31 For 31 Project

The 31 for 31 project was a 2022 initiative in VOAG’s Keeping the Legend Alive (KTLA) project. The simple desire to not let the memory of our friends fade is what KTLA and 31 for 31 is all about. We’ve clung to the idea that if we tell their stories and speak their names, the memory of these heroes will live on forever. Hence, “Keep the Legend Alive.” 

 This project focuses on the men who died aboard a CH-47 helicopter on August 6th, 2011; call sign “Extortion 17”. 31 Americans and 7 Afghan Nationals were killed on that fateful night when the vessel was shot down in Maidan Wardak Province of Afghanistan. The tragedy resulted in the greatest individual loss of life for the U.S. Forces during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. 

 Over the course of 31 weeks, between 1 January, 2022 and August 6th, 2022 VOAG and its Coalition partners, took 31 Veterans into the outdoors in various capacities. These trips ranged from climbing, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, to hunting and fishing. All of these trips will  focus on remembering one of the 31 Americans and 7 Afgans who were killed more than 10 years ago in the Hindu Kush Mountains. 

 Why is it 31 for 31? The “31” is to acknowledge the 31 americans who perished. As Veterans of the war in Afghanistan, we witnessed first hand the sacrifices that were made. We want the American public to recognize that they too deserve to have their memory kept alive. 

 So, please join us in remembering all the men of Extortion 17. Help us tell their respective stories, speak their names, and ultimately “Keep Their Legend Alive.”