Justice for American Soldiers

June 16, 2006 these fine young soldiers were murdered in Iraq. PFC Kristian Menchaca and PFC Thomas Tucker (top) were abducted, brutally tortured and murdered by al-Qaida terrorists. SPC David Babineau (bottom) was killed in the attack which resulted in the kidnapping. Menchaca and Tucker were found on June 19 near the village of Mufaraji. Their bodies had been brutally mutilated and rigged with explosives.

Last week, the terrorist suspected of these crimes, was captured by Iraqi army and coalition advisors. They had received a tip from an Iraqi citizen. The video of the torture and murder was being shown in a mosque in Youssafiyah. The Mujahedeen Shura Council, al-Qaida in Mesopotamia, released this gruesome video which shows a beheading and stomping on the faces of the soldiers.

The capture of their killer, who is wanted for numerous kidnapings, violent crime, torture and beheadings in Iraq, may not be big news in the media, but it was big news here. PFC Thomas Tucker was a member of our community. He is still remembered and honored here. His parents say that if the lights are on in their home, most cars that drive by will honk. His grave is covered in flowers and, currently, Christmas trees and wreaths.

The Tuckers say that Tom's time in the Army was the happiest and proudest time of his life. But, life will never be the same for the Tucker's. "You wake up every morning and you pray that you've been in a coma and this really hasn't happened, but you get up every morning and it's the same as the day before. They say it gets easier, but I don't know, I don't know when," said Meg Tucker, Tom's mother.

Their killer will now be brought to justice - justice for the murders of these three fine young soldiers - and justice for the many killings of Iraqi citizens. But, their families still grieve. We still grieve.

I hold all of the Gold Star families in my prayers each day. They have made a sacrifice most of us will never know. Their lives will never be the same. Mrs. Menchaca sent me a lovely note after Kristian's funeral. I have received notes from other families, as well. Like their children, they are warm and giving and patriots. We must never forget them for what they have sacrificed for all of us.

Cop the Truth has also posted on this.
My previous post is here.