MyHeritage.org - For Heritage Foundation Members & Supporters

Why did you decide to sign up as an Army reservist?

I really feel that God has blessed me. America is the most just and caring country in the history of the world, and I’m thankful to have been born here. God has given me a loving family, wonderful friends, and many gifts that I am very appreciative of. I joined the Army Reserves because I thought that it was time to give back. It was time for me to sacrifice for Him and for this country.

You signed up in 2000 – well before the 9/11 terrorist strikes and the subsequent war. What do you think our country learned from September 11th?

September 11th taught us that with the Cold War over, America needed a new mentality. The U.S. is the world’s sole super-power. If we don’t act, no one else will. That’s the burden we carry, and we can’t hide from it. I feel very strongly that it is our duty to spread liberty to others in this world, and that sacrifices must be made for the good of America, Iraq, and the world. I’m happy to make that sacrifice.

We’ve heard Iraq described as “the wrong war, in the wrong place, at the wrong time.” As someone who’s actually on the frontlines, what’s your view on the war?

I’m a strong supporter of the war in Iraq because I think it’s absolutely essential to the war on terrorism. There is a reason why terrorists came to Iraq after Saddam fell. If Iraq becomes a democracy, the entire Middle East will be transformed. Even more pressure will be put on Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia to reform. Funding for the type of Islam that these terrorists practice will be drastically cut and it will be more difficult for them to operate. Al-Qaeda knows this or they wouldn’t be there.

What was your first reaction upon hearing your Army Reserve unit was being deployed to Iraq?  Were you expecting that, or did it come as a surprise?

At the time it was a surprise, but looking back, it was obvious that it was my unit’s turn to go. The timing was difficult. I had just started my final semester of law school, and I had just been promoted to a great new position at Heritage. But I soon realized that I wasn’t in control, and that God had a different plan for me than I did. So I adapted and became excited about the role I was now going to play. 

Working in donor relations, you probably got to meet plenty of Heritage members. What do you think sets them apart?

Meeting the people who support Heritage was a big reason why I enjoyed working there. Heritage members are very generous people, but they don’t give just money to Heritage. They care about the wellbeing of Heritage employees. It makes me feel good when a WWII veteran says that he is praying for my safety in this current war. It gives me a lot of confidence. I have a great deal of respect for Heritage supporters, and I respect their faith in America. That’s why I’m a member myself. I’m in the Young President’s Club and I’m continuing my membership while I’m overseas.

This is the first war effort in which the Internet has played a significant role, and your online journal has developed quite a following. What do you think are the benefits of soldiers being able to give an inside perspective on the military and the war? 

For me, it was very helpful. When I found out that I’d be going to Iraq, I began reading many of the web logs, or “blogs,” of soldiers who are already there. That gave me a good idea of what to expect. I started my blog (www.stevenkiel.blogspot.com) to keep my family and friends updated and to describe my experiences in Iraq. The vast majority of those in my generation has not served in the military and don’t fully understand what it’s like, so I wanted to try to show them what one soldier goes through.

You recently started another website, Iraq Files. What was the inspiration behind that?

I noticed there was no clearinghouse site for all of the military blogs, so I started one at www.iraqfiles.com. It features news links about the reconstruction and articles about soldiers. We also link to soldier blogs, soldier support organizations, and blogs of Iraqi citizens. It’s a great way to get first-hand accounts of what’s going on there.

What would you suggest Heritage supporters do to back the war effort?

I think what Heritage members can do is to try to get more people involved with the conservative movement. Share their copy of Heritage Members News with their friends and family members. Talk to their neighbors about why they support Heritage. The conservative movement is strong, but we can be even stronger. 

And what about the troops?  What can Heritage members do to support U.S. soldiers?

At www.iraqfiles.com I have a list of more than thirty organizations that specifically support the troops. I’d urge members to follow my blog as well. I’ll be looking for opportunities to help the troops, and to help Iraqi citizens. I’ll post information on my blog about how people can do that. I truly believe that one person can make a difference. I’ll be doing what I can, and I hope Heritage members will too.

Is there any way Heritage members can send words of encouragement to you while you’re in Iraq?

Sure – and I’d love to hear from them. My Email address is slkiel@aol.com.