He's dead

[11 Bravo]

This summer I posted about a young Army Lt. my wife and I met at a wedding. He was headed to Iraq within the week. As an ex-grunt, I struck up a conversation with him. I mostly just wanted to tell him to keep his head down, but the conversation evolved. I learned he was a Kerry supporter who didn't buy any of Bush's bullshit rationales for this war. But he told me that the civilian leadership of our nation was sending him to fight, and as a professional, he would go and do all that he could to ensure that the members of his platoon would make it home safely.
About three weeks after the initial post, I posted an update. The young man was in Walter Reed, missing his right eye, most of his right arm, and facing extensive reconstructive surgery for severe thoracic trauma. I visited him once, but always seemed to find a reason not to return. Eventually, he was transferred to a facility closer to his Pennsylvania home, and I never saw him again. I will regret that for a long time.
This will be my final update. A half an hour ago I received a call from the friend at whose wedding I met the young man. On Thursday, during a day trip from the hospital, he wheeled himself into the bathroom, put a 9 mm pistol in his mouth, and pulled the trigger. If they ever build a wall, he won't be on it. He doesn't even count as a casualty of this war. But the next time you see the KIA number, add one to it.

[rockymountaindem]

1. What a tragedy

So sad...

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. That is so sad

THIS is the reason we MUST leave Iraq. We are destroying our people-how many more must be maimed, both physically and mentally? How many more must die?

[babylonsister]

3. OMG, that's so damned sad. I'm so sorry, 11 Bravo ,

for everyone involved and for there even to be a situation such as this. :cry:

[Spazito]

4. So very, very sad

I have no words.

[FogerRox]

13. RIP- EOM

[AmyDeLune]

5. I'm so sorry...

that is so terribly sad...:cry: :cry: :cry:

[damntexdem]

6. Maybe not a KIA, but definitely a DBB:

Destroyed by Bush.

[ray of light]

7. OMG...that's so sad.

[mike_c]

8. damn, that's sad....

My condolences to you and your friend, and his family, of course.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

9. Holy Cow, That's Horrible. My regards to you, his friends, and family

It just made my ears tear to hear of this tragedy. This is one fucked up war...

[Jazzgirl]

10. I remember when you posted this back in the summer.

That is so, so sad and my heart goes out to his family. I hope this whole mis-administration fries in hell for what they're doing to our soldiers. I am so sorry 11 Bravo....more words fail me.

JG

[FreedomAngel82]

39. Yes

And I wonder how many more are out there like him. Thinking of suicide because of this war. I remember reading last year a story of a guy who went to Iraq and they were going to deploy him and he ran out into the street and tore his clothes and screamed not to take him. They ended up taking him to a mental home so he didn't have to go after all. :(

[HillDem]

11. Just heartbreaking

I'm so sorry

[CoffeeCat]

12. That is so utterly tragic...

...it's just beyond words.

I'm glad you posted this here. I can only imagine how you feel, and I hope it helps when DUers post their support of you.

Every time I see the KIA number, I will add (+ Bravo's friend) in honor of this brave young man that you met.

I think it's great that you visited him in the hospital. I'm sure it gave him comfort.

Again, I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. We'll all work together to make the madness stop.

Take care--

[MADem]

Dupe, sorry

[MADem]

Murtha mentioned the other night, on Tweety's show, when he was

talking about the kid who wasn't going to get a Purple Heart because of the circumstances of his injury, that the government is NOT COUNTING PTSDs as traumas, and that is just WRONG.

[FreedomAngel82]

41. I remember hearing about that

He talked about that in his press conference. You could tell he was really upset about it and said the kid could have one of his. How dare they not give him a heart! Ugh! And it still pisses me off how they belittled the Purple Heart with Kerry last year!

[DrDan]

80. I thought he eventually got it

[tsuki]

109. They gave it to him on a Wednesday, because Murtha said that

he visited the Hospital on Thursday with his purple heart and learned the young man had received it.

[MADem]

129. He did, but Murtha had to bully the Commandant to make it happen

But in the course of that conversation, Murtha noted that PTSD, and the pschological challenges and traumas that result not just from being over in the sandbox, but from coming back wounded and after a point, being either warehoused at the VA or sent home, minus limbs or whatnot, are NOT being addressed adequately. He was as annoyed about it as I am...

[DrDan]

81. I thought he eventually got it

[MinneapolisMatt]

14. I'm so sorry.

:cry:

[DemExpat]

15. What a tragedy.

What a criminal war.

:cry:

DemEx

[BuyingThyme]

16. We will end this.

[Bellamia]

17. It IS so sad when it "hits home" like this.........

someone you knew, if only briefly. How wonderful of you to post in his honor shall we say, bless you.

