Tony Thomas @TonyT2Thomas Twitter profile

Last Seen Profiles

@flute23432

@stwmaniax

@OlaviT__

@gimmemoreacker

@EULocation

@AgusRavalle

@ayaka_Ichihara

@NorfolkMuseums

@Toaphi161967

@Chit_Santi

@chiyochihaya

@oost2k

@GeisslAnge

@examproco

@DONCLAUD_

@cpetersenec

@LOWESMATE

@shoug_11111

@Rock_of_Alpha

@NangSokneang

@KayOscar17

@RGiyanti

@AstridGauc79418

@rocketengine

@redtvtrack9

@OurBestTimes

@byeolsandal

@karenroom16

@stw_pdg

@AgusRavalle

@AlinaG98491

@RGiyanti

@SirayukiSIU

@OpmInsos

@frat_okten63

@fogonoolhar

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@atrupar Mike, stop. Just stop. You are a former soldier. You know that leveraging the military to “rerun elections” is a totally inappropriate role for the profession. You are also undercutting the extraordinary trust and confidence America has in their military. Stop!

429

1K

8K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

I apologize. We, Special Operations, raised this guy. We promoted him through the ranks and ultimately gave him the honor of representing this country on the raid to kill Usama Bin Laden. He has turned it into his money making embarrassing schtick.

Ex-Navy SEAL wants to rescue Americans: 'Give me 9 guys ... We don’t ask the enemy for permission....

Former Navy SEAL Rob O'Neill says he could rescue Americans in Afghanistan with nine guys and you shouldn't ask your enemy for permission.

www.bizpacreview.com

1K

5K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

First, wear your beret correctly. Second, you are a Congressman now, act like it. This is a dumb debate (feel pretty qualified to say that). Need you to focus on more important things for the good of the nation. You and @SenTomCotton get together and work like “Ranger buddies.”

Rep. Jason Crow

@RepJasonCrow

4 years

Hey @SenTomCotton , unless you wore one of these berets you shouldn't be calling yourself a Ranger. Truth matters.

3K

17K

72K

314

896

5K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Watched this twice now. I was sure it must be an SNL or Comedy Central skit. Nope, just the base(r) level our political environment slips to with each succeeding day. There is a reason 100M people opted not to vote again this year. Embarrassing.

526

600

4K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@peterwsinger @EsperDoD The “battle space” of America??? Not what America needs to hear...ever, unless we are invaded by an adversary or experience a constitutional failure...ie a Civil War...

106

871

3K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Hard to believe this was a mere month ago. Still makes my blood boil.

Leah Millis

@LeahMillis

4 years

I took this photograph a month ago, today.

623

10K

66K

95

352

2K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

3 years ago we lost 4 American warriors in an intense fire fight in Niger. They were conducting a traditional Special Forces mission to produce host nation capability to deal with their security challenges so that we didn’t need to respond to a crisis. Remember these heroes.

43

351

2K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@mccaffreyr3 These guys are in dangerous fantasy land and folks who facilitate their babbling are complicit.

32

240

2K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

8 years ago. Pech River, Kunar.

55

52

2K

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@JenGriffinFNC 47 days and they (Patel) won’t have approval to enter the Pentagon parking lot...this too will pass.

31

62

916

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Mosul, Iraq, circa 2007-08. To the age old question of why we fight, the answer has always been…for each other.

24

36

687

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;

Bloomberg

@business

2 years

WATCH: General Mike Flynn plead the fifth to multiple questions from Rep. Liz Cheney, including one on whether he believes in the peaceful transition of power

186

217

555

31

163

657

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Really solid decision/move by Army Special Operations Command. I spent hours reviewing this battle. Although not Special Forces qualified, both Johnsons were integral to the team and LaDavid Johnson displayed epic courage and commitment. De Oppresso Liber!

In rare move, Army names 2 soldiers killed in 2017 Niger ambush honorary Green Berets

They saved the lives of many soldiers.

taskandpurpose.com

20

111

638

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Saw the title and was interested. Saw the author and felt rage. Wolfowitz, one of several people who should never, ever comment on US national security again. A simple apology is all we want to hear from you. The ‘Forever War’ Hasn’t Ended - WSJ

Opinion | The ‘Forever War’ Hasn’t Ended

Thursday’s attacks were a reminder that ‘the enemy always gets a vote.’ With the Afghanistan pullout, the long war against jihadists has become more daunting.

www.wsj.com

38

89

611

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Keeps getting harder to swallow. This is Karzai, you know, the guy the airport is named after, and Abdullah Abdullah, former co-president, both of whom we paid $Millions in influence money, smiling and jiving with Taliban senior leadership helping with the transition.

