Pasadena Voices Opinion on bin Laden's Demise

The recent news about the death of Osama bin Laden has people around the country talking. Many believe that the al-Qaida leader's demise is a great victory for the nation. Patch spoke to members of military families in the Pasadena area to see what they thought of the event.

"I'm so proud," said Jessica Badger, who spent six years in the Navy and served as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). "I could go on and on about it, there's an overwhelming sense of pride."

Badger's deployment for OEF was pushed ahead because of the events of September 11, 2001. She was deployed to the Indian Ocean and assisted the crew of the USS John C. Stennis in sending bombers to Afghanistan.

"We didn't get him [bin Laden] during my deployment, but nine-and-a-half years later, the pride comes back knowing that we finally finished him," said Badger. "I'm proud of our president for making this his No. 1 priority and while watching the news this morning I was completely overwhelmed by the pride that I felt in the younger generation as well."

"We both believe this is a great moment in America's history," said Kelly Saulk, whose husband, James, is a serviceman. "While logging into Facebook this morning, I saw several posts about the news and about people's support for the troops and America."

While Saulk appreciates general support for military efforts, she wishes that it wasn't always reserved for special occasions.

"I have mixed opinions about this," said Saulk. "We appreciate the support, of course, but we would like to see it more often, not just when something happens or on a special day like Veterans Day. I wish everyone was constantly thankful for the troops and constantly pro-America."

Saulk said that, as a mental health counselor, she was concerned with the mental state of soldiers who had worked toward the goal of defeating bin Laden.

"It is definitely a day to be rejoice and be proud," said Saulk. "But we think there are so many other things to consider or remember that led up to this event and what could possibly happen afterwards."