My Son Died in Iraq
Date: Oct 5, 2006 3:20 AM
I strongly support the war on terrorism, even though my son died fighting in it. For a lot of people, the war against Islamic terrorism is something they see reported on television, or read about in the newspaper. However, for me it’s much more real and personal.

My son, Captain Derek Argel, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom on Memorial Day – May 30, 2005. Derek was a proud and honorable young man who had a giant heart that made him such a joy to be around.

He was a decorated member of the United States Air Force, and he loved our country and all it stood for. If you had had the chance to know him you would have been immeasurably proud of his dedication to this nation and our freedoms. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Derek had a tattoo placed on his back that read “Never Forget.”

What I’ve asked of this nation is that as Americans, please let us never forget what happened to us – the non-stop stream of terrorist attacks that culminated in the worst attack against us in our nation’s history.

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed all of our lives. Don’t you remember how we all stood as one, committed to fighting back and eradicating the terrorist network that was determined to bring “Death to America” – as they so often chanted in the streets?

Don’t you remember how our leaders in Congress, both Republican and Democrats, stood united and sang “God Bless America,” because they recognized that the enemy was not one political party or another. The enemy was, and is, those who seek to destroy the United States of America and all that our nation stands for.

Some people now seem to want to forget that and instead seem intent on undermining our nation’s fight against terrorism – in exchange for advancing their own personal agendas. At least that’s what I think former President Bill Clinton has been doing the past few weeks.

And so, as a Gold Star Mother, I have decided to step forward and serve as Move America Forward’s spokesperson in their effort to rebut Mr. Clinton’s recent conduct – his dishonest statements, and his shameful behavior of trying to create opposition to the war effort.

In the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, President Clinton was strongly supportive of the mission American troops were serving there. During that time, Move America Forward, produced and broadcast 4 television ads that praised Mr. Clinton for rallying together with other Americans in supporting the current fight against terrorism.

Bill Clinton seems to have changed his tune now, and he’s more interested in his own personal glorification than the good of this nation, or showing honor and respect to the young men and women serving in the military to keep our nation safe.

I believe I join many other Americans who are outraged by President Clinton’s recent conduct. America is at war with Islamic terrorists. The threat is real and serious, and yet instead of rallying behind our troops and their missions in far away lands, Mr. Clinton decides to wag his finger, drop his jaw, and speak to us with mock incredulity.

We’ve seen that skit before, Mr. President, and we didn’t buy it then and we aren’t buying it now either.

Move America Forward has produced a new television ad that takes Mr. Clinton to task and asks Americans to rally together – as a united nation – to fight the terrorist threat.

Please watch it. Please forward it to your friends.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS NEW AD

And most importantly, help us purchase the airtime to get this story told to millions of Americans via the television airwaves.

Please contribute online to this effort:

http://www.MoveAmericaForward.org/Contribution

Or mail in a contribution to:

Move America Forward
ATTN:: Defending Freedom Ad Campaign
P.O. Box 1497
Sacramento, CA 95812

Thank you so much for your support.

- Debra Argel Bastian
Lompoc, California

P.S. Derek was a proud father and husband. His son’s name was Logan, and he is just as handsome as his father. Derek gave his life so that his wife and son, along with all other Americans, would enjoy the freedoms and liberties that have made this nation all that it is today.

I ask that you take a moment to learn more about Derek and see for yourself why we loved this young man so very much. The memorial page for Derek Argel can be found online here.