[BreweryYardRat]

18. Oh man.

I'm sorry to hear that. :hug:

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

24. OMG! I'm so sorry. How awful.

:cry: :grouphug:

[TomClash]

19. R.I.P.

May he go to a better world than this.

[dkamin]

Good sentiment.

[AuntPatsy]

20. And another name becomes hidden from the American public

the name of a proud brave young soldier who's own government turns a blind eye to the mounting casualties of an unjust war...

And a flag will be raised, not lowered for in reality, it is obvious his death will go unnoticed as do so many others..

I grieve for his family who are left to suffer the pain he no longer feels...

I grieve for this country who has yet take responsibility for this young man's death and in not doing so, another one shall soon follow.

[Individualist]

21. My condolences

I'm sickened, saddened and outraged at every death resulting from the cabal's lies. All our troops need to be brought home NOW!

[_dynamicdems]

22. That is so tragic.

He's the one I'll think of from now on whenever I think of the tragedy of Iraq. So horribly sad.

[CatBoreal]

23. No words...

:cry:

[Kadie]

25. That is so sad.

I just can't find any words.

My thoughts are with you and his family.

[quaoar]

26. May he find peace

And may God bless him and keep him.

[Oceansaway]

27. sorry for your loss.....

[nadinbrzezinski]

28. It is he for whom those popies

grow at flanders field

[Qanisqineq]

29. Horrible

So many damaged bodies and damaged minds coming back from this war, any war. The "support the troops with my yellow ribbon magnet" crowd don't think about these people. They don't do a damn thing except go to Walmart, buy a magnet, slap it on their car, and then when someone says something against the war, scream "you are hurting the troops!"

These people should get off their ass and send care packages, visit the wounded, donate to the families left behind or to those that lose their soldier/marine.

What horrible physical and emotional pain he must have been in. The things he must have witnessed. Too sad for words.

:cry:

[proud2BlibKansan]

30. Oh how sad

Damn this war.

[MelissaB]

31. I'm so sorry!

speechless :cry:

[CTyankee]

32. god I'd like to see bushco. roast in hell when i hear this

please god send this admin. straight to hell.

[lostnfound]

68. which just might be a better place than Iraq these days. nt

[StellaBlue]

33. "support the troops"

It's for THIS MAN and the thousands like him that I oppose this war with every part of my being and will speak out against it with every possible breath.

.
.
.
Please send your story to the White House, every Congressman, etc.

[EFerrari]

34. 11 Bravo.

(hanging useless head)

But on edit: I will NEVER stop fighting to get our people home and taken care of. Never. Never.

[skylarmae]

35. wonder how many other #'s are not being counted. so sad and such

a waste. I grieve for all the casualties but stories like this one always bring tears to my eyes. tragic...

[Fla Dem]

88. The many unknown casualties of this damn war will never be reported. n/t

[jazzjunkysue]

36. The real reason B** doesn't want soldiers home, is this will happen alot

and it will be the end of the GOP in our lifetime.

Sad to say, they may look like they came home, but that doesn't mean they are.

[FreedomAngel82]

37. Oh my gosh

:( Poor guy. :cry: Did he not have anybody with him?

[MarianJack]

38. Am Enormous Tragedy.

I'm fighting tears as I respond. ChicaAzul mourns this murder and just said "may GOD have mercy on him, which I know he will".

How many more of our sons and daughters will this criminal administration and their equally guilty enabling party members sacrifice for a pack of lies?

[knitter4democracy]

40. That poor young man.

How awful for his loved ones and for our country to lose another hero like that.

It must have just been too much. If only . . . well, it's not the time for the "What if" game.

May he find the peace he was searching for now, and may his loved ones remember his valor and courage in the face of unspeakable horror instead of his last choice.

[DearAbby]

42. Oh god that is so heartbreaking....how many other "numbers" won't be

counted in the days, months, years to come. The toll of the dead of this war. I said it before, my soul is so heavy from grief, and shame. All this was needless, and will go on...when will it end?

[IChing]

43. SAD, Everyone loses with war except

the ones that profit from them

[struggle4progress]

44. Kerry discussed this problem thirty years ago in his testimony to ..

.. the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (22 April 1971):

... I understand 57 percent of all those entering the VA hospitals talk about suicide. Some 27 percent have tried, and they try because they come back to this country and they have to face what they did in Vietnam, and then they come back and find the indifference of a country that doesn't really care, that doesn't really care ...

http://www.c-span.org/2004vote/jkerrytestimony.asp

The problem is perennial and known. There's no excuse for letting this sort of thing happen ...

