Afghanistan war far from over

Have you ever heard of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl? If you said “Yes” then you are among the very few who recognize him as being our only American Prisoner of War still missing in Afghanistan. In fact, June 30 marks the third anniversary of his capture in 2009 by a Taliban insurgent group known as the Haqqani network.

To Bergdahl’s parents and advocacy groups he appears to be forgotten. On Memorial Day an event was held in Washington, D.C., by the veterans group Rolling Thunder with his parents as guests of honor for the purpose of keeping his memory alive. The Bergdahls are now speaking out as they fight for his freedom, for they are tired of waiting and now feel our government is not doing anything about it.

This war is far from over, though most political leaders, including the president on down would rather citizens not be reminded in this election year. The U.S. has now lost 2,016 men and women in this conflict with thousands more wounded and still counting. In June alone 19 more American troops have been killed. They were all patriotic volunteers with an average age of 26. Gone in the prime of their lives, leaving behind broken dreams, broken hearts and broken families.

Call your congressman and senator and tell them not to leave Sgt. Bergdahl behind. I also suggest that Barack Obama show some courage and direct his press secretary to read off the names of all those Americans killed at the end of each month as a reminder to everyone that we are still at war.

Understandably, war-weary Americans now appear detached from this conflict, but everyone should remember that if we still had a draft, and I believe we should, your family members might also be over there.

Thanks to the combatants who continue the sacrifice and carry on the burden of preserving our freedom.

Steve Thompson

South Elgin