Posted By:
Melanie Morgan
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When we were at the Interior Ministry, we heard that there were US troops in the building.  We asked the Minister if we could see them, and he sent someone out to fetch them.  They didn’t really know what was going on until they walked in the room.  Our delegation of Gold Star Families started applauding as did all of the Kurds.  It was quite an emotional moment—one of many. 

Gold Star Mother, Debra Argel Bastian, received the following email from Colonel Thomas Johnson, who was leading the group of soldiers.  Please take a moment to read it!

Dear Family of Captain Derek Argel,

This past week while attending a meeting in the building of the Kurdistan Ministry of Interior, someone came in and said there are some people who would like to meet you and your Team.  As we walked down the hall I asked who are we going to meet and was told the “Gold Star Families.” When we entered the Minister’s office, all of us were at a loss for words.  In our midst were the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the war over here.  After being in the military a good number of years, one is always prepared to make a few comments at a gathering albeit at the spur of the moment.  I didn’t know what to say and felt an overwhelming sense of loss for all of you.  My Team personnel all felt the same way.  We had a bit of a time discussing it even after we returned to our base later in the day.  We have all lost friends over here or in Afghanistan and worked our way through it.  We always seemed to know what to say to each other to during those times but this day was much different.  As we walked into the room you applauded, as we stood in line you approached each of us with a warm smile and as you shook our hands you thanked us.  Without a doubt it should have been the other way around - we should have thanked you and applauded you for your courage.  I received Derek’s card from you and it will be carried with me well after this deployment is over.  I know it is a little late but I just want you and the other families to know that we mourn your loss and only pray that God keeps you ever so close in these challenging times. 

Warmest Regards,

Colonel Thomas Johnson