[NMDemDist2]

45. what can anyone say, a tragedy, a travesty and a horrible waste

:cry:

[lildreamer316]

46. No, Dammit.

WE will build a wall. AND HE WILL BE ON IT. WHO says his sacrifice does not get any honor? I bet Cindy Sheehan would agree with me!!! Screw that!! HE WILL NOT GO UNREREMBERED OR UNRECOGNIZED.
I, for one, will not forget.

[Catherine Vincent]

47. . . .

:(

[brook]

48. I'm deeply saddened.

The best way I can honor him is to remain active in every way I can to help speed the end of this specious 'war'.

My heart goes out to you, your friends and to this fallen hero's family.
I won't forget him. I hope he has gained the peace we should have been able to give him on this earth.

:cry:

[Green Mountain Dem]

49. I am so sorry for your loss...

and I really feel your pain...my Godson was the 7th Vermonter to lose his life in this insane war. We (Vermont) recently lost our 21st and that is ENOUGH!! For what it's worth he really is in a better place..I know, I know..a tired cliche, but I remain convinced that it is the only sane way of putting this tragedy into perspective. I hope that you will be comforted by the fact that you had the opportunity to have met him and that he obviously left an impression. May he Rest in Peace.

[still_one]

50. that is the face of war that they don't want to see or hear

It never changes. All quiet on the Western Front, Johnny Got his Gun

people never learn from the past

[shance]

51. Bravo, thank you for posting this very sad news.

If more Americans knew of these experiences, we wouldn't be allowing this Administration to be destroying our children and their lives.

[Aristus]

52. I remember that posting, 11 Bang.........I'm so sorry for you and

for this man's family. He deserved so much better. My only consolation is knowing that he's up in Heaven, and will not have to worry about running into Bush up there.

I'm so angry I can't see straight. Take care, 11 Bravo...........

[EFerrari]

53. I know. "Blind rage" takes on a different meaning when you have one.

I'm so sorry. Hate this.

:grouphug:

[11 Bravo]

61. Right now, I simply feel a cold rage

I can't explain it. I've never been angrier, but at the same time, more composed.

[Jane Austin]

54. I am truly sorry.

My sympathies to you all.

[Tinksrival]

112. Sympathies to you too, janeaustin

Thats a great pic. Poppy must have been one heck of a great dog. The best of memories too you.

[abluelady]

55. I'm So Sorry

I hope you will send your story to your newspaper. We must make the public aware that not all soldiers believe in this war.

[whometense]

56. Absolutely tragic.

You have to wonder how many other tragedies just like this are happening right now, and not being told. At least you are a witness to this one, and we can all help you mourn.

Every one of these deaths and maiming is another black mark against Bush and Cheney and Rumsfeld souls (if they have them). They'll have to invent a new circle of hell to put them in.

[Lisa]

57. I'm so sorry, for this man and his family ...

He went to try to keep his troops safe. Yet there was nobody to keep him safe. I fear that there will be many more lost, in this way.

[hlthe2b]

58. I can only pray that he is at peace....

God knows, he deserves it.

I know you are haunted Bravo, but try not to take on the guilt of his death. It is NOT yours to bear.

[Melsky]

59. This made me really sad

my heart goes out to you and everyone who has been hurt in this horrible war for lies.

[Obamarama]

60. May this poor man's tortured soul rest in peace, and Bush's burn in hell

I remember you posting about your initial meeting, and your subsequent visit. How sad that it ended this way.

He most definietly IS a casualty of this war. This reminds me of a story my dad told me about his time in the jungles of the South Pacific in WWII. He was commander of his unit and one guy broke under the pressure of war and shot himself.

Whoever was responsible for tallying/reporting deaths in the unit was going to document it as a suicide. My dad ordered the the guy documenting it to classify his death as a casualty of war and my dad wrote a letter to his widow himself, and in it simply told of his sacrifice to the war and never mentioned the true nature of the man's death.

[aquart]

66. Bush, Rumsfeld, Cheney, Rove, Rice, Powell,

the CEO's of Halliburton and the oil companies, and all their happy rah rah YOU SERVE BECAUSE I WON'T minions in Congress.

Hell will have to add on rooms.

[kiteinthewind]

62. I am so sorry.

:hug:

[Cha]

63. I'm so sorry, Bravo!

I will "add one" ..I will remember.

[Uncle Joe]

64. I wonder how many others have died after they left Iraq? n/t

[feistydem]

69. I read that if a sodier dies en route to medical care s/he is not counted

as KIA. I'll try to find a link to that story. But I read it quite a while ago. Basically, you have to die right there on the 'field' or you're listed as a wounded --even if you die as a result of your wounds an hour later.



I am sorry to read of this soldier's death. May he be in peace now.

[BamaBecky]

65. Oh no - loss after loss

this just rips at your heart........

[Diane R]

67. May he rest in peace.

I can't think of a thing to say that could describe my feelings.

