After Tragedy in Niger, Former Green Beret Tells of Loss, Self-Sacrifice, and Valor

Soldiers from each of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces groups stand silent during the wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov. 17, 2011. U.S. Army

When a Green Beret loses his life in combat, his entire company of men will often share in the loss. The soldiers take responsibility for the wife and children of their friend. They call the soldier’s wife, mother, and father and ensure his children know the values he gave his life to uphold.

“When you lose a guy in your company, that Green Beret’s wife becomes a part of that community. They really become part of the unit’s life as well,” Chris Erickson, a contributor at the national security and public policy website OpsLens and a former Green Beret.