PDF Summary:Send Me, by Marty Skovlund Jr. and Joe Kent

In the aftermath of 9/11, Shannon Kent resolved to serve her nation and joined the elite ranks of the U.S. military's intelligence community. Send Me recounts Shannon's trailblazing career, where she pioneered the role of women in special operations units and mastered the art of gathering intelligence to track down high-profile terrorist targets.

Shannon's steadfast service and resilience carried her through perilous missions across Iraq and Syria, culminating in the pivotal operation to neutralize ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Even after her tragic death in Syria, Shannon's legacy endured, inspiring significant policy changes to promote mental health support and women's advancement within the special forces. Authors Marty Skovlund Jr. and Joe Kent vividly portray her dedication to service and immense sacrifices throughout her impactful journey.

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Shannon's internal conflict about deploying while her children were young

Kent details the difficulties Shannon encountered in her efforts to reconcile her dedication to serving her country with her desire to devote herself entirely to raising her son after his birth. Her overseas experiences grew more difficult as she grappled with the remorse of being absent for significant events in her children's lives. Joe voiced apprehension that their involvement in countless operations could potentially hinder their sons from forming secure emotional bonds.

The emotional toll was immense, a sentiment common among military families. The fear of not being there for her sons while simultaneously being drawn to a sense of duty and accomplishment only found in combat was a constant battle.

Shannon's unwavering commitment to her nation was equally balanced by the nurturing support she offered to her loved ones and companions.

Kent details the considerable sacrifices Shannon endured, often grappling with the tough choice of placing her demanding job duties before her family commitments. Joe details her balancing act of those demands with steadfast resolve. She meticulously planned out their family life, from orchestrating home renovations and organizing childcare arrangements to seeking advanced academic qualifications. Shannon consistently maintained a lead, navigating the intricacies that typically challenge military families with apparent ease.

Shannon passionately championed mental health programs, bolstering resilience and advocacy within the ranks of the military's most elite units.

Shannon was deeply committed to improving mental health support, a passion fueled by her experience with elite military groups and a sharp understanding of the significant effects that combat experiences had on her fellow soldiers. She was intimately familiar with the stigma associated with the pursuit of assistance and the obstacles her colleagues faced when seeking help.

Shannon experienced the mental pressures associated with multiple deployments.

Kent describes Shannon's struggle with deep mental anguish, which originated from the relentless pressures of numerous tours of duty, her involvement in elite military missions, and the general challenges that come with military service. She often confided in her nearest and dearest, sharing the challenges she faced while dealing with her traumatic experiences. She opted to advance her academic qualifications by enrolling in a graduate program in the field of psychology.

Shannon dedicated herself to enhancing mental health resources and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help among military personnel.

Shannon's work to transform the negative perceptions associated with seeking mental health treatment is thoroughly explored by Skovlund and Kent. She encouraged her fellow service members to actively seek help, recognizing the importance of directly addressing mental health issues. Kent recognized Shannon as the pivotal pillar of support during the obstacles he encountered in his professional and personal life.

She passionately advocated for policy changes to improve support, risking her own career advancement in the process of challenging regulations that she believed compromised the well-being of military members.

Practical Tips

• You can foster a multifaceted identity by creating a "life pie" chart that visually represents the time and energy you allocate to different roles in your life. Draw a circle and divide it into sections labeled partner, parent, child, sibling, professional, and any other roles you identify with. Adjust the size of each section according to the importance and time you wish to allocate to each role. This visual tool can help you see where you might need to rebalance your time and energy to better reflect your values and commitments.
• Strengthen bonds with someone by starting a shared journal or digital document where you both write about your experiences, thoughts, and values. If you have a friend or family member with whom you share a deep connection, propose the idea of a collaborative journal. You can each make entries at your own pace, commenting on each other's stories and reflections. This can deepen your understanding of each other's perspectives and reinforce the values you share.
• To support mental health within your community, consider organizing a book club focused on mental health topics. Choose books that address mental health issues and invite friends, family, or colleagues to discuss them. This can create a safe space for open dialogue about mental health, reduce stigma, and provide support for those who might be struggling. It's a simple way to champion mental health awareness and support within your own circle, mirroring the advocacy for mental health programs.

The changing dynamics of the conflict and its impact on Shannon.

The authors skillfully blend Shannon's story with the relentless and profound fight against terrorism, illuminating the complex difficulties of adjusting to an ever-changing battlefield, while providing a deep understanding of her motivations and the sacrifices she willingly accepted.

The relentless battle against terrorist factions and the constantly shifting destiny of the Islamic State.