Dr. Abdullah Abdullah

@DrabdullahCE

3 years

Along with HE @KarzaiH , we welcomed members of the Taliban political office, & negotiation team. We exchanged views on the current security & political developments, & an inclusive political settlement for the future of the country.

355

329

2K

137

151

501

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Rest assured, there is an unsigned list of thousands of former senior officers who remain committed (for life) to the Constitution (against all enemies, foreign and domestic).These are not “notables” (I recognize 3) and don’t represent some cabal of GOFOs.

'Disturbing and reckless': Retired brass spread election lie in attack on Biden, Democrats

The open letter from 124 retired officers alarmed current and former military members concerned about the politicization of the military.

www.politico.com

30

118

490

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Hard to find words for this insufferable ingrate. He exhorts women to get out and fight for the right to be educated while he never fought for anything and merely capitulated to his “brothers” the Taliban. Unfortunately, reinforces our misguided strategy.

Afghanistan: Hamid Karzai says the Taliban are his brothers

In a BBC interview, Hamid Karzai also calls on the international community to help rebuild Afghanistan.

www.bbc.com

37

93

454

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

As another “former”, never saw kneeling as a slight to the troops but a statement about our country and injustice. I personally don’t like it (rubs against my built in DNA / bias) but I defend the right to do so...guaranteed in our Constitution. The flag is something we share.

22

82

438

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Powerful read! Met Sarah Chayes in early 2002 near Kandahar. Knock on her at the time was she had “gone native.” That became a strength. She pulls no punches on the integral and debilitating aspects of Corruption, Karzai, Pakistan and our self-delusion.

The Ides of August

August 15, 2021I’ve been silent for a while. I’ve been silent about Afghanistan for longer. But too many things are going unsaid. I won’t try to evoke the emotions, somehow both swirling and yet...

www.sarahchayes.org

22

188

422

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Didn’t think I could get more agitated (at least not today) and then this. You, literally, dumped the symbol of the USA for trump?

32

119

407

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@APompliano Not all boomers. Remember we are your parents. We taught you how to use a spoon! 😁

42

6

391

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

CDR Brian Bourgeois, ST8. Great officer and human being. Prayers for the family.

14

384

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Folks can and will spin anything. She’s literally putting her life on the line out there (burka required) to provide incredibly insightful reporting. She did the same years ago in Syria during our early efforts vs ISIS. She ain’t “cheerleading” Ted.

Ted Cruz

@tedcruz

3 years

Is there an enemy of America for whom @CNN WON’T cheerlead? (In mandatory burkas, no less.)

10K

5K

22K

29

32

373

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@wesleysmorgan “I’m not a traitor.” Yeah, you are. And you are a stain on your former profession.

4

38

345

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

The tendency is to fixate on Gallagher but the piece that gets lost is actually a profoundly good news story. SEALs operating in a remarkably complex situation where many would say there are no rules had the guts to step up and identify criminal behavior.

‘My only regret is not doing more’ — Why I reported Eddie Gallagher for war crimes

"Not a single one of us could have imagined that we would have to report a friend and mentor for war crimes."

taskandpurpose.com

10

54

362

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@jimgolby I’ve never been a fan of those who think retired GOs should keep their pieholes shut (one extreme) and others who think GOs are Uber citizens who have unique insights on our democratic experiment (the other). We are CITIZENS who have fought for the right to express our opinions.

5

49

346

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

Prescient!

17

78

369

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Proud of you, Malcolm!

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

@SOFWarriorFnd

4 years

"They really are a family. There's no organization like SOWF."- Malcolm , the son of Air Force Tech. Sergeant Martin who lost his life in 2002. Malcolm Graduated from LA Film school in 2017. #enduringpromise

2

12

148

4

32

322

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@RexChapman Location and names...only way you can drive ACCOUNTABILITY.

4

53

317

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

I’m admittedly biased as a friend who served with this officer for many years but I’m proud of him and what he represents...defending our constitution. Arguably, no CJCS has weathered such a tumultuous political period of our history. Thankful he has the con.

