 |
| Robert Lopez is a senior journalism major and writes 'What's the Deal with Airline Peanuts?' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. |
The war hit home for me last week.
Marine Lance Cpl. David Fribley, 26, graduated from my alma mater, Warsaw Community High School, in 1996.
He was killed in action in Iraq on March 22. He perished along with eight others near An-Nasiriyah, when a group of Iraqis waving a white flag launched a grenade attack. Along with Greg Sanders of Hobart, he was one of Indiana's first war deaths.
For the first time in years, Kosciusko County made nationwide headlines. Fribley's name appeared on CNN, the New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek and almost every major media outlet.
The community, about 40 miles west of Fort Wayne, is a place where people are proud to show off their patriotic spirit. Even the growing immigrant community displays the red, white and blue. I never knew Fribley personally, though I did have a class with his brother my senior year. Last weekend I drove through his hometown of Atwood and saw the flags flying at half-mast, the yellow ribbons around the trees and in the windows.
He was a face to go along with those pixilated visuals of vast desert landscapes and maps of troop movements. His death and others have served as proof that this war will be neither easy nor quick.
Coached by his father Garry, Fribley lettered all four years in track and field, as well lettered three years in football. He earned a degree in recreation from Indiana State University and worked as a manager at a Florida retirement community.
He joined the military after Sept. 11 feeling an obligation to defend this country in the wake of the worst terrorist attack in its history.
"If something like this happened, David said that he didn't want us talking about him like he was a hero," Garry was quoted as saying in a South Bend Tribune article. "He said that he only wanted people to know he was just doing his job."
Even those who oppose the war should stand behind the individuals whose primary duty is defend this country. This nation may have been misguided in reasons for going to war, but the troops toil in the blinding sandstorms, dodging bullets and bombs nevertheless.
Their bravery is to be commended. On the surface the cause is noble: to overthrow a brutal dictator.
But victory will be costly.
As the son of immigrants, I take great honor in calling myself an American. Though I may not agree with the policy makers, I support the men and women in the service of this country.
I hope that many of them make it back safe and soon.
Write to Robert at rclopez@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