[Jeanette in FL]

70. Oh My, that is just so sad

Thank you for posting this. May he rest in Peace. I am so sorry.

[GreenPartyVoter]

71. And ** doesn't even care.

-------------------------------------------
Coming Soon!
The Liberal Christian Network!
http://liberalchristians.hostdiva.com/

[MasonJar]

72. Is there any way that every story like this can be forwarded

directly to Laura and Barbara? It is time Barb wrapped her beautiful mind around the truth. And maybe next time Laura will let the anti-war poets come to her soiree.

[Straight Shooter]

May he find peace now, wherever he has gone.

I have no words for this, it is beyond my comprehension the torment in his mind and soul and heart.

Yet the GOP wants more to die in order to honor this man's service and death? Oh. My. God.

[soup]

73. I'm so sorry.

May he rest in peace.

[SharonRB]

74. What a horrible tragedy.

[BrklynLiberal]

75. There are no words. His poor family. They are still left behind to mourn

this tragic, very, very sad loss of a young promising life.

:cry:

[democrank]

76. This is gut wrenching.

Terrible news. Just terrible.

[xultar]

77. I'm so sorry to hear that. Stories like this really make me understand

the un documented costs people are paying.

Rest In Peace dear soul.

[WePurrsevere]

78. He's a casualty of BushCo's murderous BS & lies as much as any other...

KIA over there. :(

I'm so very sorry for this young man, for his family, friends and you. May his troubled soul find peace on the Otherside that he couldn't find while here.

[Guaranteed]

79. If there is a hell, Bush will burn there. nt

[Up2Late]

82. I'm very sorry to hear that, but his death need not go un-recognized

The website that most of the media and individuals that care to keep track of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the website they have come to rely on does include ALL Iraq War Casualties that they are aware of. You should check to see if his name is listed, and if not, submit his name and any details or reports of his death to the site.

Here's the link: <http://icasualties.org/oif/>

The "Contact Us" email address for the site is:

I'm told that, one of the people who run the site is even a member of DU.

Thanks for this post and Thank You for you service.

Welcome Home brother :patriot:

BTW: Don't forget to visit the site dedicated to our soldiers who have died in Afghanistan at this link: <http://icasualties.org/oef/>

[WiseButAngrySara]

83. I clicked on to this post, fully expecting that "He's Dead" meant Bush,

politically speaking. What a shock to read of one more of B*'s dead instead.

I read your initial post. It was so human and warm, I was not likely to forget it. I didn't read your second post concerning the wounds of this young man. I wish to God that I didn't have to read this post about this young man. KI Honorable Action indeed.

My sympathy for you and his family and friends. This is a grief that almost can't be borne for those who knew and loved him, however briefly.

[qanda]

84. Oh, that's just so sad

I'm so sorry.

[ikojo]

85. My first reaction after reading your post

I HATE GEORGE W BUSH and ALL who voted for this senseless war!

The blood and anguish of this man and his family are on all of their hands and souls.

I hope ALL who voted for this war have to answer for this sometime soon.

[ignatius 2]

86. Dammit,enough of the killing and the destroying of lives. I am so sad to

hear this and I am so sorry for his family and friends.

[Blue_In_AK]

87. That is so sad...

I fear that something like this will happen to our boy up here who lost both his legs last week, 13 days weeks after he was supposed to have finished his tour. These sorts of things are almost too horrible to contemplate.

[spacelady]

89. He Is Dead. What noble cause can justify that in this malconflict?

We need to honor those who are not being counted. I am a monument artist/illustrator with 20 years experience & I would gladly provide free of charge any advice and artwork an individual or group would desire.

[CrispyQ]

90. There are no words to express my sorrow at this tragic news.

Such a waste. Such horrid, criminal waste of life. My heart breaks to think of how many other soldiers are considering the same thing.

My deepest sympathies to his family & to you.

[Daphne08]

91. This is so tragic

:cry:

My condolences to his family.

[cry baby]

92. what a tragedy, I'm sorry - but I can't help think about others like him

that may see no way out of the hell that they are in. How many more have to die for this insanity?

[Media_Lies_Daily]

93. Deepest sympathies to all concerned. What a waste.

[bonito]

94. When will they learn, supporting our children

means not supporting this war, and standing up to this illegal administration. before I will call my child a fallen soldier or troop, I'll fall first defending him from these treasonous traders.

[laruemtt]

95. this is too sad for words.

this war must end now!

[Joey Liberal]

96. He checked out of the net - May he RIP

What a fuckin' shame. Lot's of Soldiers have done the same thing in Iraq, but it's kept secret by Rip Van Rummy and his DoD yes men.

[OhioChick]

97. This is so heartbreaking......

I can't find words to express how I feel. RIP

[PatrioticLeftie]

98. Damn...

I dunno what to say, except, damn.

