NBC: How the Trump Team’s First Military Raid Went Wrong
LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA, FLORIDA — Surely the most memorable moment from President Trump's first address to a joint session of Congress, and to the nation, came in his tribute to Ryan Owens, a fallen Navy SEAL.
"Ryan died as he lived, a warrior and a hero, battling against terrorism and securing our nation," the President said on Feb. 28. The SEAL's tearful widow, Carryn Owens, sat in the place of honor above the chamber.
Chief Petty Officer Owens, a 36-year-old father of three, was indeed a warrior, experienced and combat-proven, the most elite of the elite, and a long-time member of SEAL Team 6.
"Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity," President Trump continued, turning to look up at Ryan's grieving widow.
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WNU Editor: The use of a grieving father, anonymous sources, and political opponents to President Trump .... all were used to make this story. But was this military raid a failure? It is always easy to second-guess the decisions made in ordering a military strike after-the-fact .... but would anything have been done differently in this mission if it was to happen to again. I doubt it. Bottom line .... the commanders on the ground made the decision to proceed with the mission after their presence was detected by the enemy .... and they did so because the intelligence indicated that a high-value target was there. For the family of Ryan Owens .... they must feel that this mission was a failure (and who would blame them). For the commanders who ordered the mission .... and considering the high civilian casualty count .... I can only speculate on what they are thinking, but I am sure that they must feel that cost of the mission was very high. But this is war .... no one leaves scarred from it .... and for some families who experience the ultimate sacrifice .... the deepest scars of all.
