Cincinnati marine veteran displays on occasions unfolding in Afghanistan

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – In response to the overthrow of the Afghan government and the Taliban seizure of power, a Cincinnati marine ponders his time abroad.

As the chaos and turmoil continues in Afghanistan, memories flood veterans like Chris Cravens. Cravens said he served in the Marine Corps and was on duty three times. He served twice in Iraq and spent seven months in Afghanistan.

Observing what has developed abroad reminds Cravens of the Afghans he met and interacted with in the service of our country. He said relationship building is key.

“We were some of the first forces they actually saw for the coalition,” he said.

For Cravens, the fallen heroes are in the foreground. He said he wants Gold Star families to know that despite current events, their sacrifice has not been in vain for a lost country.

“Aside from the conflict and what is happening, I believe they all did it for us left and right. I think they did it for their families back home who loved them, ”Cravens said.

Cravens hopes anyone who is afraid can trust the U.S. soldiers on the ground overseas.

“Are you concerned? Absolutely. Pray that it will be a quick fix and that they will be home? Absolutely. But we have the right staff on site and they will do their job,” he said.

Although the future in Afghanistan is uncertain, Cravens said that gratitude for those who fight for freedom should never go away.

“Afghanistan has been waging wars for a long, long time. I don’t want to say that we are not surprised. I find it extremely unfortunate and disheartening to think of the families and children who are not going to make it safely, ”he said. “But I know they were safe while we were there and we did everything to protect them. You know, I hope these families know they are on our minds and obviously our prayers are with those who are still afar off, bringing back those who can bring them back. “

Cravens worked to help his veterans here at home. He has been involved in several projects, including a veteran wall installed at Turpin High School. Cravens is a Turpin graduate.

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