[kestrel91316]

99. More blood on Bush's hands. And I have news for him:

There IS a Karma Fairy, you sick fascist bastard.

And she strikes in THIS life, not the next.

[BlueIris]

110. You know it.

I've been the subject of its wrath and let me tell the disbelievers--instant karmic payback's a bitch. What goes around does come around, and when it hits you? Not pretty.

[AZBlue]

100. I'm so sorry. And, thank you for sharing this story with us.

It couldn't have been easy but it needed to be told. :hug:

Unfortunately we need to add many more to the KIA number. Hundreds I'm sure, thousands probably. Bush & Co. are true butchers and NEED to be brought up on war crimes. To not give this man the care and support (physical and mental) he needed to get through this horrible tragedy is worse in a way than his initial injuries.

[BrotherBuzz]

101. Crap! I wish I could somehow make a difference....

by saying something profound, but the words simply escape me. 11 Bravo, the best I can do is promise I won't forget him, one of our brothers in arms.

How sad.

[DoctorMyEyes]

102. Goddamnit to Hell

There will never be justice. There couldn't possibly be.

I'm so sorry for what's happened to this young man.

[leftchick]

103. oh fuck

fuck fuck fuck! I hate these treasonous bastards so!

:cry: :cry: :cry:

RIP dear sweet soul....

[seabeyond]

104. in honor of, with such sadness

thank you bravo for sharing this story of this man. so we will all remember his story

[Ilsa]

105. I hope someone tells Bushit and his cabal that this is what they

are doing to soldiers. Goddamn these evil, heartless monsters.

And I hope this family can find some peace somewhere, somehow.

[HeeBGBz]

106. So very sorry

That so many of our soldiers die after they've returned home.

I'm sorry about your friend.

[BlueIris]

107. God bless this kind man.

And *? That's another thing you'll be burning in hell for. Enjoy.

[peacetalksforall]

108. The silent war. We are just whispering and signaling each other

in comparison to the 'voice' we should be hearing on tv and in the newspapers. But, this is the new PNAC and cabal America - these kids are not honored. They are avoided by direction of our Presidents - Cheney and Rumsfeld. Thanks for posting. Thanks for sharing.

[jsamuel]

111. ...

:cry:

[Rainscents]

113. What a horrible tragedy.

I HATE BUSH, I HATE BUSH, I HATE BUSH! He must pay for this soon!

I remebered reading your post during summer. I'm so sorry, there's no words. R.I.P May he rest in peace.

[Olney Blue]

114. Life became unbearable for him...

RIP, young soldier.

[bklyncowgirl]

115. If there is a God the people who started this war will burn in hell. nt

[Festivito]

121. Would you want to be W. & My condolences to everyone who read He's dead..

If W has feelings, I would not want to be him.
If he has no feelings, I would not want to be him.
God or no god,
he's in his own Hell.
One of torment, or
one of emptyness.

[IndyOp]

116. My cousin Mike - Green Beret Vietnam - not on the wall either...

Similar story. Suicide. One variation: He was found by his sons - ages 6, 9, and 11 years. They are now in their 30's and 40's and they are raising their children whose grandfather's death is a source of tremendous pain. The Vietnam War is not over in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

This young man's family will suffer from the unprovoked attack on Iraq for at least another generation.

If we ever - as a nation - experience the FULL cost of war after war after war, we would never fight another.

I believe.

[girl gone mad]

118. My father was a Vietnam Vet.

While he didn't die by his own hands, he did go down a path of self-destruction which led directly to his premature demise. I didn't know him before the war, and hardly knew him afterwards, but by all accounts the man that returned from Vietnam was not the one who left his young family to serve one last tour.

[IndyOp]

119. I am sorry about your father. There are millions more like him...

over the course of US history - veterans who returned greatly diminished from what they saw and what they did. 10,000's of veterans are homeless right now.

:cry: :grr:

[Clark2008]

117. Don't you feel bad.

You met him once and still visited him.

I hope he's at peace - and I hope you are, too.

I'll light a candle for you both (not sure if you're 'religious,' but that doesn't matter - the candle is for my personal prayer for you and him.)

:hug: is for the living.

[IronLionZion]

120. They don't do enough for the psychological effects

We've lost a hell of a lot more than 2000 soldiers. In many ways the psychological effects are worse than the physical ones, just ask any Vietnam vet.

Congressman Murtha talked about this. They don't give purple hearts if it's "friendly fire" or psychological injuries.

So many lives destroyed...and for what?

This is such a tragedy. Sorry for your loss.

[Cults4Bush]

122. You can add about 35 to it with confidence.

I did about 6 months o fresearch and found about 25 and anothers list had about 10 more on it. It is so hard to tell of course... but sometimes it is painfully obvious.

