The Female Fighter I Knew - RIP Lt. Walker

[Are_grits_groceries]

As the U.S. military finally lifts its ban on women in combat, veteran Anthony Woods applauds the decision—and recalls a brave lieutenant who lost her life in Afghanistan.


Lieutenant Laura Walker in uniform at West Point, the United States Military Academy. (Roger Pettengill/Academy Photo)

In 2005, on a dusty road in Afghanistan, 24-year old Lieutenant Walker was killed by a roadside bomb buried by insurgents.

Walker had led a platoon of engineers building new roads to help stabilize a critical region—an operation that left the soldiers dangerously exposed for hours as they worked. The young lieutenant’s death meant the passing of a revered leader known for always going the extra mile for fellow soldiers. On the frontlines, Walker was working to help change the tide of war.

The tragically familiar story of lethal roadside bomb attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan is told repeatedly. Lieutenant Walker’s story joined this long list with one key exception: Walker was a woman.
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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/24/the-female-fighter-i-knew.html

Bring them all home now!
What has been lost in those unnecessary wars is incalculable.

[seabeyond]

1. she didnt get combat pay, but that is certainly what she was doing. thanks. nt

[KG]

2. but, thank goodness she didn't have to pee in front of a male soldier!