Afghanistan

“He never complained,” Jose Leal told KABC-TV in Los Angeles. “He said ‘I am going, [I’ve] got to serve my country.'”

Those are the words of America’s newest Gold Star father, who lost his brave son, U.S. Army Cpl. Joseph Maciel, on July 7 in Afghanistan. The Pentagon says Cpl. Maciel was killed in an apparent insider attack that is currently under investigation. Two more American soldiers were reportedly wounded in the attack.

Leal, who told the TV station that he was “very proud” when his son volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces, said an Afghan posing as a friend to U.S. troops carried out the vicious attack.

“I am very shocked because we try to help that country,” the grieving father said.

The pain being experienced by Jose Leal and his entire family is unimaginable. At this dark hour, we offer our solemn prayers to those who knew, loved and served with Cpl. Joseph Maciel. His poignant words — “I’ve got to serve my country” — should inspire all Americans.

Tragically, another U.S. service member was killed in Afghanistan on Thursday, marking the second American combat death in less than a week. According to The New York Times, an Afghan soldier was also killed in the predawn raid, which occurred in the eastern province of Paktia.

Elsewhere in the war zone, the Pentagon said nearly 170 terrorists were killed along Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan in a military offensive led by 600 Green Berets.

The result of the joint U.S. and Afghan military was monumental: the capture of Deh Bala, which had been the main stronghold of ISIS in Afghanistan. Most importantly, no American or Afghan troops were killed in this particular battle.

Afghanistan is the longest war in American history and clearly, our military’s ongoing sacrifices there are very real. Please keep our valiant troops and their families in your constant thoughts and prayers.

Iraq and Syria

U.S. and coalition troops have “accelerated” attacks against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. According to data released by the Department of Defense, 31 strikes were conducted against the terrorist group between July 2-8.

Of particular note are four strikes conducted on the Fourth of July. While we were watching fireworks, our brave troops were busy confronting evil in foreign lands.

In the coming weeks, the Pentagon says the coalition “will continue to build momentum against ISIS remnants remaining in the Iraq-Syria border region and the Middle Euphrates River Valley.”

Please pray for our brave troops risking their lives in Iraq and Syria, as well as their families here at home.

Coming Home

Sailors aboard the fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City were recently reunited with their families after a deployment.

A U.S. Navy sailor receives a kiss from his wife during a homecoming ceremony for the fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City on June 29, 2018.

Welcome home, heroes! Thank you for your selfless service to our nation.

Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is co-author of three books about military heroes: 8 Seconds of Courage, Brothers Forever and Fire in My Eyes. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo.