On this day, 21 years ago, October 15, 2003, while escorting US Diplomats to a meeting in the Gaza Strip for the purpose of interviewing students for Fulbright Scholarships, my Team was hit by an IED just past the point of entry into the Gaza Strip. This was a cowardly attack planned and executed by Hamas.
I lost three Brothers that day:
John Eric Branchizio, United States Navy.
John Martin Linde, Jr., United States Marine Corps.
Mark Thadeus Parsons, OGA.
Save my place Boys, I'll see you when I get there. In the Halls of Valhalla.
Post Script
Months later, the individual who planned the attack met his end in a most appropriate manner.
