The real heroes in Afghanistan right now need us. Roughly a week ago, COP Keating was attacked by the Taliban in the deadly siege at Kamdeysh. Eight soldiers from Fort Carson, CO died:

Spc. Stephan Lee Mace, 21
Sgt. Joshua Kirk, 30
Pfc. Kevin Thomson, 22
Spc. Christopher T. Griffin
Spc. Michael P. Scusa, 22
Sgt. Vernon W. Martin
Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos, 22
Sgt. Joshua M. Hardt, 24

The wounded troops refused to leave the firefight:

Flying into the besieged Afghan base during a nighttime firefight this weekend is a harrowing mix of overwhelming noise, stomach dropping maneuvers and shadows hurrying through the gloom.

When the chopper lifted off moments later with three wounded soldiers, it left behind others who were wounded but refused to be MEDEVACED out of the combat zone so they could return to fight with their buddies.

The men of COP Keating lost everything — literally. They lost not only their friends, but also their possessions.

In the battle for Combat Outpost Keating, the men of Bravo Troop 361 Cavalry
lost every possession they had, save for the clothes on their backs. Following this blog posting is information on how to donate to the Combat Outpost Keating Relief Fund. These men havelost friends, their outpost, and all their belongings. One soldier who made it out wrote that “most people back home dont even know, no one gives a shit”. Well, many of us do. And you can prove it by giving whatever you can. These guys need things like running shoes, and other essentials, as well as some comfort items like iPods and DVD players. The American Legion has kicked in $1000 to start the fund, and your humble blogger will be the first to donate $100. I intend to get these items out by the end of next week. ANY amount you can give, no matter how small will help us prove that we care.

Reading that made me cry a little. It breaks my heart to hear that a soldier who is actively fighting in our defense thinks that none of us gives a shit.

Well, I give a shit. And I’m sure you do too. So please help me and donate. You can donate online here, with a credit card, or you can send your checks by mail to:

COP Keating Relief Fund
PO Box 1954
Indianapolis 46206

If you mail a check, fill out this form, print it out, and send it with your check.

These soldiers are putting their lives on the line for us. The least we can do is show our support in their time of desperate need. Please donate, no matter how small the amount.

And remember: We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf.

Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin