Defense Tech readers who followed our Afghan embed coverage back in May will remember Capt. Josh Powers, Angel Company Commander, 3rd Batt., 3–187 BCT. We met Josh at the first shura we attended at Yahya Khel — right before the insurgents mortared the nearby city center. Josh immediately impressed us with his demeanor, attitude, understanding of the locals, and overall war fighting expertise.
We spent a number of days in his company, doing everything from dismounted patrols, lunch with Sharana’s deputy chief of police, and an air assault against a suspected Taliban supply center. He was always impressive in every situtation — a great example of the modern infantry officer and leader.
The photo above shows Josh a few days ago receiving the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained when the vehicle he was riding in hit an IED. We’re pleased to report that he (and the other three Soldiers he was with) are all returning to the fight after a few days of light duty around FOB Rushmore. At the same time, this event reminds us (in a very personal way) of the daily hazards facing our forces.
Here are a couple of the videos we shot during the embed. This one shows Capt. Powers talking to the people of Mest in Paktika Province:
And this one captures him leading the company out of the Chinook during a raid on Ateh Khanek:
Josh, we’re glad you’re okay. Carry on, Rakkasans!
– Ward and Christian
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Has the guy bothered to learn pashtu yet or is he still a tourist ?
As a former soldier of Powers I can say many things about him pretty much all bad…..but one thing sticks out in most Angel Company soldiers minds, the guy was a total and complete "spot light ranger". He left his company roughly around the 3/4 mark of this tour and also had the balls to take RR leave as well fully knowing that he was going to be on shortened tour up front in order to persue a shot at ranger battalion. Thank God karma caught up with this guy and the rangers told him that he wasn't good enough. Easy for these reporters to think this guy was some kind of warrior, after sitting around Powers for five minutes he would always mention how great he was.
we all forgive him for his lack of leadership now……it must be hard being the shortest guy in the room all the time.