Honoring the Silent Fighters

On this day in 2009, three Special Agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) gave their lives in Afghanistan alongside seven U.S. military service members in efforts to safeguard our nation from terrorism. All of these fine men were driven by a desire to serve our country and were willing to risk their lives every day to accomplish perilous missions, help their brothers-in-arms, and protect the lives of countless civilians from harm. They were great-spirited men, whose path of duty led them to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Today let us honor the memory of DEA Special Agents Chad L. Michael of FAST, Forrest N. Leamon of FAST, and Michael E. Weston of the Kabul Country Office (KCO). These agents tragically lost their lives in Afghanistan just after completing a dangerous mission facing fierce enemy resistance in which they successfully helped pinpoint and destroy over $1,000,000 worth of refined opium. Their heroic actions struck a huge blow to terrorists who hoped to sell these stockpiled illicit drugs for equipment and weapons.

All three agents perished on October 26, 2009 side by side with seven U.S. military comrades in Darreh-ye Bum, Afghanistan when their CH-47 helicopter crashed during exfiltration. Maj. Gen. Charles Cleveland of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) designated the crash as a combat-related loss.

The bright souls of these humble and valiant agents left lasting marks on all who knew and worked with them. Every day, they are loved, remembered and missed.

Chad L. Michael, FAST

Chad was a bold and mischievous spirit with boundless charisma. He made friends easily and formed many strong bonds with his comrades in FAST, who to this day fondly and vividly recall the times they spent at his side. Chad was also an extremely dependable man, always willing to rise to challenges and take the initiative, and always ready to do anything he could to support his friends. His strong, vibrant personality is deeply missed.

Forrest N. Leamon, FAST

A U.S. Navy veteran, Forrest was quiet and generous, totally dedicated to his work and family, and to helping others. Patient, kind, and gentle, he desired to improve life for people he met. He regularly brought art supplies on his deployments from the U.S. to Afghanistan for school children in Kabul and was always ready to mentor those around him. Forrest could always be relied upon to do his best and go the extra mile. His comrades miss his calm, benevolent presence and unshakable inner fortitude.

Michael E. Weston, KCO

Michael was an earnest and hardworking investigator who stood out for seeking to serve and excel beyond the requirements of duty. Decorated for his achievements in the U.S. Marines and the Navy, Michael was an adventurer, keenly devoted not only to his mission but to his friends and loved ones. This sense of fearless devotion that Michael inspired people with is missed by all who knew him.

Side by side with their DEA comrades, these seven U.S. military personnel tragically lost their lives in the crash: