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Letting go in Afghanistan as mission winds down
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghanistan-prayer-20121210,0,7342389.storyLetting go in Afghanistan as mission winds down
By David S. Cloud, Los Angeles Times
December 9, 2012, 11:37 p.m.
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Fifteen U.S. soldiers huddle in a circle. A blue Toyota packed with explosives has been reported somewhere in the city. The troops bow their heads and clasp hands.
"Dear Lord, protect us and protect those entrusted to us as we help the Afghans protect themselves," says Lt. Col. Patrick Michaelis, their gangly 41-year-old commander.
"Amen," say his men.
Every trip outside the wire begins the same way: a quick check of the latest intelligence, then the prayer, which never varies. When Michaelis forgets, someone stops him: Sir, the prayer.
