How do you Honor your Freedom Fighter?

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Our First Amendment of the Constitution grants us the right to say whatever is on our mind, print and distribute without prosecution, worship any God of our choosing, lobby any law, and assemble any group of people with any common interest. But who do you think is defending those freedoms? During this ongoing, bloody conflict, our brave men and women of the Armed Forces have been fighting, struggling, and dying to preserve and protect the very freedoms many of us take for granted. Over 5,700 U.S. service members have perished fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Those who have already made the ultimate sacrifice are still being targeted beyond the grave.

Select groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church have been “exercising” their rights in anger and hatred toward our heroes in arms. These groups of protestors have been picketing outside of military funerals with signs that read “Thank God for Dead Soldiers, “God is Your Enemy,” and “You’re Going to Hell,” led primarily by Rev. Fred Phelps. Do these actions fall under our personal liberties? Unfortunately the answer is yes and the courts have been ruling in favor of the protestors.

I wish I could say these people do not have the right to protest the soldiers, but I do believe in our freedoms. Having said that, I believe it is also my right to consider these people traitors and enemies of the United States. These groups blame the deaths of American Troops on U.S. tolerance for homosexuality and abortion. Apparently to groups like the Westboro Baptist Church a man or woman, differing in sexual orientation isn’t good enough to take a bullet for them in the name of freedom. However; when asked how he felt about the protestors and their message, Specialist Benjamin Kunkel of the 504 Military Police Battalion, currently serving in his first tour in Afghanistan says, “I would like to tell you that you’re welcome for your right to protest the soldiers because we are the ones fighting and dying for those rights.”

Appreciation for Veterans Day

     It is one thing to empathize with the families that have loved ones overseas and many of us offer our prayers and blessings, but in order for us, the American people, to fully appreciate Veteran’s Day, we need to understand the struggles that our fellow Americans in uniform have endured and continue to experience today, in the name of freedom. Nineteen year old, Military Police Specialist, Benjamin Kunkel from Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, of the 372nd MP Company, attached to the 504th MP Battalion is currently fighting in his first tour in Afghanistan. While Kunkel was on his two week leave he had some things to say about the war.

     According to Kunkel, his company’s main missions include training the Afghan Police Force so that they can properly handle themselves and to perform drug raids to capture high ranking drug lords and stop the circulation of opium. Kunkel’s squad’s main duty is Security Force Assistance, (SFA) which requires them to execute convoy security as they escort high ranking officials such as Colonel Sherzad who is the head of the Afghan Police Force. Kunkel is also a part of a Quick Reaction Force Team, who is always ready to assist in any engagement whenever they are needed. This battalion also provides security for IED disposal, (Improvised Explosive Devices) and they perform presence patrols in the streets in order to ease the minds of the locals and to as Kunkel stated, “let them know that we are here to protect them against the Taliban.”

     In regard to the locals and their appreciation for the soldiers, Kunkel said," Most of the locals are very friendly and support what we are doing. On the other hand, some think we are causing more harm than good.” As far as morale is concerned, Kunkel said, “It’s not terrible but, there aren’t many troops who are happy to be here. It’s a lot of stress, constant lethargy, constant danger, and your mind is never at ease.” Afghanistan civilians that are in favor for U.S insolvent invite soldiers into their homes, feed, them, talk to them, and in some cases even give up valuable possessions to show their gratitude.
     As this soldiers tale began to become more difficult to keep a dry for, Kunkel admitted that he has 5 confirmed kills and a few possible others. When asked how he felt about those shots he fired, Kunkel said, “It is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and I see their faces every night. The worst part about being over here is seeing others get hurt and having to hurt others. I don’t like to do it; However, I must protect those around me and myself… It’s my job.” An excerpt from The Soldier’s Creed reinforces the mentality that America’s armed forces live by to ensure success: “I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.”
     As far as jobs are concerned, the hardest part about some of our occupations is making it out of bed in the morning and the most danger we face is in our automobiles, but for these soldiers, waking up means another day of dodging bullets, stepping over explosives, and surviving the day only to return to the same task in the morning. Kunkel commented on how “We are putting our lives on the line every day for less pay than people think; and there are sports stars out there getting paid millions to kick a football, but it is not about the money… We are fighting for you.” The majority of soldiers Kunkel has spoken with have agreed that a simple “thank you” is worth more than money. There are too many citizens crying out not only against the war, but the men and women struggling through this bloody conflict. Our soldiers need our support. A simple, yet great way to show our gratitude is by sending care packages. As Kunkel stated, “we can use anything and everything we can get our hands on.”
     It is men and women like Specialist Kunkel that should make every American proud. We need to recognize the selfless actions of our soldiers, who put their lives on hold to ensure that the rest of us are able to sleep soundly at night and enjoy all of the freedoms we all take for granted as they look death and despair in the face and keep pushing forward. If a simple thank you is these heroes request than why aren’t more of us showing our appreciation? I couldn’t be more proud of my best friend, Ben Kunkel and he stated, “I am glad I am in the United States ARMY. I surprise myself everyday discovering what I can do. This war has taught me to accept other people and their ways of life. I am able to work with some great people and am continuing to learn a lot.” Having said all of that Kunkel expressed that, “If there was no more fighting I would be the happiest person in the world. I wish people could solve their problems without violence, but this is my job and we do what we have to do and we do it for you.”