Valley congressman calls for inquiry in deaths of SEALS

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U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Poland, R-6th

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is asking the secretary of defense to conduct an inquiry into the death of 30 U.S. troops killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

“I call on the leaders in the Pentagon to review the requests of commanders in the field to ensure that the equipment and rules of engagement in Afghanistan are sufficient to protect our fighting forces,” said Johnson of Marietta, R-6th, who was a member of the Special Operations Command during his time in the Air Force.

Johnson said he’s sending a letter today to Leon Panetta, secretary of defense, asking for his assistance with this inquiry.

Many of the 30 U.S. troops killed Saturday were Navy SEALS. They were on their way to help an Army ranger unit under fire from insurgents in Afghanistan. Also, eight Afghans in the helicopter died. It is the worst single-day toll for American soldiers in Afghanistan since troops entered the country nearly 10 years ago.

“I’m always saddened when brave men and women in our armed forces are killed in action,” Johnson said. “But [Saturday’s] tragedy is one of the worst in recent memory. My prayers are with the families of these courageous warriors.”

Johnson said, “It is often the families of these brave men and women who bear the burdens of their loved ones’ supreme sacrifice for years to come.”

For those who can afford it, Johnson suggests making a donation to the Special Forces Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides scholarships to the children of Special Forces operators who die in action. Contributions are accepted at specialops.org.