In October 1993, a hot sticky mess approaches boiling in the cluster cursed cauldron that is Somalia.
Mohamed Aidid orchestrates the genocide of hundreds of thousands of Somalis through the violent seizure of food shipments bound for a famine-plagued nation. He straight up murders them too, because hundreds of thousands is a tough number to get to by starvation alone.
Cruel Realities
Nations go to war for a lot of reasons. I hope we can all agree that the prohibition of systematic starvation and genocide is a good reason to do so.
As a perceived empire, we can’t stop this behavior every time. Sometimes sadly it just isn’t our business, but we have a respectable track record of trying, and that is one reason I’m proud to be an American.
It was during one of these attempts to compel civility that Chief Warrant Officer and Master Aviator Michael Durant was given a great opportunity to showcase his character.
You may already know most of the story, and Mike’s part he will tell you was only a small part of a greater effort and that other men sacrificed more than he, and he would be right, but his heroic actions and attitude are no less remarkable.
A Patriot’s Story
Mike bravely flew his Black Hawk into the most hostile place on earth to try to reach fellow soldiers in need. A shot up tail rotor brought him down where in the middle of the cauldron.
This man, as he waits for rescue inside the downed carcass of his bird, knowing he has a broken back, faces thousands of crazed amateur soldiers as they circle and encroach like a city-sized pack of wild dogs. If he shot one, there were just more to take their place…for hours. If you’ve ever been in a fight, a minute feels like five and five feels like an hour.
I’m not a soldier. I have no idea what it feels like to be there. Those guys are special.
His entire crew plus the team who went in to rescue them are killed and paraded through the streets as prizes. Armed with limited ammunition, Mike is taken prisoner of war and tortured as his captors try to make him renounce America’s right to be in their country.
For eleven days he endures devilish treatment as he becomes the face of one of our nation’s dark moments. Eventually he is released to the Red Cross, but his courage exemplifies the American spirit and he represents hope for a world better than the version we are living in today.
In the Company of Heros
Mike shares his story and the motivation that inspired him in his book In The Company of Heroes. This year on Patriot’s Day, you have the opportunity to meet Mike and hear him speak about his experiences at A Patriot’s Story ~ Black Hawk Down. This special night is hosted jointly by the Art Krewe and Huntsville Young Professionals.
This event will be more than the just a lecture. All tickets include the pre-lecture cocktail hour, the lecture (obviously) and the book signing and reception following Mike’s lecture. Got a question you’re dying to ask Mike? You can submit it for Mike through the HYP website- just make sure to get it in before the 11th of September.
Added bonus: OVE’s own Digital Wizard Larkin Grant will be LIVE tweeting from the event. Be sure you’re following Our Valley Events on Twitter to catch this live event coverage and LOTS more! (I know Larkin and that girl is ALWAYS out and about.)
So you’re probably wondering how much this event is gonna set you back. Here’s the price breakdown:
- $20 YP ticket
- $30 Military / DOD ticket
- $45 General Admission
- $16 In The Company of Heroes hardback book (added to the price of your ticket).
Special YP Ticket-one day only
Tickets go on sale Wednesday August 15th. To kick-off ticket sales there will be a special $15 price for ONE DAY ONLY for HYP members.
How It Works
HYP members that receive the HYP e-newsletter will be sent a special email with a link to buy $15 tickets. On August 15, click the link and you will be directed to purchase a $15 member-priced ticket.
How To Join HYP
Just a reminder — it is FREE to become an HYP member. To join HYP click here to sign up for the email newsletter. Note, you MUST sign up for the email newsletter before Wednesday August 15th to receive this ticket price. Regular YP price is $20.
Celebrate Freedom
Most importantly, remember that if you don’t celebrate freedom on this and any other day, the terrorists win. Do not let the terrorists win. Go hear Mike Durant speak and have him personalize your copy of his book.
A portion of funds will go to support Wounded Warrior Project. And because Mike is such a decent guy and gave us the books to sell that means ALL the money made from book sales goes directly to the Wounded Warrior Project. I said he was decent, didn’t I? So don’t let him down! Buy a book and have him sign it! In fact buy a couple!
Mike is a great soldier, a war hero, a company CEO, and he is also a regular guy. He and his wife Lisa have six kids (after Mogadishu, that can’t seem that difficult.) He runs a successful defense company supporting our soldiers. He likes to play hockey. I wouldn’t hip check him.
The world is full of sons of bitches like Mohamed Aidid. Thank God there are also men like Mike Durant.
Ticket giveaway
Event Information
Event: A Patriot’s Story ~ Black Hawk Down
Sponsored by QinetiQ
Date: Tuesday, September 11th
Time: 5-8pm
Location: Huntsville Museum of Art–Spencer Hall (Downstairs)
Cost: $45 General Admission; $20 YP’s; $30 Military/DOD
Tickets: Click here to purchase
Photo credits: Freedom is not free by Vinoth Chandar ; Flag by Randy Robertson
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
As always, an incredibly well-written and thought-provoking article from Mr. Michael Kinzer! By far my favorite moment of the blog was reading these words, “The world is full of sons of bitches like Mohamed Aidid. Thank God there are also men like Mike Durant.”
I have had the pleasure of hearing Mike speak before, and it is truly a memorable, inspiring experience! I’m looking forward to the opportunity to hear him again! Great post!
Well written Mr. Kinzer. I look forward to hearing Mike speak.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this evening with my teenage son and the support of the Wounded Warrior Project. We are looking forward to an inspiring evening.
Great post! Sounds like a fantastic event!
My husband would love to meet Mike! I hope we win!