I hope everyones words of condolences bring you some healing B11.... and I always think kindly thoughts to those with PTSD coming home. Theres more than people know and the VA is less prepared to deal than they were in Vietnam.

[yorkiemommie1]

123. how sad

*co should hear about this.

[leesa]

124. Such a waste this is. I'm sorry for everyone struggling throught this

nightmare.

[Sydnie]

125. I weep angry, hot tears along with you

How sad for all concerned. Such a young, vital life ... torn from all of us because of "bad intelligence".

Please share my condolences with his family through your friend.

[DesertRat]

126. I'm so sorry

What a senseless tragedy.

:cry:

[gardenista]

127. Oh my God, no! I remember the original post when you met him. I'm so

sorry. May he rest in peace.


:cry:

[tabasco]

128. Even the healthy survivors of war are deeply hurt.

I felt a lot of guilt.

I say let people run their own countries.

We don't belong in a country that didn't attack us and wasn't going to.

God bless this poor Lieutenant and his family.

[proud patriot]

130. .

:cry:

[understandinglife]

131. Sorrow; deep unrelenting sorrow on reading this ...

Peace.

[B Calm]

132. I had to delete my profanity before posting.. This stupid war has

went on long enough. Support our troops, and demand that they BRING THEM HOME NOW!

[Blue_Tires]

133. kicked/recommended n/t

[Eurobabe]

134. Tragic. Another victim of the Bu$hler's regime

[bleedingheart]

135. words escape me....

I am so sorry for his family ....

[Proud liberal Kat]

136. I won't forget...

If those who are close to him care to know, let them know I will never forget him personally and that I hold those who suffer like him in my heart.

I like in many of the "big" issues, am not sure where I stand on the pacifist to hawk spectrum. I no it is closer to pacifist and that is my ideal, but reality hits in and sometimes I fall short of my ideal and question if my ideal is livable in the world. I do know that I think Iraq was wrong from the get-go and that I never had a problem reconciling that with incredible support and pride in our troops. My Dad served in Vietnam when my oldest brother was just shy of 1 until he was 2. I have a lot of pride in my father, though there is no question in my mind that he shouldn't have been there.

I don't know why I am rambling other than to say my heart aches for this man and his family and loved ones. It aches more because I wonder if I spoke louder if it would have made a difference. It aches more to know the many stories that will never be told which are similiar. I will admit no clarity at this moment on how to move forward...I had single vision clarity before the war started, and I regret that while I spoke out I didn't do so like me or mines lifes depended on it...because they didn't. More outrage at the beginning...if it didn't make a difference in reality...might have in my head.

So my sorrow and apologies are in order.
Kat

[WilliamPitt]

137. god damn it

[ClayZ]

138. I am sorry!

One more on my list!

[SeanQ]

139. My deepest sympathies

One more hero in our hearts

[Davis_X_Machina]

140. Zichrono l'vracha. May his memory be for us a blessing. n/t

[KerryOn]

141. My wife and I have a sign in our front yard....

It says: "Lives For Lies" and then has the number of US KIA and WIA in Iraq. We keep it updated daily.

From now on it it will be one number higher.

[stillrockin]

142. I'm so sorry to hear

about this young man's death. It fills me with sadness and rage at the same time. It's heartbreaking.

[tomreedtoon]

143. Will a right-wing preacher pray for his soul to be at peace?

I somehow doubt it. I think there are many of them who would say, "He lost faith with Jesus by committing suicide, so his soul is burning right now."

And yes, such people do not represent Christianity as I understand it, but where are the Christians or the clergy who would tell off such a cruel clergyman?

[BigBearJohn]

144. Another life extinguished before its time, a testimonial to the uncaring

legacy of this evil administration. The weight is almost unbearable.
We must channel this enormous grief into action to stop the war.
We simply must.

[ngGale]

145. Too moved with emotion for words...

:cry:

[pazarus]

146. he is not alone--check out this link

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51933-2005Feb24.html

Suicides on the rise among marines... this is so sad.

[Beam Me Up]

147. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))WE))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))FAILED))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))HIM)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

So much pain. So much suffering. So much life. So much death. So, so much.

[WeHoldTheseTruths]

165. You got that right.

[fortyfeetunder]

148. just speechless

That poor young man came home broken in mind and in body. I cannot imagine the trauma he was going through.

Having had one family member take one's life after serving in the military, I have been very careful not to judge those who make that decision, but pray they find eternal peace and wholeness they could not have had on earth.

Another part of me is just livid this story, like so many others had to happen.