Kent details the evolution of the United States' elite military and intelligence organizations, describing how they refined their approaches and methods throughout Shannon's career to pursue terrorist targets. He describes the evolution of the conflict, shifting focus from targeting the leaders of al-Qaeda's faction in Iraq to the rise and eventual downfall of the dominion under the command of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who imposed rigorous rule over vast territories. Intelligence experts had to quickly adapt to engage with an enemy unfamiliar to Western nations, characterized by a ruthless blend of terror tactics and advanced technological methods used to recruit and coordinate adherents.

Shannon adeptly maneuvered through the ever-changing and challenging environments of Iraq and Syria.

The narrative chronicles Shannon's participation in a variety of operations throughout the Middle East, with a focus on her activities in Iraq and Syria. She often worked alongside SEAL teams, engaging in vigorous missions to collect information while integrated with Green Beret squads. During her active military service, she adeptly maneuvered through the intricate urban environments of Iraq's capital as well as the vast, ageless Syrian deserts. She encountered difficulties in discerning allies from adversaries in the intricate landscape of conflict.

In Iraq, she adeptly handled the complex challenge of moving between factions supported by Iran and those committing suicide bombings linked to al-Qaeda, amidst escalating sectarian strife. The hazardous landscape of Syria was characterized by numerous dangers, including the government supported by Russia, the intrusion of Turkey, and various local militias vying for dominance and resources, all while the United States remained committed to eradicating the territorial control maintained by ISIS.

The changing strategies and objectives employed by the United States military in its ongoing fight against terrorism.

Kent recounts the time Shannon dedicated to intelligence gathering in Iraq and Syria as one characterized by turmoil and disorder. The approach initially characterized by a formidable show of force to swiftly subdue the adversary transitioned into a prolonged counterinsurgency effort, requiring a partnership between intelligence professionals and elite military squads alongside local communities to set up systems of governance and neutralize foes.

As hostilities in Iraq diminished, the United States shifted its attention and resources to bolster the government in Afghanistan and to thwart the Taliban's growth by escalating military involvement and assistance in the country. After Usama Bin Laden's death in 2011, Afghanistan experienced a brief period of reduced hostilities, yet the rise of ISIS within Iraq and Syria soon reignited regional tensions.

Military strategists and intelligence experts were perpetually engaged in reassessing and identifying new priorities for targeting.

The involvement of women in the specialized field of conducting military missions is steadily increasing.

The authors highlight Shannon's professional path as a reflection of the evolving positions held by women in the American armed forces. Although she demonstrated combat skills that matched those of her male counterparts, the formal rules did not accurately reflect the realities of combat scenarios. In her early missions, she was part of a distinct group of female operatives involved in covert operations. Women were crucial in operations that required cultural tact, and in contexts where those proficient in local languages were able to establish rapport with community figureheads and collect intelligence amidst the continuous fight against terror.

Shannon excelled both as an operative and as a specialist in intelligence.

The narrative chronicles Shannon's evolution into a central character amid this substantial shift in culture. Before any formal guidelines were set, her performance was on par with that of the most exceptional individuals in the realm of special operations. She was the first woman to take part in the Naval Special Warfare Direct Support Course, establishing a benchmark for other women's involvement in combat positions with Navy SEALs. She persistently questioned established norms, seeking recognition and integration while simultaneously offering support and bolstering the camaraderie among her female military counterparts.

The cultural shifts and policy changes allowing greater integration of women in combat roles

In 2010, Skovlund and Kent chronicled a significant event when the Cultural Support Team initiative was created, marking the formal integration of women into special operations. The CST initiative achieved remarkable results by officially incorporating women into the elite combat roles of the U.S. special operations units. The initiative, coupled with increased support for gender equality in military roles, led to the dismantling of several obstacles that had once restricted the involvement of women in direct combat positions.

Shannon often observed her female colleagues at remote bases interacting with local Afghan women, collecting intelligence, and participating in military actions during her time in Afghanistan.

Other Perspectives

• The effectiveness of Shannon's maneuvering through Iraq and Syria could be questioned based on the overall outcomes of the missions and the long-term stability of the regions.
• The narrative may oversimplify the complexity of moving between factions, potentially underestimating the nuanced political and cultural understanding required to navigate such environments.
• The difficulties in discerning allies from adversaries might be indicative of a broader issue with intelligence gathering methods or cultural understanding.
• The changing strategies and objectives of the U.S. military might be critiqued for their effectiveness, long-term impact, and the potential for unintended consequences.
• The constant reassessment of priorities by military strategists and intelligence experts could be seen as reactive rather than proactive, possibly suggesting a need for a more consistent and long-term strategy.
• The increasing involvement of women in military missions could be examined in terms of actual equality in the armed forces and whether the integration is substantive or symbolic.
• Shannon's excellence as an operative and intelligence specialist might be contrasted with the experiences of other women or minorities in similar roles, to address systemic issues within the military.
• The evolving positions of women in the American armed forces could be critiqued for pace and scope, questioning whether the changes have been sufficient or fast enough.
• The cultural shifts and policy changes allowing greater integration of women in combat roles could be scrutinized for their actual impact on military culture and operational effectiveness.

