Afghan vet says 30 U.S. deaths in Afghanistan an "atrocity,' calls for end to war‏

Afghan vet says 30 U.S. deaths in Afghanistan an "atrocity,' calls for end to war‏

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Contact: Rick Reyes cell: 213-359-8631 rickreyes@me.com twitter:@rick_reyes

Loss of life in Afghanistan an 'atrocity,' U.S. should end
operations now, says Marine veteran who chairs
California Democratic Party veterans caucus

LOS ANGELES, Ca. – Thirty U.S. American troops reported killed Saturday in an Afghanistan helicopter crash emphasizes the need for the U.S. to end operations sooner rather than later in that theatre of war, according to a Iraq/Afghanistan U.S. Marine veteran, who now is chair of the Veterans Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

New agencies reported and government officials confirmed Saturday that as many as 30 Americans – including at least 22 Navy SEALs – were confirmed dead in the crash of a troop-carrying Chinook helicopter, caused by enemy fire. It is the deadliest day for U.S. troops in Afghanistan since it began in 2001.

"These men and women have real families and friends who will never see them again. This is part of a continuing tragedy playing out in Afghanistan," said Rick Reyes, who did tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Polls show a majority of Americans believe the war in Afghanistan is not worth fighting, our policy makers admit we cannot win and the war has not made us any safer. But they continue to put good and brave Americans in harm's way. That is an atrocity," added Reyes, noting that the 30 reported deaths Saturday ups the toll of killed in Afghanistan to about 1,600 and total dead and injured to nearly 13,000.

"No amount of hand-wringing or condolences by politicians, or monuments to the dead, will make up for this loss of life. It's time to leave Afghanistan as swiftly and safely as possible. Not at the convenience of politicians in Washington, but because it is right," said Reyes.

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