Literally devastating. I am out of tears, will have to use the DU :cry:

[Hissyspit]

149. And people wonder why I'm so cynical. Someone should have stopped this

from happening. Someone was SUPPOSED to stop this from happening. We lived through Vietnam and were supposed to have learned that we shouldn't let this happen. Scott Ritter tried to stop this from happening. Sen. Byrd and these other Senators:
Akaka (D-HI)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Byrd (D-WV)
Chafee (R-RI)
Conrad (D-ND)
Corzine (D-NJ)
Dayton (D-MN)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Graham (D-FL)
Inouye (D-HI)
Jeffords (I-VT)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murray (D-WA)
Reed (D-RI)
Sarbanes (D-MD)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Wellstone (D-MN)
Wyden (D-OR)

tried to stop this from happening. Hans Blix tried to stop this from happening. Will Pitt tried to stop this from happening. I tried to stop this from happening. DU and DailyKos tried to stop it from happening.

Despite all my academic training, life experience, analytically skills and insight into human nature, I still don't REALLY understand why we couldn't stop it from happening.

He shouldn't have had to do this. It shouldn't have happened. Someone should have stopped it.

[Beam Me Up]

166. That is the right question: WHY couldn't we stop it from happening?

The answer is LIES. Lies upon lies upon lies.

Endlessly repeated lies by corrupt people and the corporate owned media who gave them the appearance of legitimacy and a means for broadcasting their position.

The cost to this country is already great and is about to become unmeasurable. Why? Because we've paid for this ill-gotten war with our integrity and our future. We have lost far far more than a 'war' that should never have begun.

[Broken_Hero]

150. damn..

my sympathies, my tears cannot bring much comfort to you, but I share your grief...

[Hekate]

151. You have done something for him: you are making sure he is remembered

Your visit to him meant something, too -- he was sadly too far away for you alone to pull him back.

But you are not allowing him to be overlooked or forgotten. That is something.

A kick and a prayer.

Hekate

:kick:

[Mairead]

152. It's very saddening, but at least he died of choices HE made

namely to submit to BushCo's evil will, and to end his own life.

Dying of one's own choices has to be better than dying because of someone else's choices, doesn't it?

[caelestissurf]

153. No doubt I'll get flamed

But after Jimmy Massey's debacle, I'd like a name or at least his hometown because the informaion will be out there. No offense, but other than Aiden delgado, we ain't zactly batting 1.000 when it comes to truth.

So if you want to call me a freeper for wanting a little info save your breath, I just like to fact check before I blog about this tragedy if it's real.

[screembloodymurder]

163. I read the original thread posted months ago.

It's real and it's tragic.

[Vinca]

154. How many times has this happened?

More than we would want to count. It's a tragedy beyond words what has happened to this poor man and thousands like him. A tragedy and a cheap trick. Chicken hawk civilians in cushy offices sending brave men to war. Do they ever consider the results? I cry and hate at the same time.

[caelestissurf]

156. I served my year in Iraq and...

I want some facts before I jump on the wagon. If this is true and I can fact chec it, I'll blog it on my soldier memorial blogsite. If it's not true, I don't want to jump the shark and run something that's false.

Let the flaming begin....... :rolleyes:

[Gormy Cuss]

159. If you'd like to fact check, pm 11 Bravo

I see you're new here so I'll point you to the personal message icon. It's the envelope to the right of a poster's name.

What's the address for your soldier memorial site? Many DUers would love to visit it.

[DanCa]

155. I hate this fracking war :(

[dogday]

157. If this story touches your heart and makes your angry...

imagine if you were a parent who has a child over there and imagine what they are feeling. Do not support another candidate whose platform is not to end the war now. It must end now.

[recovering democrat]

162. I am

and I do. Our political support is beyond taking any other issues into consideration at all. We used to have some sense of balance on various issues. It is gone. This war must end now.

[cilla4progress]

158. Add my sorrow and regret

And wishes for healing to all involved - friends and family. We will NOT forget this young soldier, nor the others who dutifully followed their leaders' orders, and made the greatest sacrifice of all. They will be our peacekeepers, if we will only listen.

[screembloodymurder]

160. I remember your original post. So sorry.

The entire country should read this post. Nominated through my tears.

[DemonFighterLives]

161. That is terrible and all dubya can do is stay the course

If only something like this would happen to the ones who got us into this mess. You know like Hitler did.

[Rose Siding]

164. Thanks, 11 Bravo - I'll always add One.

[MellowOne]

167. What a tear jerker story

Thanks for posting.

[WeHoldTheseTruths]

168. Ya know, goddammit...

In 1963, I was 17 years old and signed up for the Air Force. (I failed the physical and never served in the armed forces.) I didn't know diddly. Most of the young folks serving don't know diddly - I mean compared to what we know, or what a person can know over the years if he or she hungers for the truth.