16

31

307

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@thehill First point of order / inquiry, what was a 17 year old doing strolling around with a long gun (far from his home town) in the middle of a curfew?

17

49

306

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Watch this and try to embrace / appreciate the sentiment. This is about LEADERSHIP, JUSTICE, RESPECT and doing what we know is RIGHT as human beings. We all should be unsettled in this moment and determined to do something about it!

16

76

305

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” ― Nelson Mandela

8

71

291

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

This is shady as hell. Who and how was this decision made and who has oversight?

18

130

277

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

The BEST advertisement for what we do...the families of our fallen teammates! Please consider supporting.

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

@SOFWarriorFnd

4 years

"SOWF is covering the cost of college for all my kids. I have two in college right now and one will be entering in less than two years. My twin daughters will be there in 5 years, what a relief to know I don’t have to worry about that"- Ginger, spouse of MAJ Troy Gilbert KIA 2006

2

17

187

5

30

267

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Pointe du Hoc, June 6, 2016. RLTW!

1

14

268

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Only kids with no options join our military... Actually, we are blessed to have some of the most amazing, talented young Americans in the force! Well done, Doctor!

XVIII Airborne Corps & Fort Liberty

@18airbornecorps

4 years

1 of 2: Good afternoon! Want to meet an IMPRESSIVE @USArmy Soldier? Sergeant Saleena Dodson, an Automated Logistics Specialist (92A MOS) successfully defended her doctoral thesis in epidemiology from Temple University!!! She earned her PhD this past Monday! Congrats Dr. Sergeant!

89

228

2K

4

27

259

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Personally tough for me to read this profound timeline (should be required history for all those who don’t know how we got here) as I served parts of, or in some cases the entire year, in AFG from DEC ‘01-2019. My perspectives on this...

11

81

266

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@declanwalsh For too many Americans this will be discarded as just another foreign newspaper, blah, blah, blah. To those of us who have worked in Kenya and other countries this is a smack in the head. Going to be a real challenge to recover that “shining beacon on the hill” status.

10

18

254

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@Doctrine_Man It will be in my forthcoming best seller, “I did not shoot Bin Laden, but I know who did.”

13

16

244

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Shady shit, it’s a technical term. Preach Dave! @stoolpresidente

Dave Portnoy

@stoolpresidente

3 years

Emergency Press Conference - Elon is Trying To Tank #Bitcoin

3K

22K

12

26

257

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@jimgolby @peterwsinger Absolutely right. Doesn’t meet any criteria for legitimate Rules of Engagement that I can imagine. Incredible indiscipline. Where’s the leadership?

7

23

245

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

This tragic event spurred the creation/organization of the world’s most capable Special Operations Forces and marked the beginning of the mission for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Since that day we have provided scholarships to 400+ children of our fallen comrades.

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

@SOFWarriorFnd

3 years

On this day 41 years ago, Special Operations Forces attempted to rescue 52 Americans being held hostage in Iran during Operation #EagleClaw . Tragically, five Special Operations Airmen and three Marines lost their lives during the mission. We will always remember!

15

79

406

5

43

238

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

Niya, congratulations. We are proud of your accomplishments! To those of you who support @SOFWarriorFnd thanks for making her dream a reality.

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

@SOFWarriorFnd

2 years

We are PSYCHed to announce that Niya Kyong Park recently graduated from The University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Medical Informatics! She is the daughter of Army SFC Dae Park, who was KIA in 2011 while assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group. 🎓🎉💜

0

4

94

1

13

243

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Karzai the unifier? You wonder “if” Afghanistan didn’t have him for 13 years of dubious governance. Literally kept him alive and sustained with his constant ingratitude. Every encounter had me muttering the mantra, we can’t want this more than they do.

AP Interview: Former president says US failed in Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s former president says the United States came to his country to fight extremism and bring stability to his war-tortured nation and is leaving nearly 20 years later having failed at both.

apnews.com

18

28

226

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

OK, @TheAtlantic , a little bit of follow up analysis if you will, please. POTUS-elect logic for selection is the “successful” ending of the war effort in 2011??? Did I dream about having to go BACK to Iraq and then the added bonus of Syria 2 years later to defeat ISIS?

Jeffrey Goldberg

@JeffreyGoldberg

4 years

In this piece for @TheAtlantic , Joe Biden explains why he chose Lloyd Austin to be his secretary of defense:

12

26

94

13

42

210

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

@RichardEngel Missed one. For years Taliban declared “non hostile” (official US policy). Could not be targeted until they targeted you, ie accept risk while you wait for first move. Taliban fought where/when they wanted to for past 2 decades living the mantra, “you have watches, we have time.”

