My cousin served in the Armed Forces "to protect your freedom" (his words). The fact that he died during training maneuvers, does not detract from that.
But personally when I look the US' history of military interventions then I sadly have to conclude he was made to believe he did it for "our freedom". A good facade for a dirty business. In fact he did it for corporate and Israel's interests. And probably he personally did it for the money and "cool job status" too.
Only the US population seems to, on average, favour going to war.
Still feel bad for your cousin.