Doing a duty

One of the key differences between liberals and conservatives has to do with how each views the military. The last thing I would want to do is politicize the death of a soldier. In no uncertain terms do I want to "use" the death of a soldier or exploit the death of a soldier. I have the highest respect for our military.

I have a cousin in the Marines right now, I could not be prouder of him and he has served a tour in Iraq. I have other friends and family who are serving or have served in the military. I believe in the United States Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army.

On April 22, 2008 Lance Cpl. Jordan Haeter, 19, and Cpl. Jonathan Yale, 21 had just started their shift manning the front entrance to the military compound in Ramadi, Anbar Province in Iraq. The sun had just started to rise when a 20-foot-long truck headed toward their gate, weaving between the concrete barriers. The two sentries tried to waive off the truck. Two Iraqi Police Officers assigned with them turned and ran, other Iraqi Police on the adjacent street ran as well.

Video footage would later reveal what happened this morning of April 22, 2008. Both soldiers opened fire, the truck slowed but kept coming. Within a few dozen feet of the main gate the truck exploded. Military investigators would later conclude the truck was loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives. The driver was determined to commit suicide and murder several American soldiers and Iraqis who were staying in the compound.

Neither serviceman attempted to run, both soldiers held their ground and never stopped firing their weapons as the truck raced towards them. Major General John Kelly said this, "No time to talk it over, no time to call the lieutenant; no time to think about their own lives or even the American and Iraqi lives they were protecting. More than enough time, however, to do their duty. They never hesitated or tried to escape." The entire incident lasted only 6 seconds.

These two fine and yes, young men, lost their lives. Some will argue "they never should have been there" or "they died for no reason" or "they died for a lie" or "they were too young to die".
Some may argue what they wish about why our American soldiers are in Iraq. Fine. Keep this in mind: they died saving the lives of their fellow American soldiers. They did their duty.

Our American Military men and women are trained to do one thing - put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans. Let us never forget the price that was paid to establish this great country, politics aside. Let us never forget that it is our military that goes before us, regardless of politics to keep America safe and secure.

I pray for the families of Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter and Cpl. Jonathan Yale. I pray that God will do only what he can do for these families and bring them peace.

There is but one price for freedom and it is paid for in blood. John 3:16