SOUTH BEND -- Funeral arrangements will soon be made for 24-year-old Travis Hunsberger of Wakarusa. He was killed Friday by an improvised explosive device during a mission in Afghanistan.

This was Hunsberger's second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He was a communications technician with the Army Special Forces.

WSBT spoke with his parents earlier Sunday. They hope their son's death will help spread a very important message.

"He always wanted to be a part of something,” said Steve Hunsberger.

Steve and Ronda Hunsberger say there are so many ways to describe their son Travis. But a picture may put it best.

"People always knew Travis had a grin, always had a plan," said Steve Hunsberger.

A plan that always included a challenge. In 2003, after two years at Ball State University, Travis decided to enlist in the Army.

"He went in it with an intent to be a Green Beret,” said Steve Hunsberger.

"He found his calling in the Army. I truly believe that. I truly believe that was his heart. He was so happy," said Ronda Hunsberger.

That happiness turned tragic Friday night. Officials say Travis was killed by an improvised explosive device during a mission near the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan.

"Our whole world is turned upside, just turned upside down. We always knew that this was a possibility, but you never think that it's going to be your situation,” said Steve Hunsberger.

The Hunsbergers are trying not to focus on their son's death. Instead, they hope it will shed light on a much bigger issue ... the freedom we have as Americans.

"And too often we get too involved in what we do from day to day. And I feel it's something we have to realize, what freedom really costs. Because we have it today because of guys like my son and other men and women that have gone before,” said Steve Hunsberger.

Travis Hunsberger was a graduate of Northwood High School. He was married a year and a half ago. Funeral arrangements have not been made yet.