[x-factor]

I worked on this mission (intel support to the planning) when I was in Afghanistan, though I rotated home before it was executed.

First, without getting into the specifics, I think it bears emphasizing that just attempting this mission took tremendous courage. These men went knowingly and willingly into a lion's den in the service of their country. Every second was a conscious act of bravery.

Second, this was the first time I'd ever lost someone on an operation I worked. Even at that very shallow level of relation I felt a personal sense of loss. I can only imagine what you men must feel when a brother-in-arms is lost. God bless you all for bearing that burden.

RIP LT Murphy