Darnestown Army Widow Says Bin Laden's Death Vindicates Husband's Service

Darnestown resident, Nicki Bunting's reaction to the news that Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces. has been both personal and patriotic.

She is an American, but also a widow, who's husband was killed in the war waged in reaction to bin Laden's orchestrated attack on the U.S. on Sept. 11.

"The death of Osama bin Laden has been emotional for me on several levels," Bunting told Patch in an email. 

Army Capt. Brian Bunting, known to friends and family as "Bubba", was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan in February 2009, where he was serving as a member of the Individual Ready Reserve assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Syracuse, N.Y.

“The sense of pride I feel in America is very reminiscent of that ominous day on September 11, 2001. I feel a sense of peace in my heart that the man who orchestrated such hideous acts that have killed so many, both directly and indirectly, has finally been brought to justice,” Bunting wrote in an email to Patch.

“This does, however, evoke fear for our troops still serving as retaliatory acts are sure to ensue. Their actions over the past 10 years, and the heroic actions of my husband, have been vindicated and I am even more proud to be an American today than I ever have been,” she said.

For the past two years since his death, Bunting has held a 5k and one-mile fun-run in honor of her late husband’s memory, Bubba’s Belly Run. 

In an address to the nation late on Sunday night, President Barack Obama confirmed that bin Laden had been killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan and credited the work of Americans, such as Bunting – who was known as “Bubba” to friends and family, for helping bring bin Laden to justice.

“Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort,” Obama said. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.”

In Maryland, our political leaders have also commended the work of those who served America in its fight against terrorism.

“[I] Commend the men and women of our Armed Forces and the dedicated public servants of our nation’s security agencies. This should be a day of reflection and prayer for a more peaceful future,” Governor Martin O'Malley said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hallen (D- MD, District 8) called the killing of bin Laden, "a major accomplisment."

"Today we honor the troops killed in the fight against al-Qaeda and salute the public servants who have supported this effort over the last ten years,” he said in a statement. “The fight against al-Qaeda is far from over and we must remain vigilant, but yesterday the terrorist network lost its founder and leader. It was a good day for America and for all those throughout the world who work for freedom, justice, and peace.”

One North Potomac resident was killed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11. According to a memorial profile on Washington Post.com, Ernest M. Willcher, 62, was a retired Pentagon civilian employee and was working as a consultant with Booz, Allen & Hamilton.