'It's Not Just About Barbecues': Gold Star Aunt Graces Fox News to Share Gratitude for Niece's Service and Sacrifice on Independence Day

Cheryl Juels, aunt of fallen Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, joins Fox News to express the true meaning of freedom and the ultimate sacrifice made by her niece for the nation on Independence Day.

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'It's Not Just About Barbecues': Gold Star Aunt Graces Fox News to Share Gratitude for Niece's Service and Sacrifice on Independence Day

As the nation gears up for the Fourth of July celebrations, one Gold Star aunt is reminding Americans that "freedom isn't free" and paying tribute to the courageous sacrifice of her fallen niece, Sgt. Nicole Gee, USMC.

Cheryl Juels, aunt of Nicole Gee, spoke candidly to Fox News Digital, expressing her understanding of the adage "freedom isn’t free." With a heavy heart, she shared, "You know, freedom isn't free because a lot of them don't make it home. And they know that when they sign up, they're willing to take that risk so that people can live in a country like ours."

'It's Not Just About Barbecues': Gold Star Aunt Graces Fox News to Share Gratitude for Niece's Service and Sacrifice on Independence Day

Juels painted a picture of the selfless nature of her niece, who was raised in a military family with a strong culture of service. Inspired by her high school sweetheart's decision to join the Marines, Nicole followed suit, driven by her intelligence, determination, and unwavering commitment to service.

"She was very, very smart, very driven. And there was just no way she was going to be a dependent. So she followed along and she joined the Marines, too," Juels recounted.

'It's Not Just About Barbecues': Gold Star Aunt Graces Fox News to Share Gratitude for Niece's Service and Sacrifice on Independence Day

Nicole's passion for physical fitness and readiness propelled her to achieve perfect scores on her Combat Fitness Tests, earning the rank of sergeant in August 2021. Shortly after, she was deployed to Afghanistan on Aug. 13, 2021, with a mission to assist in the evacuation efforts during the American withdrawal.

As the Taliban tightened their grip on the nation, Juels witnessed a marked shift in Nicole's communication. "Her communication started out a little bit more frequent in the beginning... but I know that they all just said they just wanted to go fast and furious. And I know Nicole volunteered."

'It's Not Just About Barbecues': Gold Star Aunt Graces Fox News to Share Gratitude for Niece's Service and Sacrifice on Independence Day

With profound respect, Juels recalled her niece's unwavering determination to rescue women and children left behind in the chaos. "You know, she worked 12, 14 hours a day at her regular job loading transport planes... and then, you know, her and a couple other girls would go out and volunteer, team members, to search for women and children to get them through."

Tragically, on August 26, 2021, Nicole was killed in action at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan, alongside 12 other American service members. She was just 23 years old.

Haunted by the lack of support and leadership during her niece's deployment, Juels shared, "There was just not a lot of support from the top-down."

In honor of Nicole's memory and to support military families, Juels established the Nicole M. Gee Memorial Foundation. The foundation aims to provide health and wellness outreach, promote service and sacrifice, and lend a helping hand to those who have given so much for our country.

As the nation gathers on this Independence Day, Juels shared her vision for Nicole's legacy. "She would want us to all get together and just do something fun, just laugh and have fun. That's what she would want."

With each passing Fourth of July, let us remember the sacrifice of Nicole Gee and all the brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. As Juels so eloquently put it, "It's not just about barbecues." Freedom comes at a great price, and we owe it to our fallen heroes to honor their memory and cherish the nation they fought so valiantly to protect.