Middle East

Nobody wants war with Iran. If the Islamic Republic carries out purported plans to attack U.S. troops and diplomats, however, our nation’s military will be ready.

At this hour, U.S. Air Force pilots are busy flying missions to deter Iran. Powerful B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers recently arrived at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. According to the Air Force Times, F-15C Eagle and F-35A Lightning II fighter jets are also patrolling Middle Eastern skies.

“We will not discuss mission specifics,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Holly Brauer, as quoted by the Air Force Times. “They have begun flying deterrence missions in the region, including over the Arabian Gulf.”

Recent developments in Iran and the surrounding region make for tense, troubling times.

“The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we are postured and ready to defend U.S. forces and interests in the region,” the Pentagon said in an official statement.

As you read on The Stream last week, nobody feels the brunt of this burgeoning crisis more than our brave troops and their families. With many Americans already risking their lives in Iraq and Syria, thousands more face dangerous deployments if the Iran situation worsens.

Please continue praying for our military community. We should also pray for the politicians tasked with doing everything possible to avoid a bloody, costly war with Iran.

Afghanistan

One of the three American heroes killed in an April 8 terrorist attack in Afghanistan was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on May 10.

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hines was a 31-year-old U.S. Marine from Pennsylvania who has been called “a leader” and “a true American patriot” by those who knew him best.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, @18thSMMC, presents the U.S. flag to Scott Hines during the funeral of his son, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hines, in Section 60. We're honored to care Staff Sgt. Hines' final resting place.
(U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser) pic.twitter.com/bhco4U77H8

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 10, 2019

Nine American heroes have lost their lives so far this year in Afghanistan. Here are their names. As their families mourn, thousands of U.S. service members are still risking everything during America’s longest war.

These warriors and their families represent our country’s best, and they need our constant thoughts and prayers. It is our duty as Americans to always remember their sacrifices.

Coming Home

A group of U.S. Marines has returned to American soil after spending six long months in Okinawa.

A U.S. Marine hugs his family during a homecoming celebration in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, on May 10, 2019.

Welcome home, heroes! Thank you for your service to our nation.

Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is co-author of three books about military heroes: 8 Seconds of Courage, Brothers Forever and Fire in My Eyes. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo.