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SASDAC Staff BLOG
November 01, 2023
Young Lieutenant Michael Murphy led a four-person Navy SEAL team in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005, when the unthinkable happened. Early in that reconnaissance mission, the SEALs accidentally encountered three goat herders. Those goat herders reported the presence of the SEALS to the Taliban.
And soon, about 40 Taliban soldiers had encircled his team, trapping them in an isolated area with no way out. As his men fled from the Taliban, Murphy decided to make a radio call for help, but the rocky terrain blocked the radio signal. Disregarding his life, he moved into a clearing where he could make the call while receiving heavy fire. Michael got shot several times while he tried to reach out for help over the phone.
Though severely wounded, he completed the call and shared his location for rescue. Michael never made it. He died on the spot trying to save his team.
These were his last words, “Roger that, sir. Thank you.”
Before he breathed his last, even in his dying moments, he mustered all the energy he had and said, “Thank you.”
Upon presenting the Medal of Honor to Murphy’s grieving family, President George W. Bush noted the extraordinary courage of the wounded warrior who had said “thank you” before ending the call and returning to the battle, ultimately sacrificing his life in the process.
In reflection, these events underscore the wisdom of ancient words, such as Cicero’s declaration that “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all the other virtues.” And George Washington’s – First Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 – By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation. “Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor…”
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, let us follow in the footsteps of these noble examples, count our blessings, and name them one by one. Let us join the ranks of those who have the attitude of gratitude and glorify God from whom all blessings flow.
John Daniel
Lead Pastor