MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL: Grief in Afghanistan (Encore) - Jim Payne

In 2005, Jim deployed to the Middle East as part of a Navy SEAL platoon, alongside 15 of his closest friends and brothers-in-arms. Partway during their deployment, his team suffered devastating losses in the mountains of Afghanistan in an incident detailed in the best-selling book and hit movie “Lone Survivor”.

As Jim grappled with crippling grief, it was all he could do, to cling to the One who offered any glimmer of hope.

Note: We’re re-releasing Jim’s story today in honor of Memorial Day, when we remember and honor those who have served and fallen while defending our country. This story was originally released in 2021. 

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🔗 Helpful Links

• Detailed description of Operation Redwing

• “Lone Survivor” on Amazon. This book was written by Jim’s team member, Marcus Luttrell, about his experience during Operation Redwing.

• Jim recommends that soldiers suffering from PTSD check out the National Center for PTSD or call 1-800-273-8255

📋 List of the Fallen from Operation Redwing

Navy SEALs

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Jim Payne’s platoon)

1. Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, New York

2. Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson, 29, of Cupertino, California

3. Machinist Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Eric S. Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nevada

4. Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, New Hampshire

5. Quartermaster 2nd Class (SEAL) James Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Florida

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2, Virginia Beach, Virginia

1. Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz, 25, of Littleton, Colorado

SEAL Team 10, Virginia Beach, Virginia

1. Chief Fire Controlman (SEAL) Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, Louisiana

2. Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, California

3. Electronics Technician 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Oregon

4. Lt. (SEAL) Michael M. McGreevy Jr., 30, of Portville, New York

5. Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, West Virginia

Army Night Stalkers

3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia

1. Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio

2. Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minnesota

3. Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Florida

4. Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Indiana

5. Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Connecticut

6. Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Virginia

7. Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida

HQ Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Kentucky

1. Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tennessee

🎧 3 RECOMMENDED EPISODES:

• #75 I Died in Iraq - Jerry Dugan: Jerry Dugan’s life was a clash between spiritual curiosity, complete ambivalence, and intellectual skepticism. But, when he faced the prospect of dying on a battlefield in Iraq, he found an unexpected answer to the prayer he never thought he would pray.

• ENCORE: 9/11 Survivor at the Pentagon - Brian Birdwell: Brian Birdwell was at the Pentagon on 9/11 when American Airlines flight 77 crashed just yards away from him, instantly engulfing his body in flames. Brian was faced with certain death but also with complete peace in knowing that his faith was already placed in a Savior.

• ENCORE: The Final Flight of Space Shuttle Columbia (20th Anniversary) - Evelyn Husband Thompson: Evelyn’s husband, Rick was selected by NASA to be an astronaut in 1994 and was the Commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. While Evelyn knew that her husband always faced dangers inherent with being an astronaut, she was eventually confronted with a moment where she would have to trust the Lord, no matter what.