 So, the explosion was so much, it was so large that, you know, I'm here, the V-Bid or the T-Walls are way over there behind these buildings, but the explosion still managed to knock me off my feet. I hit my head on the ground pretty good, and I remember looking up at this huge mushroom cloud. Bad day, definitely a bad day. On August 28, 2013, a two-ton truck bomb exploded against the outer wall of forward operating base Gosney in central Afghanistan. What followed was an intense firefight involving suicide bombers and insurgent snipers. It was happening so fast, I was trying to move to get back to our location where we would assume a fighting position. And I remember getting up, trying to run, and falling again. Mayhew didn't know it yet, but the concussion he'd received from the blast had left him unable to fight. As I moved through the fighting positions, I came upon petty officer Mayhew and one other soldier who had been particularly affected by the blast. They both were incoherent, unable to form sentences. We actually ultimately had to take their weapons away from them. I can remember just a real chaotic scene. I'm very dazed and confused, a little disoriented. But I can remember a round hitting around me, loud explosions. He was 100 percent incapacitated in the fight, and that's not something anybody ever asked for. But still, even during the fight, he kept wanting to get up and stand his post. He wanted to go into a fighting position, and it was only because we wouldn't let him. After the 14-hour firefight, Mayhew was sent to Bagram for further treatment. For the injuries he received and his steadfast refusal to give up the fight, petty officer Mayhew received the Purple Heart. I was really appreciative, and when you look at the history of that award and the people that have received it and the things that have happened, it's truly an honor. Pretty awesome, Mayhew. Nice to go on and help you, sir. Hey, Charlie. Yes, sir. Happy Thanksgiving, sir. Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. Well, let's not say everything's giving up. I'd love to just have the chance to talk to folks at theater and let them know how much we appreciate everything that you guys are doing. I thought it was great that he would take time to contact us who are forward-deployed to share some conversation and wish us a happy Thanksgiving. So definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, definitely something that's rewarding, something I'll always remember. All right. Well, happy Thanksgiving. Great to talk to you and tell everybody how much we appreciate it. Yes, sir. Thanks a lot. God bless you. God bless you. Goodbye. Yes, sir. Reporting from Gosney, Afghanistan, I'm Petty Officer James Stollpeck.