Tonight We Remember A Lion, Capt. Derek Argel

Vanity | Glocker23

[glocker23]

Today marks the two year anniversery of the death of an American hero. Memorial Day 2005 (May 30th), Derek Argel was killed in action when the Iraqi air force Comp Air 7SL aircraft he was aboard crashed in eastern Diyala province during an operational mission. Alongside Derek died 3 fellow American Airmen and 1 Iraqi soldier.

A member of the Air Force Special Forces Combat Controllers, Derek was an elite warrior. A Lion among men, he chose to be at the tip of the spear to fight for the nation that he loved.

Tonight we remember Derek and all that he stood for. We honor his sacrifice for his country and his willingness to lay his life down for others. While it is impossible not to mourn the loss of such a warrior, let us remember General Patton's statement: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived"

Indeed we thank God for men like Derek Argel. Those who so willingly stand and answer their nations call for service. Let us pray that God continues to bless us with warrior's like Derek Argel.

Derek left behind a wife and young son as well as his mother Debbie Argel Bastian- a frequent freeper who has fought courageously to support our troops and honor Derek's sacrifice. To them let us pray for strength and the peace that only God can deliver.

Godspeed, Capt Argel-husband,father,son, patriot and warrior, a grateful nation remembers your sacrifice tonight... and will never forget what you have done.

Glocker23

The following was written by Derek before he graduated CCT school, years before leaving behind a wife and son:

Combat Controller dying in the mud,

Combat Controller spilling his blood

Little Johnny Walker went to the store,

Next day later recruiter knocking on his door

Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force too;

Air Force he chose because he liked blue

Went to basic, little did he know,

Combat Controller putting on a show

Little Johnny took the past and much to his surprise,

The swim it was nothing...you could see it in his eyes

Air traffic control school and Combat Control school too

Johnny earned his beret and became a man through

A little while later he was told to deploy

Left his family and a little boy

Calling fire support and shooting car 15's

There was too much enemy, but Johnny he remained

Soon was overtaken by the enemy,

Soon to his last breath Dyin on one knee

Johnny didn't care though he saved a million lives

No one back home would know of his sacrifice

He didn't do it for glory, He didn't do it for fame

He did it for his country, He did it for his beret

[RDTF]

RIP Capt. Derek Argel. Thank you.

[ExcursionGuy84]

As George Washington once exclaimed in battle where a valient number of colonial soldiers where making a last stand against an overwhelming Redcoat force:

"What courageous men I must lose this day!"

[proudmilitarymrs]

RIP Capt. Derek Argel. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Thank you.

[radar101]

Debbie Argel Bastian:
THESE COLORS DON’T RUN
Gathering of Eagles

[ExTexasRedhead]

Captain Derek Argel, American patriot, now walks among America’s finest dating back to the beginning of this great nation. Derek’s love for his country serves as a shining example to all that come after him. May God bless Derek as well as his wife, his son, Logan, and his courageous mother, Debbie. My thoughts are with all of them tonight.

[ishabibble]

I join you in your humble prayer for Derek.
God bless and guide Debbie and the family.

[LucyJo]

Deep appreciation for those who gave their lives for us, and continued prayers for their loved ones.

TAPS

Words to Taps
(Note: there are no "official" words to Taps below are the most popular.)

Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.

[debbieargel]

Thank you and God Bless you for your post. On Memorial Day this year, we were at Hurlburt for the dedication of the Argel Aquatic Center for Special Ops. It was a beautiful ceremony. Derek’s son Logan joined in the memorial push-ups. Thank you again for remembering.

Debbie