Congressman Hunter: ‘The Overall Threat Still Remains’

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, the second-term Republican who represents East County in Congress, hailed the killing of Osama bin Laden and recalled his own military service in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, in a column posted Monday afternoon on the website of The Washington Times.

“Almost everyone has a story about where they were when bin Laden and the rest of al Qaeda mounted their attack or can recall how they felt as it happened,” he wrote.

“For me, it was a feeling of anger and frustration, along with a sense of responsibility to step forward and do my part. I joined the Marine Corps soon after and served three tours overseas—two in Iraq, one in Afghanistan. Sept. 11 changed my life, as it did for millions of other Americans who recognize that now it's our turn to come forward in defense of liberty.”

But Hunter, the son of Duncan L. Hunter, a longtime member of Congress and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, reminded that struggles continue in the Middle East.

“Bin Laden’s death is an important benchmark in what will continue to be a dangerous fight against an enemy that is committed to our destruction,” wrote Hunter, also a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Justice has been served, but the overall threat still remains.”

Hunter called the operation that targeted bin Laden as “the product of tireless work and personal sacrifice.”

He wrote: “American special operations forces showed their efficiency and precision, not just by killing bin Laden inside a guarded compound, but by extracting his body without taking a single casualty. They deserve great credit and thanks for what they did, along with every other American who has contributed to the mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

He said his former colleagues in the military “fully understand that news of bin Laden’s death does not mean a sudden change in the danger they face or the mission at hand. Taliban and al Qaeda forces are showing no signs of relenting, making it all the more important that we hold the gains achieved so far and continue attacking the enemy with speed and force.”

Hunter was honorably discharged from active duty in December 2007 but is said to serve part time as a captain in the Marine Corps Reserve.

“Victory in Afghanistan is within reach,” he wrote, “but there is still a ways to go. In the meantime, it's the obligation of us all to support the military in its efforts and guarantee our men and women in uniform have the material and moral support to get the job done.”