10

34

212

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

UNAMERICAN! My blood is literally boiling. We allowed this to happen in a slow boil. Meanwhile Nero fiddles...on Twitter. So sad for our country right now.

Patrick J Murphy

@PatrickMurphyPA

4 years

Sad & infuriating day in American history. I love our country so much, but too many Americans think the ‘Rule of Law’ doesn’t apply to them. For #BLM protests, the Army Old Guard was on standby w live rounds & national guard. To see our Capitol overrun w mob rule is an indictment

10

50

183

4

43

220

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Had a great dinner with him in NYC a few months before he died. Don’t pretend to be an expert on the man but he made us THINK (regardless of whether you agreed). His tragic end reinforces the fact that everyone you meet is struggling with a demon you know nothing about.

Yashar Ali 🐘

@yashar

3 years

Three years ago today we lost Tony Bourdain. People loved and revered Tony based on what they saw on their screen but he was even kinder, more generous, and more honest in real life. I miss you, Tony.

477

2K

36K

6

29

223

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

👇

Ted Martin

@TedMartin1775

4 years

Folks, I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States🇺🇸. So did all of the men & women in this picture. There is no place in our ranks for extremism. Not now. Not ever. #USArmy #Constitution @USArmy @TRADOC @FORSCOM @USARPAC @USArmyEURAF #ARMY #tuesdayvibe

161

555

3K

4

19

210

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Women in combat...it will never work. WARRIOR!

7

33

205

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Worse. We threw money at the problem (besides the human toll) stoking the insurgency. Met the former Taliban Finance Minister who told me we were the greatest source of funding for them. “We get a cut on everything you spend. Many TB hope you never leave.”

Hundreds of billions were spent by the US in Afghanistan. Here are 10 of the starkest examples of...

Half a billion dollars of aircraft that flew for about a year. A huge $85 million hotel that never opened, and sits in disrepair. Camouflage uniforms for the Afghan army whose fancy pattern would...

www.cnn.com

12

78

194

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

Might add a little context / perspective to how profound this day is.

History Defined

@historydefined

2 years

Burial at sea on the USS Intrepid, November 1944.

82

1K

15K

2

28

197

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

Last bird out of Saigon, this day in 1975 (year before I started at West Point)…47 years ago. Didn’t bet on it happening twice in my lifetime.

16

186

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

20th Anniversary or Roberts Ridge. In the company of the heroes who embodied the Ranger Creed on that fateful occasion. “I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy.”

5

14

181

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

8 years ago somewhere in AFG according to social media reminder...these two would be in their mid teens now verging on “MAM” status (military aged males). Hope they aren’t fighting for the Taliban. Average age of those fighting us now = 23ish. They were 3-4 when we got there.

9

20

176

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Pretty powerful “bridge” message here from a few years back. Special Forces combat veteran providing a compelling example of embracing an alternative viewpoint towards a common objective. Well done, Nate Boyer. DOL

Scott Power

@Coach_Power

4 years

Racism is a product of ignorance...

560

50K

105K

4

78

180

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Daughter of one of the warriors we lost in the Battle of Takur Ghar (AKA Robert’s Ridge) 18+ years ago. We don’t forget those who sacrificed all. Congratulations, Kyla, and continued success! T2 Chairman SOWF

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

@SOFWarriorFnd

4 years

Kyla Cunningham graduated from @ucdavis #Classof2020 , with her degree in Managerial Economics, and recently accepted an offer as a Corporate Finance Analyst. Congratulations Kyla! Kyla is the daughter of SrA Jason Cunningham who lost his life in 2002.

2

5

50

3

17

165

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

@mikejason73 That’s a reasonable feeling for us “formers.” Now snap out of it. You went to war (on several occasions for this country) and, more importantly, trained the current generation of leaders…who are better than we were.

1

9

153

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

For the record, “the Pentagon” is one guy (surrounded and informed by a huge bureaucracy, but, one decision maker). Incredibly flawed and cowardly decision making in this case.

