In this blog post I would like, briefly, to highlight the achievements of members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s Foreign-deployed Advisory Support Team (FAST) program, which reflect the highest credit upon law enforcement, DEA and this country.
The FAST program was DEA’s response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Islamic terrorists responsible for 9/11 trafficked illicit drug products from Afghanistan to finance their violent activities. U.S. military forces and NATO allies in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) fighting the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan needed law enforcement to address this dangerous problem—which is where the agents of DEA’s FAST program stepped in.
DEA Special Agents who volunteered for FAST served tirelessly alongside U.S. and international military forces, targeting and dismantling narco-terrorist networks in combat zones in Afghanistan. Along with DEA’s Kabul Country Office (KCO) and Afghan counterparts trained by FAST, these agents deprived the terrorists of essential funding and thus stopped them from harming American and allied soldiers and civilians.
The story of FAST is one of great sacrifice. Three DEA Special Agents and seven US military service members lost their lives on October 26, 2009 in the line of duty in Afghanistan when their helicopter crashed following a successful FAST mission. These valiant agents were Forrest Leamon and Chad Michael of FAST, and Michael Weston of KCO. They continue to be deeply missed. Another outstanding FAST agent was Terry Watson, killed in the line of duty in Colombia. The memory of these men remains undimmed in the hearts of those who knew them.
In a testament to the courageous spirit of FAST, a total of 49 FAST agents received the DEA Administrator’s Award for Valor between 2009 and 2013, while 23 DEA Purple Hearts were bestowed upon individuals for heroism and self-sacrifice during FAST operations.
FAST agents also successfully disrupted drug trafficking in other countries around the world, and kept Americans safe through their dedication to their mission and selfless actions. They deserve our nation’s gratitude and respect.
Enough good things cannot be said about FAST—more than can be contained in this little blog post. Suffice it for me to say, for now, that the FAST program was a resounding success that this country should be proud of and that its agents were and are sterling law enforcement professionals. I am glad to share this with the world.