The struggle against the Islamic State persisted beyond Shannon's death in Syria.

This segment of the story explores the sorrowful circumstances surrounding Shannon's death. Kent recounts the harrowing incident where a suicide bombing in Manbij claimed the lives of his spouse and fellow workers, emphasizing the continuous threat posed by ISIS. The pursuit of those responsible escalated, ultimately leading to vengeance in honor of Shannon and her comrades who had also been killed.

Shannon and her teammates lost their lives in a lethal ISIS assault in Manbij.

As a result of the CFT's effective disruption of their operations in the area, ISIS deliberately targeted Shannon's team in Manbij. A person detonated an explosive device in a self-destructive act, targeting U.S. military personnel during an intelligence operation close to a dining establishment.

Shannon's final operation and its associated incident involving terrorism

The story recounts Shannon and her team's preparations to head back to their base after finishing an intelligence mission near a restaurant in Manbij known as the Palace of Princes. As the service members diligently focused on their responsibilities to maintain security, an individual carrying an explosive device succeeded in nearing their location undetected. The detonation of the device he initiated led to the immediate loss of life of everyone in the vicinity.

The forceful blast shattered the surrounding buildings, scattering fragments, blood, and the motionless forms of those who had perished onto the street. After the chaos, the surviving members of the team strove to check on their fellow soldiers, administer aid to those wounded, and determine the identities of the fallen.

Shannon and her fellow soldiers exhibited valor and laid down their lives.

Kent offers an in-depth narrative of the mission that led to Shannon's last day, including memories from fellow soldiers who were with her at the time. Shannon's crucial involvement in the successful operation likely provided the necessary information to help capture the most prominent ISIS leader. Her steadfast dedication to the mission and her fellow soldiers culminated in a scenario where she faced the most severe outcomes.

The assault tragically resulted in the loss of Shannon and three other American lives. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan R. Farmer, a member of the Special Forces, was a dedicated spouse and father to four children. Before joining the CIA, Scott A. Wirtz was a member of the Navy SEALs. Ghadir Taher, who was an American, fulfilled her duties in the role of a translator.

The consequences and measures adopted following Shannon's death.

Shannon's death had a deep and profound effect on the defense and intelligence communities, particularly within the closely bonded Naval Special Warfare groups. During her tenure with the Navy, she gained a reputation as a highly skilled and respected intelligence operations specialist. Her demise, however, carried meaningful significance. The Naval Academy honored her distinguished service and career by creating a special memorial on its campus, in addition to enacting the policy reforms she passionately supported. The policy change opened opportunities for many other military members to advance into officer roles.

The service branch associated with maritime operations made policy changes to pay tribute to Shannon.

Shannon encountered obstacles because recruitment regulations barred those who had received cancer treatment from being commissioned as naval officers. Naval authorities regarded the policy as unchangeable, despite its lack of sense. Despite her exceptional accomplishments and distinguished career, she was not granted a commission. Despite her clear diagnosis indicating no presence of cancer, the regulations did not recognize this reality.

After her death, the Navy changed its rules, removing the barriers that had barred her from being commissioned. This transformation opened doors for many other service members to attain the rank of officer, an honor that was bestowed in recognition of her legacy.

The relentless quest to track down and neutralize the ISIS leaders behind the assault.

The writers stress that the Manbij offensive did not mark the end of the worldwide struggle to combat terrorism, nor did it interrupt the relentless chase of al-Baghdadi. After the incident, efforts commenced to locate and neutralize the individuals who orchestrated the attack. Shannon's comrades, operating clandestinely, succeeded in incapacitating or eliminating the key figurehead of the Islamic State. Within two years after her death, they managed to track down and neutralize Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Practical Tips

• You can honor the sacrifices of service members by creating a digital memorial scrapbook. Gather stories, photos, and memories of local veterans from your community, and compile them into an online platform that's accessible to all. This not only preserves their legacies but also educates others about the personal impacts of military service.
• Start a peer-to-peer support network for families affected by military losses. By connecting with others who have experienced similar losses, you can offer mutual support, share coping strategies, and provide a space for healing and remembrance.
• Engage in informed discussions about military policy changes with your local representatives. Educate yourself on the current policies, and if you feel inspired by the stories of service members like Shannon, express your views on how such policies can continue to evolve to honor their service and sacrifice. This can be done through writing letters, attending town hall meetings, or participating in online forums.