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We all have heard about Operation Swarmer Insurgence, Operation Move Forward Together, The Surge and other various military terms to describe actions taken to win the peace in Iraq. We are winning in Iraq because we have a president who has stayed the course. God bless our awesome troops, as they have shown courage, fortitude, and honor while fighting for freedom.

The people of Iraq and Afghanistan are building democracies. They will need our support and prayers to help them succeed. God's people believe that: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

"Special Operations Warrior" addresses the children of our troops. In July of 2006 I wrote about a Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Debbie Argel Bastian, the proud mother of Air Force Capt. Derek Argel, who was tragically killed in Iraq on Memorial Day, 2005.

Debbie and her husband Todd will embark on a very special project this summer — riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycles to raise money for the children of our fallen troops.

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation has set aside funds for Derek's son to have a full college education. Debbie's grandson was only eight months old when his dad was killed while serving his country. Every living moment of his dad's life is kept alive by his family as well as Derek Argela's Air Force squadron.

Before Capt. Derek Argel was deployed to heaven, he served honorably as a commando with Air Force Special Operations, which entailed flying special missions on small Iraqi aircraft with other US and Iraqi commandos. He was highly trained and focused. The Bronze Star medal was awarded to Derek on June 3rd 2005 during a special ceremony. Derek Argel loved people.

Capt.Argel left behind an adorable little boy who is filled with American dreams and pride for his country. Little Logan is a patriot. He lives 3,000 miles away from his grandma, who speaks to him on the phone almost every day.

Derek's squadron calls Logan "the little human ATV." He looks just like his dad at that age. He is a precocious yet serious and focused little guy. When asked where his daddy is, he puts his hand on his heart and says "My daddy is in my heart."

On Christmas day Logan lit a candle in church for Derek. He loves dinosaurs and sharks and likes to watch movies and documentaries about them. He is only three years old, but can tell the difference between an F-15 and F-16 flying overhead. He attends a Christian preschool where he recently participated in his first choir presentation for the parents and family for Thanksgiving. His favorite drink he calls "A Special," where his mom puts chocolate in his milk!

"I want folks to know this is not about me, but about the children we all have a responsibility to," says Debbie Argel-Bastian. "Everyone sends packages and cards to the troops. Very little is done about the needs of the children left behind, and those are the forgotten ones. People don't know about the SOWF or about Operation Homefront because there is very little spent on advertising."

Special Operation Warrior Foundation began in 1980 to provide full college educations for the 17 children who survived their fathers who were killed during the Iran hostage rescue attempt. They have been in operation now for 27 years, providing immediate support to families of warriors who were killed on a mission or injured in a training accident. Within 30 days of notification, families with children are contacted by Special Operations Warriors, and a relationship begins. Children are provided counseling throughout their school years in preparation for college.

Special Operation Warrior covers all college expenses as the government provides only a fraction of what is needed. The wonderful foundation provides what these children's fathers would give to them had they survived. Special Operation Warrior Foundation has earned the highest rating (four stars) on the charity navigator.

Almost five years ago, Debbie took her first motorcycle ride across the United States. It was a journey to commemorate Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary. She was warned against taking the ride because she had only had two months of experience on a motorcycle. However, her son, Capt. Derek Argel told his jaunty mother to "go for it." He reminded her that "we only go around once," and there was nothing to fear.

Derek called his mom many times on that ride, and the sound of his voice kept her enthusiasm high. This year Debbie and her husband will make the ride again. The meaning of the trip will be much more personal because of their loss. "Memorial Day will always be difficult for me now, but it will also have so much more honor attached to it," said Debbie. The ride from California to Milwaukee will have a deeper personal meaning. Also, it will challenge a grandmother's strength and energy, and evoke cathartic feelings.

There will be another voice cheering Debbie on to victory. The voice of a curtly haired, bright eyed, adorable child named Logan. Both Debbie and Todd will ride across the country to raise the awareness of the general public about the little ones who should never be forgotten. It is their hope that the "conservative media" will take an interest and help them meet their goal before the ride — $105,000 in pledges for this meaningful and worthy endeavor. All donations will go directly to Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Christ said: "blessed are the children." (Mark 10:16)

John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 — November 22, 1963), was the thirty-fifth President of the United States.

His inaugural address speech included the memorable phrase: "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." The following excerpts from his speech are apropos to the men and woman who have and continue to sever their country today.

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.

"My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

"Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must be our own."

The troops who serve our country and their families have sacrificed greatly, especially those who have paid the ultimate price with their lives. They did it for you and for me. They did it for a country that enjoys its many gifts of freedom.

On their way home Debbie and Todd will be speaking to classes at the Air Force Academy, where Derek graduated on Memorial Day, 2001. They will be joined by MJ and Clay Kesterson, and several other Gold Star families.

Next weekend Debbie will be holding a sale at their home which will offer many collectibles. All of the proceeds will go into a new account to pay for their trip. As they travel across the country, they will be staying with close friends and relatives. "It is time for us to give back to the country and the children who have lost their loved ones." — Debbie Argel Bastian

Debbie and the Blue and Gold Star families need you to support the troops by giving generously. Please take the time to look at the fundraising page. Learn more about Debbie's son by visiting the Capt. Derek Argel Memorial Webpage.

Marie Jon'

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