I was born in Dallas, Texas, and have lived the past eighteen years in Garland.

I am currently a senior at North Garland High School, and am hoping to attend the University of Notre Dame next year for my undergraduate studies before I go on to become an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.

I am ranked number one of my class, a position which I've held for the past three years, and take a very challenging course load consisting of Advance Placement college-level courses and Math Science Technology courses (within our MST program).

I am heavily involved in numerous extracurricular activates, both inside and outside of school, including: athletic training for our football teams, Health Occupations Students of American, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Spanish National Honor Society, and our North Garland PAL Mentors program.

I was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award for completing 158 hours of community service within one year's time this past year, and have been inspired to devote more of my time to volunteerism through Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY).

Should Captured Enemy Combatants, Who are U.S. Citizens,
Have Guarantees Under the Bill of Rights?

by: LeeAnne Feher ~ 2006 Phoenician Award Winner

The United States of America was built upon a solid foundation of liberty and freedom for its citizens. The U.S. Constitution provides specific guarantees for the people of this country. However, these rights should be assured only for those who obey and honor their Nation. Captured enemy combatants who are U.S. citizens, by virtue of their actions, made a choice to exploit the freedoms and guarantees afforded them under the Bill of Rights, turning against the very entity that defends such rights for all people, especially American citizens. As a result, their disloyalty and acts of betrayal constitute treason. In times of war, such behavior overpowers the justification of rights afforded law-abiding citizens of the United States. Therefore, the civil rights of captured American combatants must be restricted.

With the Geneva Convention at the time of World War II, universal human rights concerning the treatment of captives were established. The Geneva agreement thus served as a stepping stone to addressing the issue of American prisoners of war in our own country. These soldiers or citizens have abdicated their right as free citizens of this great Nation. The Eighth Amendment, limiting cruel and unusual punishment should be followed, insuring due process and a trail by jury with representations on their behalf. Captives are to be treated humanely, not tortured or immediately killed, as the United States is a civilized, esteemed nation.

Fifth Amendment rights for American traitors simply do not exist. Those guidelines are for citizens who live honorable and defend courageously the values and freedom of the United States. Those who voluntarily choose to disparage the principles, goals, and standards in no way deserve the protection of our Constitution. Yet, due process is a right that may not be taken away, despite the severity of the charge.

Guantanamo Bay serves as an example of the manner in which such rules should apply. The United States should secure the right to interrogate detainees, as U.S. government officials maintain the right to know of any specific activities relating to matters of subversive to the United States. Likewise, Fourth Amendments rights guaranteeing protection of unwarranted search and seizer should also be revoked. Any person who has jeopardized the lives and security of his own countrymen has surrendered these inalienable rights.

The United States must preserve her dignity by following such protocol and guidelines as are just and dutiful under the U.S. Constitution. Overall, captured enemy combatants who are U.S. citizens are still entitled to fundamental human rights. However, their rights as a whole should be restricted in order to provide reasonable, yet critical standards by which to judge them and their case. The United States of American is comprised of a system of unity and honor and is a distinct entity through which its citizens lead a life of loyalty and pride in its values.

Reprinted from The Military Order of the World Wars Officer Review March 2006 magazine.