VFW Remembers Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan

October 12, 2022 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members gathered at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on the Center square October 3, 2022, in recognition of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, wished everyone a good morning and thanked everyone for being there to remember those who served in the war on terror in Afghanistan.

Post member Mike Wulf then delivered the opening prayer.

Hume then relayed the following stating that 21 years ago, America launched its counterattack against terrorism, attacking terrorist targets in Afghanistan and ushering in operation enduring freedom and the global war on terror.

To date there have been over 2,300 military deaths in Afghanistan. Among that number are the sons and daughters of big cities and small towns. A year ago,13 service members were lost when they were killed on August 26, 2022 near Kabul’s international airport less than a week before the United States was set to complete its military withdrawal on August 31. They also were remembered during the ceremony.

Shelby County, Texas as in all previous wars also suffered losses.

US Army Sergeant Kevin Roberts was killed in action on May 7, 2008 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device commonly know as and IED. He was not from Shelby County but married a local girl and fell in love with Shelby County. As was his wish, he is buried in the West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelbyville.

US Army Specialist Cory Bertrand died in Afghanistan five months later on October 14, 2008, one month before his 19th birthday. His vehicle also struck by an IED. He is buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, also in Shelbyville.

In honor of those who served and sacrificed, Post Commander Richard Lundie layed the memorial wreath.

In honor of all the fallen Afghanistan war veterans and those who survived but have since passed, Taps was then played as presented by Past Post Commander Gene Hutto.