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StrictI was contacted this week by a reporter with the L.A. Times. The L.A. Times has been covering the Iraq deployment of the 1st Battalion, 185th Armor Regiment (California Army National Guard). At least part of this unit is stationed at Camp Kalsu, and the Times has reporters embedded with them.
In talking with this reporter, I found out about another mortar attack on Camp Kalsu in which Spc. Daniel Unger was killed. I read the Times story about his grieving family back home, and I was very moved by their steadfast support for their principles even when struck with such a tragic loss. From the Times story:
But someone’s life is going to be lost and my son was not going to let someone else die in his place.
No matter how deep their grief, both parents said their support for the campaign in Iraq, like that of their son, is unflagging. “He loved what he did and was very proud of serving,” said Lynda Unger. “I want everyone to know that. No misquotes! He believes in what he was doing. He was glad to be there.”Marc Unger picked up a Bush-Cheney campaign poster from a nearby table.
“We support our president. We support our military,” he said, waving the poster. “I’m terribly sorry that it was my son who lost his life as a hero in the service of his country. But someone’s life is going to be lost and my son was not going to let someone else die in his place. My son honestly felt before God that God wanted him to join the military.”
It is simply amazing to me that two grieving parents who have just lost their son are able to make such a statement. Many people have asked me since my return whether my support for the President and this war are the same as when I left. I always am baffled by this question — what type of person would I be if I let personal inconvenience get in the way of my principles? A rather hypocritical one, to be sure.
Spc. Unger’s sentiment embodies this ideal beautifully. Not only did he believe that our cause was just, he was willing to step up to the plate when his country called on him to support that cause. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Unger family. Your son was a real American hero by any measure.
June 23rd, 2004 at 4:44 am
Toby: Have viewed your link before, but just found these updates and on another site, the story of Spc. Unger’s death. My son is currently serving in Camp Kalsu. We had heard from him after this attack and he has quite shaken - but did not personally know Spc. Unger or the others that were killed and wounded that day. I asked him recently if he was homesick and he said, "Mom, this is what I do now. I miss everyone from home, but I could not and would not leave here until my job is done". The commitment and dedication of these young men to their country and their president astounds me. I am very proud of you all and your sacrifices. Spc. Unger’s parents represent the very finest of this country and I pray that the Lord will grant me the grace and courage to support my son and to accept whatever the Lord has for him while in Iraq. I have a great peace about his purpose there. I praise and honor the Lord and acknowledge that His Will for my son is to be in Iraq for now and I pray for His safety and protection, physically and mentally. BUT IF it is his Will to take my son home in the course of this duty - I will still praise and honor Him. In the meantime, I support our President and all our military and I encourage my son daily and do all I can to stand behind him.
I am thrilled you have returned to this great country of ours and I pray for your continued health and happiness.
July 20th, 2004 at 7:31 pm
Thanks for your comments Jamie. It’s always heartening to know that there are many others like your son out there who do their job the best they can every day.
Sure, they’re homesick, but they know that they are responsible for their own lives as well as the lives of their fellow soldiers.
August 2nd, 2004 at 8:16 pm
daniel unger was/ is and always will be my cousin.he was 6 weeks younger than me.we never really got to see each other since i live in texas but we were still close.the last time i talked to him he was in washington dc about to leave the country.he called long distance from a pay phone standing in the rain just to talk to me.i miss him very much and wish he wasnt gone but he saved iraqi workers right before he died .i dont see it as his life was taken he gave his life so others could live.those people he saved will never forget him and neither will i.he was and is the only true hero i personally know. and as his father said, "it is the soldier, not the preacher, who gives us freedom of religion. its the soldier, not the reporter, who gives us freedom of the press.its the soldier, not the poet who gives us freedom of speech. its the soldier, not the campus organization, who gives us freedom to assemble. its the soldier, not the lawyer, who gives us the right to a fair trial. its the soldier, not the politician, who gives us the right to vote.its the soldier who keeps us free."
love,
daniels cousin cherina
August 9th, 2004 at 5:01 am
Thank you for your touching addition, Cherina. That quote which his father mentioned is one of my favorites, and one that too many people these days simply don’t believe.