A brother and sister in arms

Image courtesy: Facebook

Capt. Daniel Whitten, 28, gave his life for the United States of America on Tuesday in Afghanistan's Zabul Province. Capt. Whitten and Pfc. Zachary Lovejoy, 20, who The Unknown Soldiers will post more about this weekend, were killed when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists struck their vehicle.

While friends, family, and supporters all around Whitten's home state of Iowa and beyond are honoring him, Whitten and Lovejoy's deaths are also having a profound effect on fellow troops in Afghanistan. According to Radio Iowa, Whitten's sister, Capt. Sarah Whitten Frederickson, is also serving in the war zone. It is not yet clear whether she will be able to attend her brother's funeral, or a memorial service planned by the Army for Daniel and Pfc. Lovejoy in Afghanistan.

Whitten leaves behind a loving wife, Starr, and his parents, Dan and Jill. The Des Moines Register reports Iowa lawmakers paused Thursday for a poignant moment of silence for Whitten. In Johnston, where Whitten grew up, those who knew him had nothing but wonderful things to say about the hometown hero.

"He was the kid who was always doing the right thing," said Jerry Stratton, associate principal at Johnston High School, who taught Whitten history and government.

"He always stood by his values, and was true to his family and himself," Stratton said. "He was the kind of young man who you hoped your own kids would grow up to represent."

After Johnston High School, Whitten excelled at West Point, where Col. Rick Kerin said the former cadet, who double majored in English and math, was bright, thoughtful, and personable.

It is very difficult to imagine the grief being experienced by Whitten's wife, and especially his parents. While mourning their brave, intelligent son, they are also undoubtedly concerned about how their daughter is coping while deployed overseas. However, judging by the extraordinary decisions by both their children to dedicate their lives to protecting America, there is no doubt she is an incredibly strong person.

Like the moment of silence at the Iowa Capitol yesterday, please take a minute today to pause and think about this exceptional military family and all they have done for our great country.