Jared Keller

@jaredbkeller

4 years

Wow: Former SecDef Mark Esper on record stating that the Pentagon held back the promotions of female generals over fears of Trump's reaction

60

536

1K

12

47

142

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Guidance attributed to him in Afghanistan in 2001/2002. “We aren’t staying, we aren’t occupying , and we aren’t nation building,” and then we did all the above. Followed by the inexplicable student body left to Iraq. No strategy to finish what we started.

Donald Rumsfeld, The Controversial Architect Of The Iraq War, Has Died

Rumsfeld, a longtime military thinker and Washington powerbroker, served twice as secretary of defense. He was 88.

apple.news

7

22

145

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

“Mosul is healing.” My home town fo 15 months (Sep ‘07-Dec ‘08). ISIS and their nihilist cause occupied and destroyed this historic city where multiple religions had coexisted for centuries. The Muslims and Christians rebuilding Mosul’s old city - BBC News

The Muslims and Christians rebuilding Mosul’s old city

A Unesco project has hired locals of all faiths to work together to rebuild the city of Mosul.

www.bbc.com

4

32

146

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@jimgolby 2/ Having set that stage I have no time for GOs who aren’t accountable for their quotes.

2

11

143

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@GregJaffe Here’s a thought, Mike Flynn is an aberration who would never have had the opportunity to “sprout” without the extraordinary political environment that evolved in 2016. I don’t think “DOD” saw this coming but he was a bitter man who was served the ultimate revenge platform.

25

30

138

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

@Snakeeater36 His personal actions saved a lot of teammates that night.

0

6

129

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

BEAT EM!!!

2

0

142

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

2

10

142

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

5 months

It’s easy to be critical of tactics in previous conflicts but it resonates a little more when you reflect on the fact that our generation made similar mistakes…how many times did we clear Helmand and Konar?

Military History Now

@MilHistNow

5 months

Today in 1969, soldiers of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne begin an assault on Hill 937 aka "Hamburger Hill." It takes them 10 days to fight their way to the top. More than 400 American troops become casualties during the battle. After securing the summit, the area is abandoned.

38

216

1K

11

19

138

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

This was powerful and heartfelt! Some will miss the message because of deep seeded bias but his drumbeat is the steady march towards “greatness” of this great country.

Sen. Cory Booker

@SenBooker

3 years

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has earned this moment in history, she is worthy, she is a truly great American.

3K

12K

76K

9

13

137

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

I was only 10 when this happened but I distinctly remember it as part of my youthful development. I did not know, until today, the rest of the story about Aussie Peter Norman, the silver medalist...powerful personal sacrifice.

5

26

133

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Most people are inclined to lump Somalia in the “endless war” bucket (we are still there). Most don’t remember why we went in the first place...to help the starving and oppressed. Naive? Yes, we underestimated the threat. But righteous and consistent with our national values.

Howard Altman

@haltman

4 years

#HonorTheFallen

1

9

28

5

12

124

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

The epitome of the U.S. Army Ranger! RLTW!

US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence

@MCoEFortMoore

3 years

Wise words from Retired Colonel Ralph Puckett to the 2021 #BestRanger competitors! #InfantryWeek @USArmy @TRADOC @PatDonahoeArmy

8

49

315

4

12

132

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

1 year

@MarkHertling @vausecnn @cnni Mark, solid thread! Of course some of our partners went for added degree of difficulty, offensive operations ( Mosul) in the time of Ramadan. Let’s not eat while we attack! 😁

3

2

127

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

Powerful. Background checks aren’t going to fix the problem but it’s the least we can do and not a threat to our “liberties.”

Casey Pratt

@CaseyAPratt

2 years

Nothing else on here matters. Just watch this in full.

293

5K

16K

8

17

123

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

5 months

A lot more to this story (hard to believe with all the books / movies) but a reinforcing lesson for having “the guts to try.”

Military History Now

@MilHistNow

5 months

RIGHT NOW in 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs storm an Al Qaeda compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan and kill Osama bin Laden. The SEALs report bin Laden's death with the code: "For God and country—Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo." Visuals are streamed live to the White House situation room.

25

157

761

3

17

126

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

Congratulations and continued success, Nolan. Your father, Chris, was one of the most extraordinary operators I’ve ever seen. He played a historic role in smashing ISIS in Syria. For all of you who support @SOFWarriorFnd thanks for making this possible.

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

@SOFWarriorFnd

2 years

Join us as we give a big #HootieHoo to Nolan Nelms, who was accepted to Warren Wilson College this fall! Your SOWF family will be there to support you every step of the way! 🦉🌲 Nolan is the son of SGM Christopher Nelms, who lost his life in 2018 while assigned to USASOC HQ.

