Posted on 07/10/2007 11:02:52 PM PDT by World_Events
RAEFORD, N.C. - Maj. James Ahearn met his future wife during his second tour of Iraq, converted to Islam to marry her and brought her home to the United States.
Two years later, the Iraqi woman is mourning his death.
Ahearn, 43, was killed Thursday in Baghdad when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb. His widow, Lena Ahearn, said she feels ashamed her husband died in her country at the hands of her people.
Ahearn, a member of the 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade at Fort Bragg, was on his third tour of Iraq when he was killed. He had served in the Army for 18 years and was supposed to retire in 2009.
"Jimmy was the greatest gift I ever had," Lena said from the couple's home near the Army post where she lives with their 17-month-old daughter, Kadi. "I will never regret marrying him for two years and moving to the United States."
Lena Ahearn said her husband tried to use his new belief in Islam to bridge the cultural gap between American soldiers and the Iraqi people.
"He told them there are no differences between people," she said.
Now Lena Ahearn says she wants to become an American citizen, which she thinks would have made her husband proud.
"He was the strongest and bravest man I ever saw in my life," she said.
Prayers for Maj. James Ahearn & his family ~Pandora~
A Brave soul goes to his reward. May he rest in eternal peace and know his job was Well Done, Soldier.
Brave indeed, though I’m sorry he converted to Islam. Prayers for his wife and daughter.
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