Families of fallen soldiers react to Osama bin Laden's death

May 02, 2011|By Brian Heap | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WINFIELD, Kan.) — Bringing Osama bin Laden to justice was the mission of every U.S. soldier fighting in Afghanistan, including 23 year-old Sergeant Tyler Juden.

The Army sniper was killed in action before he could see the mission completed.

"He would have been proud," said Reatha Juden.

As she flipped through the pages of a photo album of her son's funeral, Mrs. Juden reflected on all he learned during two tours in Afghanistan.

"They (young soldiers) go in wanting to kill as many Al Qaedas as they can, but as they go through that they realize this killing is not as much fun as I thought it would be," she said.

Sgt. Juden died September 12, 2009, after his vehicle was struck by a rocket propelled grenade during a long and intense firefight with the enemy.

By serving his country, the 2004 Arkansas City High School graduate was fulfilling what he saw as an obligation to help rid the world of evil.

"I can remember him saying you know that's what we're here for. We're looking for him. We're trying to find him."

Mrs. Juden said she took no joy in learning of bin Laden's death. But she does take satisfaction in knowing the mission her son gave his life for was won.

Another Kansas soldier, Sergeant Eric Nettleton of Wichita, was killed in Operation Enduring Freedom in January. His mother told Eyewitness News she was glad his death wasn't in vain. However, Mrs. Nettleton only wished her son could have been the one to call with the news.

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