Thad Forester - My Brother in Arms: The Exceptional Life of Mark Andrew Forester, United States Air Force Combat Controller

The Exceptional Life of Mark Andrew Forester, United States Air Force Combat Controller

Copyright 2013 by Thad Forester. All rights reserved.
ISBN

My Brother in Arms published byTriumph Press
www.TriumphPress.com

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, elec-tronic or mechanical, including scanning, photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Cover Artwork: Jana Nielsen
Layout and design: ipublicidades.com

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This was taken April 4, 2010 and is the last picture of Mark (left) and me before he deployed to Afghanistan. We were not divided in life and now in death we will not be separated.

CONTENTS

Preface

When I set out to write this book on my brothers life, I intended to have it completed and ready for publication in June 2011. With its release in September 2013, it seems I was a little over ambitious in my planning. I have devoted every available moment to promoting Marks legacy, and the effort has taken many forms, this book being only one of them. Also, I think the book is more complete and effective than it could have been much earlier. Far more information is available recently than it was in the weeks following Marks death. Most importantly, though, is that the time has given us perspective to determine the true purpose for this book. I am satisfied that the final product, at minimum, provides our family a personal account of Mark Andrew Foresterson, brother, friend, patriot, and hero. However, I have a greater goal that it will serve as not just a memorial in print, but as a tool for perpetuating Marks legacy of service, sacrifice and excellence.

First and foremost, any time I write or speak of Mark, my desire is always to speak the truth. I dont make unrealistic assumptions, especially about the times I wasnt present. I have always wanted to make sure details about Mark are accurate and unembellished. I write confidently about our childhood and the time we lived together as adults. However, when writing of his military life, Ive gone to great lengths to verify, to the best of my ability, everything printed. If errors are present, it is not for any deliberate reason. There are some seeming inconsistencies in the book, notably with the spelling of places in Afghanistan. This book exists because so many people contributed to it. Where there are different spellings and formats for dates and time, I followed those used by the contributor.

Ive never wanted to make Mark out to be anything he was not. He was an exceptional mana cut above the rest, and most people agreebut Ive never wanted to inflate stories or circumstances to make him out to be a superhero. Mark wouldnt want that anyway. It happens too often that we put someone in exalted status once they die. As if, all of the sudden they never did any wrong and were the best people in the world at everything they did. As his brother, Im well aware Mark wasnt perfect. Once again, I have strived for accuracy.

From day one, I told those who contributed to this work that I would not print anything they arent comfortable with and that they havent approved. I tried to be up front with everyone that I was writing a book, so when I asked questions, sometimes I was thinking of using that info in the book. I never wanted them to feel surprised or under surveillance. In some cases names have been changed, and in all cases, call signs have been changed (except for Marks). Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has reviewed all chapters referencing Marks military life and suggested few changes, which I made. This was to assure me that I didnt print anything that could cause harm to our military and/or our country.

Since Mark was killed, we have met countless men and women in the military who have impressed me with their commitment to protect America. Whats more touching is when they lose their own, theyre able to turn off their stern, professional personae and turn on compassion, love, support and acceptance. We have witnessed it first-hand, up close and personal. All have expressed complete support and consolation. But more than this, many have become close to us, some are like family now. They visit us often. We talk, email and text regularly.

We have been amazed at the support from the Air Force, especially the mighty Two-One from Pope Field (formerly Pope Air Force Base), NC. This was Marks assigned squadron. Anything we needed, or need in the future, they will do. These were not just empty words, but promises they have delivered onrepeatedly. Even those from the Army, Navy and Marines who worked with Mark have kept in close contact with us and have provided valuable insight into his life at Firebase Cobra and what it was like to work with him, in the heat of battle, and slow times goofing off. And I have to mention the great bonus it is that so many have become Alabama football fans, thanks to Marks die-hard loyalty.

Numerous friends, teammates, and associates of Marks have contacted us to share their impressions and experiences with him. These are people who came to us on their own, unsolicited, sharing incredible stories about my brother. They will probably never really know how important this is to us. We love it.

Given my desire to learn everything I can about others experiences and memories of Mark, I applied this to a recent situation when a friend was suddenly killed in a car accident. It was tough on me. I spoke at his funeral. That night after speaking, I wrote down my thoughts of him and our experiences together and sent the letter to his wife. I explained how precious this type of information was and continues to be for me to hear about Mark.

I received a card from her recently. In it she wrote, The letter had great memories and we all read it and cried a little more. Thank you for doing that. Thank you for honoring Rich. and for your letter with all the memories. I treasure that. There are no words that I know to thank you

As unique as Mark was, which youll discover in this book, I have to recognize the many other men and women serving our country, or who have served. I am grateful to each of you for your many acts of service and sacrifice. I know its hard on your bodies, hard on families and relationships, etc. We arent the only ones to lose a loved one to war. Unfortunately, there are many. Our citizens need to know about the great sacrifices these men and women make on our behalf. Most of them dont want attention, but they deserve our respect and appreciation; and they deserve much more than they currently get from our countryits citizens and leaders. My Dad always said that someone had to do it; he just didnt want it to be his kids. I think most parents can understand that.