When I read, radio host and frequent news contributor, Jeffery Kuhner’s article on the commentary pages of The Washington Times I was disturbed. According to the article the family of fallen Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn had received a DVD of a memorial service held in Afghanistan. Aaron was one of 38 service members killed when a U.S. military helicopter was downed on insertion. Kuhner wrote that a Muslim cleric presiding over the ceremony denounced the SEALs during the service, “In Arabic, he damned the infidel SEALs, condemning their souls to hell.” If his report is accurate then it’s extremely troubling the military would’ve allowed this to occur but knowing the thoroughness of special operations and the level of respect all service members have for the fallen I have reservations on the completeness of his reporting. Either there’s more to the story that wasn’t reported or further investigation is needed.
These men were heroes who reached the pinnacle of their trade and are entitled to respectful services void of any hint of dishonor. However the article states differently. I believe Kuhner to be a respected journalist and not someone in need of sensationalism to reach an audience. Likewise, I am not going to question the words of the families. Still I’m not fully convinced the Defense Department would’ve made such a grievous mistake. If however this did occur, apologies need to go out from the highest levels of the Department of Defense with assurances it will never happen again.
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