EXTORTION 17 MEMORIAL RUCK

August 6, 2011 — Honoring the Fallen

"They Answered the Call."

In the early morning hours of August 6, 2011, a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, lifted off into the darkness of Afghanistan's Tangi Valley carrying a quick reaction force supporting Army Rangers engaged in combat.

As the helicopter slowed to insert the force near the objective, Taliban fighters hidden in nearby buildings launched rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). One struck the Chinook, causing it to crash. There were no survivors.

The loss of Extortion 17 claimed 38 lives:

• 30 American servicemembers
• 7 Afghan Commandos
• 1 Afghan interpreter

It remains the single deadliest loss of American personnel in one incident during Operation Enduring Freedom and the greatest single loss in the history of U.S. Naval Special Warfare.

While many remember Extortion 17 because members of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) were aboard, this mission represented every branch of America's Special Operations community working together.

The Americans aboard included Navy SEALs, explosive ordnance disposal technicians, intelligence specialists, Army aviators, Air Force Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen, and support personnel—each answering the call without hesitation.

Their mission was simple: Protect fellow Americans already engaged with the enemy.

They never returned home.

Why We Ruck

Every mile represents commitment. Every step represents sacrifice. Every drop of sweat reminds us that freedom has always required ordinary men and women willing to do extraordinary things for people they may never meet.

This memorial ruck is not about politics. It is not about controversy. It is about remembering 30 Americans, 7 Afghan partners, and one interpreter who boarded a helicopter knowing the risks—and flew anyway.

They answered the call.

May we never forget their courage, their service, or their sacrifice.

Never Forgotten. Extortion 17 August 6, 2011

The Fallen Americans

U.S. Navy

• Lt. Cmdr. Jonas B. Kelsall
• MCPO Louis J. Langlais
• SCPO Thomas A. Ratzlaff
• SCPO Kraig M. Vickers
• CPO Brian R. Bill
• CPO John W. Faas
• CPO Kevin A. Houston
• CPO Matthew D. Mason
• CPO Stephen M. Mills
• CPO Nicholas H. Null
• CPO Robert J. Reeves
• CPO Heath M. Robinson
• PO1 Darrik C. Benson
• PO1 Christopher G. Campbell
• PO1 Jared W. Day
• PO1 John Douangdara
• PO1 Michael J. Strange
• PO1 Jon T. Tumilson
• PO1 Aaron C. Vaughn
• PO1 Jason R. Workman
• PO1 Jesse D. Pittman
• PO2 Nicholas P. Spehar

U.S. Army

• CW5 David R. Carter
• CW2 Bryan J. Nichols
• SSG Patrick D. Hamburger
• Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett
• SPC Spencer C. Duncan

U.S. Air Force

• TSgt John W. Brown
• SSgt Andrew W. Harvell
• TSgt Daniel L. Zerbe

Also lost was Military Working Dog Bart, serving beside his handler, Petty Officer First Class John Douangdara.