0

2

36

3

5

121

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

2 years

Can’t describe the level of disdain I have for “unnamed officials” who leak this stuff. This isn’t a game. We are teetering on the brink. Do your job and shut your pie hole.

Moskva sinking: US gave intelligence that helped Ukraine sink Russian cruiser - reports

The Pentagon has not commented, but a spokesman said the US gave intelligence to help Ukraine's defence.

www.bbc.com

7

12

117

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Instant classic. Too good to not share. Claiming massive touchdown fraud, Navy vows to fight game results to Supreme Court - Duffel Blog

Claiming massive touchdown fraud, Navy vows to fight game results to Supreme Court

"They needed to stop counting the points, but they didn’t."

www.duffelblog.com

5

21

110

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

3 hour dinner with him a few months before he passed.Don’t pretend to be an expert on the man from that experience. He was a mere mortal who had the gift of making us think. His tragic end is also a reminder that every one of us is wrestling with a demon nobody else knows about.

Polina M. Pompliano

@polina_marinova

4 years

The late renegade chef Anthony Bourdain believed that breaking bread with strangers around the world had the power to unite us. 👇

34

85

1K

3

8

114

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Very symbolic (20th anniversary of 9/11) but once again end date vs. end state. We went to AFG on a punitive mission to ensure no sanctuary from where we would ever be attacked again. “Mission Accomplished?” P.S. as the father of 2 warriors I’m not a forever war advocate.

Josh Rogin

@joshrogin

3 years

Biden to announce withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, @cnn reports:

2

4

9

11

4

109

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Evil human beings. Assad invited the Russians into Syria to slaughter his own people just to retain power. Putin now leveraging that to provide the bodies / mass to sustain his faltering efforts in Ukraine. Expect a lot of dead Syrian soldiers…

Syrians join Russian ranks in Ukraine as Putin calls in Assad’s debt

Analysis: Safe in his palace, Syrian leader appears to have given Moscow carte blanche to airlift his army

www.theguardian.com

11

44

106

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

Thoughts on AFG. Tough to capture in a short segment but thanks to @CBS_Herridge for her usual tremendous professionalism. Prayers for the warriors forward in an incredibly complex situation working to evacuate our American citizens and AFG partners.

6

24

107

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

If this doesn’t give you a “bump” you might want to check for a pulse.

Rex Chapman🏇🏼

@RexChapman

4 years

This little man with Down syndrome meeting his baby brother for the very first time and telling him he loves him with sign-language is definitely the Twitter content I’m here for.🌎❤️😇❤️😉

577

5K

45K

2

12

109

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

@Brian_Castner @MattGallagher0 He was the mayor of Tal Afar during my 15 month stint in Mosul (Sep 07-Dec 08). We woke up one morning to discover he had fled…to VA. Not so solid.

3

5

109

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Embrace this! You have problems? Conquer them. Help each other. That smile is right!

Rex Chapman🏇🏼

@RexChapman

4 years

This beautiful and brave little girl with cerebral palsy is walking up the stairs by herself for the very first time. That smile.🌎❤️😊

3K

14K

153K

4

11

104

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

@mikejason73 We all had to wear Oakleys for eye pro...for that gleam coming off your skull 😁

3

1

105

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Blast from the past. Certainly seems like history repeating itself. Concluding paragraphs are powerful.

Spiro’s Ghost

@AntiToxicPeople

4 years

This 1994 letter from Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox answering “What should Americans learn from Watergate?” is chilling. His two paragraph answer could absolutely have Trump & co subsituted in & fit perfectly. Is why I love delving into history. From my collection:

77

1K

2K

3

27

103

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Nick Cheque was the “number 1 man” in the breach for an incredibly challenging and successful hostage rescue operation...the essence of our SOF, accepting personal risk so that others might live!

ThePriceofFreedom 🇺🇸

@PriceofThe

4 years

Navy SEAL 1st Class Nicolas D Cheque of Monroeville PA, assigned to East Coast Special Warfare unit; died 12/08/12 supporting combat operations in Afghanistan. Never forget him. @POTUS @USNavy @us_navyseals @SOFWarriorFnd @op_hawkeye @NavySEALfnd @codeofvets @ArlingtonNatl

3

14

76

3

13

95

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

1 year

P.S. we just rode 500 miles across Iowa (RAGBRAI), in support of this great organization, and two other Goldstar foundations… Thanks for your support!

