared the nearby city center. Josh immediately impressed us with his demeanor, attitude, understanding of the locals, and overall war fighting expertise.
We spent a number of days in his company, doing everything from dismounted patrols, lunch with Sharana's deputy chief of police, and an air assault against a suspected Taliban supply center. He was always impressive in every situtation -- a great example of the modern infantry officer and leader.
The photo above shows Josh a few days ago receiving the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained when the vehicle he was riding in hit an IED. We're pleased to report that he (and the other three Soldiers he was with) are all returning to the fight after a few days of light duty around FOB Rushmore. At the same time, this event reminds us (in a very personal way) of the daily hazards facing our forces.
Here are a couple of the videos we shot during the embed. This one shows Capt. Powers talking to the people of Mest in Paktika Province:
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And this one captures him leading the company out of the Chinook during a raid on Ateh Khanek:
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Josh, we're glad you're okay. Carry on, Rakkasans!
-- Ward and Christian
