The Cause of Freedom

March 19th, 2003 was the start of major combat operations in the Iraq War. Since then there have been 1,519 American deaths (1,695 Coalition deaths) and countless thou sands of Iraqi deaths. This weekend take time to come to the Lord in prayer and vigil for peaceful resolution.

     As some of you know, I am a quote fan.  Mainly spiritual and patriotic quotes that catch my eye get saved.  A quote that is hard to swallow is this one:  “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” by  Thomas Jefferson.  Like most others, I quickly ask myself, ‘does it really require the blood of patriots?’  Many deaths during war are preventable like the thousands during the civil war who died from infection, fratricide in WWI/WWII/Vietnam, and malaria in Korea.  Did those Soldiers/Marines/Sailors/Airmen have to die?  It ranks up there with other questions that I will ask at God’s throne like, "why this or that child so early? Couldn’t we have kept them for just a few more years?"  I do know that as much as we fight for each of you at home and our great country, it all comes down to fighting for the guy next to you.  The parades and families are not here, but the battle buddy is and I think we won previous wars due to the valiant fighting for the fallen brother.  Even though we think that in this situation or that situation, a life could have been saved, their death provided the next troop with the courage and drive to ‘take that hill’ or ‘take that bunker’.  To run across what we call the ‘kill zone’ and drag a fellow Soldier to safety is heroic because the greater good of the mission is simplified to a relationship.  …My brother in arms is dying and I will die for him, just as he would die for me.  It really is an amazing concept and those veterans reading this probably understand what I am trying to convey. 

     So far my TN Regiment has been fortunate not to have any killed in action, but there has been two casualties.  Our regiment has smaller units attached to us for support.  A Wisconsin National Guardsman died late last year from an IED, and recently an Active duty Soldier from Fort Bragg, NC died.  His name was Staff Sergeant Eric Steffeney.  He was an EOD technician with the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit that supports my regiment when we find an IED (Improvised Explosive Device).  EOD units disarm IEDs and make the roads safe to drive on.  As you have all heard, these devices are the biggest threat to our forces today.  The enemy are cowards and don’t face us on the battle field so they set up roadside bombs, and car bombs to try and kill us or innocent Iraqis who seek freedom.  I won’t get into details about his death since there is always an investigation and I don’t want to hinder it or get myself in trouble.  Some of the guys in my company knew the Sergeant and had spoken with him the day before he died.  I probably ate in the chow hall next to him once or twice, since it does not hold many personnel.  He was 28 years old, with a wife and three children (they probably have red hair like he did).  This posting is a tribute to him and his ultimate sacrifice for our country.  When I drive by the area that he died, I pray for his wife and her struggle being alone, and her trying to explain to their children why Daddy is never coming home.  Please help me pray for her.  I don’t know her name or her pain, but I know she has a name and that her pain is real.   Below is the Department of Defense release of his death on 23 Feb 2005.

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/2005/nr20050225-2123.html

As I have gotten older, my heart has softened in many ways.  Crying with God is not new to me, but sadness had a new face as I mourned and saluted a fallen brother when his body was driven down the flight line of my Camp, and then loaded onto an awaiting Blackhawk to be taken home for burial.  I don't want to write about Sergeant Steffeney anymore as it upsets me typing this, sorry...    

Thank you Eric for your life and service to our country.-- shawn

This situation reminds me of similar losses in my life:

Mike Coe, Rest in Peace bro... Those of us who grew up together will never forget him and the effect his endless smile still has on our lives. 

Susie Rodgers, a special girl that I grew up with in youth group.  I bet she could share many stories of God with me now.   

Mike, Susie, I will never forget you..

Comments

[gavin]

peace bro, shame on your for making me cry. our youth had a candlelight vigil tonight where we went through the names of coalition forces and contractors killed in iraq and afghanistan, praying for them and their families. i'll look to make sure we prayed for eric and his family as well.

[Theresa Steffeney]

Thank you...
Sincerely

[EJ]

A soldier's Prayer

Whenever you see this star, please pray for me,
For on a lonely journey, I will be.
Serving my country by protecting this land,
Created so uniquely by the master's hand.

Pray for my protection and safety as I go,
Deliverance from the evil snares of my foe.
Pray for my courage to stand brave and strong,
But humbleness to remember to whom I belong.

Pray I'll be the man God created me to be,
Cleansed by the blood on the cross of Calvary.
Pray that I'll take up daily the full armor of God,
To guide and protect my footsteps where I may trod.

Pray for wisdom and discernment in every decision I make,
That I'll seek His will before each step I take.
Pray I'll find comfort in knowing He's always there,
Trusting Him completely with all my burdens to bear.

Pray for endurance as I bravely answer this call,
remebering that for me, He gave His One and All.
Pray that I'll lean not on my own understanding,
For only in Him is victory and true honor gained.

Pray for my family while I'm away from home,
Help them to remeber that they're never alone.
Pray they'll trust Sovereignty of His unseen Hand,
Focusing on the One who has a Master Plan.

Pray I'll find hope renewed and in Him, the strength,
If my spirit begins to grow weary and faint.
Pray that on wings like eagles,I will soar,
If I begin to feel I can take no more.

Now, as this nation's freedom I go to defend,
Pray for my swift and safe return in the end.

R.I.P SFC Paul D. Karpowich
December 21, 2004
Mosul, Iraq

[Bryan]

Shawn, as always we are continuing to pray for you and the other soldiers. Now, we will pray daily for the Steffeney family as well. I know God has a special place in his heart for his wife and kids. He will watch over them and take good care of them. We're very lucky/fortunate and many other words to have people like you, Staff Sargeant Steffeny, and thousands of other men and women who love their country, families, and God so much to do what you all are doing.
We love you. Shea, Maddie, Taylor, & Bryan

[Jordan Steffeney]

I know it has been about two years since this post but I just thought I should tell you all the SSG Eric Steffeney was my Dad. I started to think about my dad and searched his name on google and this post came up. My name is Jordan Steffeney my Moms name is Theresa Steffeney my sisters name is Alexis Steffeney and my brothers name is Blake Steffeney. I really appreciate everyones thoughts and prayers and also all of your service thank you