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

@SOFWarriorFnd

1 year

Everest Hess, daughter of US Army Staff Sergeant Jacob Hess, who lost his life in 2019 while serving with the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion, celebrated her last day at Montessori School today! Her mother, Jessica Hess, shared a beyond-sweet testimonial with us earlier today!

1

5

42

6

4

102

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

In 2014 before we were authorized to do anything about ISIS our surveillance watched day after sickening day as they rounded up thousands of Yazidis and butchered them and sold the women into slavery. Very frustrating to have to wait and watch.

6

28

97

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

We have provided for over 400 of the children of our fallen teammates to date. We remain committed to supporting 800 more. Please consider helping us support them.

Special Operations Warrior Foundation

@SOFWarriorFnd

4 years

The average cost for SOWF to fund a child of fallen is $150k, if funded from preschool through college graduation. We currently have over 900 students, to whom we have promised a fully-funded education. It is our dutyand privilege to fulfill that promise. #education #military

2

9

27

2

25

102

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

The other John Brennan. One of the great leaders in the SOF community.

1st Special Forces Command

@1st_SF_Command

4 years

Maj. Gen. John Brennan referenced 6 books in our discussion about what he has been reading lately. Multiple works by @peterwsinger and @august_cole were mentioned. Check out the 7 minute episode - the latest in our Command Team Corner series!

7

24

85

9

7

96

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

Powerful story / message from the Sergeant Major of the Army.

Office of the Sergeant Major of the Army

@USArmySMA

4 years

To understand one another and to make our @USArmy stronger, we have to trust that we can tell our stories. Here’s part of my story.

665

2K

7K

4

29

101

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

This isn’t shocking. They consider us (the US) an adversary and continue to build capabilities for the worst case contingency focused on our key assets and playbook (which they’ve studied). Not sure we are matching the effort with our elements of power?

China Has Built Mock-Ups of U.S. Aircraft Carrier, Warships in the Desert

Satellite images indicate the People’s Liberation Army is focused on increasingly realistic training methods as tension over Taiwan rises.

www.wsj.com

9

13

94

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

@GrizzledBastard Pull him from the field (that was urban legend). When he found out he said he’d rather turn down the award if he couldn’t go forward again. We are blessed to have warriors like him!

1

3

96

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

4 OCT 2017 we lost 4 Special Forces teammates in an ambush IVO Tongo Tongo. The discussion afterwards was frustrating (Congress-why are we there? Answer: you approved it). Catch-22 you don’t know if the threat will reach out (export) unless you are there.

Suspected Islamists kill dozens in attacks on two Niger villages

The government said soldiers had been sent to protect the area, close to Niger's border with Mali.

www.bbc.com

7

13

87

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

In 2013 we met with the former Taliban Finance Minister, Mutassim. I asked if we were correct in assessing the primary sources of funding as zakat (taxes), illicit activities (mining), and, of course, drugs. He said those were good sources of revenue.

The Taliban’s Highway Robbery

After the peace deal with the United States, the militant group has doubled down on collecting “taxes” from Afghanistan’s coal miners.

foreignpolicy.com

4

24

90

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

8 months

This is war. We have been playing tit for tat with these people for too long. When deterrence fails you must defeat the adversary.

3 US troops killed, 25 injured in drone attack in Jordan

A drone attack killed three U.S. troops and injured several more Sunday.

www.newsnationnow.com

16

12

97

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

3 years

The discussion in the 90’s after the wall came down was how to consolidate NATO without forcing “too hard” a peace on Russia. Versailles may have been invoked. We left it at Ukraine. Now all he wants is NATO to renounce why it exists…to keep him in check.

Russia Ukraine: Moscow lists demands for defusing Ukraine tensions

Moscow says Nato should abandon hopes of Ukraine joining and Nato states should get rid of weapons.

www.bbc.com

6

28

90

Tony Thomas

@TonyT2Thomas

4 years

All sounds pretty innocent to me...what’s the worst that can happen? 😳

CNN International

@cnni

4 years

China this week revealed plans to drastically expand an experimental weather modification program to cover an area of over 5.5 million square kilometers (2.1 million square miles) — more than 1.5 times the total size of India

29

46

128

12

24

90