For Steve Hunsberger, his son Travis was a light.
Travis was a light when he chose to become a Green Beret and spread freedom to foreign lands.
Travis was a light through practicing Christianity and being a good man.
And for his family during these hard times, he continues to light the way toward coping with what happened.
Travis Hunsberger, 24, died of wounds sustained from a roadside bomb Friday in Afghanistan. The soldier from Goshen attended Ball State University from 2002-04 but left to join the military. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Travis eventually became a Special Forces Green Beret, earning the rank of Army Staff Sergeant.
"He wanted to be a light," Steve said. "As a young man, he wanted to be a light wherever he was used."
Travis came to Ball State for architecture but changed his major to business before leaving.
One day, Travis sat down with his father and told him he wanted to join the military.
Steve was a little unsure of his son's idea but told him to examine his motives and make sure he was sure of his decision.
"He felt very strong about it, that he needed to help make a difference and that he had to pursue it through the military," Steve said.
Travis believed in American freedoms and wanted to help others in oppressed countries experience the same freedoms, Steve said. In addition to his country, Travis loved his family and was a devout Christian.
Steve said Travis was compassionate and could with people whether they were 80 or eight.
"That was the kind of young man he was," Steve said. "He didn't want to bring attention to himself but wanted to bring glory to God."
Travis also enjoyed an adventure. Once, Travis and his brother tried to smoke a raccoon out of a hollowed tree. They accidentally set the 40-to-50 foot, 100-year-old tree ablaze.
"Imagine a 50-foot chimney with limbs on it," Steve said.
Another time Travis was driving during heavy rains, and his car hydroplaned into a field 100 yards off the road. He even had to punch out a window to escape from drowning in the car.
When Steve and Ronda arrived, they asked why when he called he didn't mention the car had sunk. He said it didn't seem like it made a difference, Steve said.
"He had a zest for life," he said.
Since Steve heard about his son's death, he felt a range of emotions from laughter to tears.
The Hunsbergers couldn't cope with Travis' death alone; community members have visited and called to show their support. Steve has even received calls from people he doesn't know but were Travis' friends.
"We know Travis died not in vain because he was a light."
Adam Hochstetler, a 2007 Ball State graduate, went to high school and college with Travis.
"For me, it's just sad to see this world lose another quality guy," he said.
Hochstetler said Travis had a strong demeanor and found a good fit in joining the military.
"You can't help but tie the 'hero' to him," he said.
This article was written in conjunction with NewsLink Indiana.
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