Coulda been me getting limbs blown off or getting blinded or shot or blown to bits or just driven nuts by the inhumanity and the lies. Coulda been me coming back to the world and trying to make some sense of it all.

Coulda been any one of us; and in a sense it's all of us and each of us.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing. Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; Rejoice not in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth;

Charity never fails: but where there be prophecies, they shall fail; where there be tongues, they shall cease; where there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

[Czolgosz]

169. We needed to know this. I'm sure it was hard to post. Thank you. .

[Triana]

170. Does this guy have a name?

Why should he remain nameless - like so many of the others who've died in this debacle - hidden from the cameras and nameless because bu$hco doesn't want Americans to see this type of thing or let us have faces, names or anything to associate with his murderous war game or to honor their sacrifices for such an UNnoble cause (it would make bu$hco look bad). I can understand family privacy, etc. but he'd be more appropriately honored if we knew his name.

[Greyhound]

171. Thank you for this update, I'm so sorry.

:cry:

[Robeysays]

172. :(

...

[SPKrazy]

173. I'm so sorry,

I only hope that some day Bushco is held responsible for this illegal war and all the casualties.

My wife's friend's husband is in Iraq right now and he was a gung ho Bush supporter because he believed that he would make the military stronger. After being in Iraq he apparently now says he and a lot of others over there will vote Democratic this time around because it is a lost cause with no purpose.

Thanks

[guidod]

174. Bastards! Bastards! Bastards!

I'm so sorry 11Bravo, we (Dems) have to make this war our number one priority. We have to end it.

[Peace Patriot]

175. I hope this tragic soldier victim's spirit finds peace, and that YOU find

...peace, too, Bravo! We can only do what we can do. You talked to him extensively, and visited him. That's more than I or most of us have done for any soldier. Don't poison yourself with regrets. Learn from the experience, mourn him and take the lesson to heart for the next opportunity that may arise to help someone. It's not always clear that someone wants or needs our help; they don't always signal it plainly to those who are not adept at picking up such signals; and it not evident at all that you COULD have helped him, if you'd done more. But, in any case, there is nothing you can do about it now--nothing! You can only learn from it, if you will. Experiences like this can have a bad boomerang effect--can make you LESS likely to help someone in the future, or cause you to crawl into yourself, not be so outgoing, and prevent opportunities to be helpful--if you don't clear it up with yourself, forgive yourself and aim yourself in a forward direction. Regrets can be crippling. Don't let it happen.

Your writing about it here is an excellent first step--and it's very helpful to the rest of us, to be faced with this stark reality of a life ruined by war. Thank you for this! I hope it helps every one of us redouble our efforts to bring these war criminals to justice, and to stop the deaths and other destruction.

Peace!

[mb7588a]

176. Has there been any news articles about him?

I believe your story, that's not my goal here. I just want more - family reaction, community reaction etc.

That is just awful. The Vietnam War claimed many lives this way. Even World War II had very extensive troop deaths after the war was over - accidents, suicides etc.

[rateyes]

177. Whether or not they count him...

we will. There are more suicides that don't get counted either. I wonder how many more we can add to the offical number. What a sad, needless tragedy. :cry:

[Maestro]

178. So extremely sorry for you

and even more so for his family. Did he have children? I hope not. Again, someone ask * why this man went there and came back a ruined man.

[freethought]

179. Such waste! This "war' is nothing more than waste! n/t

[DinahMoeHum]

180. God Damn This Criminal War.

n/t

[Crazy Guggenheim]

181. Very sad. Our thoughts are with you and the family.

[OR Ruminator]

182. So Sad

Thanks for the post. It is heart-breaking, but important.

[Ouabache]

183. Yet more Blood on Bush and Cheney's hands

and on the hands of every person who voted for them.

[Kurovski]

184. I can think of only two things to say.

Out of Iraq NOW.

And Cheney and his helpers to the Hague.

Very moving ending to the OP "he won't be counted". Maybe we should start officially counting all those lost as a result of war.

[Ellipsis]

185. enough

...to all the fallen


shirts in the closet, shoes in the hall
Mama’s in the kitchen, baby and all
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
But you’re missing

Coffee cups on the counter, jackets on the chair
Papers on the doorstep, but you’re not there
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
But you’re missing

Pictures on the nightstand, tv’s on in the den
Your house is waiting, your house is waiting
For you to walk in, for you to walk in
But you’re missing, when I shut out the lights
You’re missing, when I close my eyes
You’re missing, when I see the sun rise
You’re missing

Children are asking if it’s alright
Will you be in our arms tonight?

Morning is morning, the evening falls I got
Too much room in my bed, to many phone calls
How’s everything, everything?
Everything, everything
You’re missing, you’re missing

God’s drifting in heaven, devil’s in the mailbox
I got dust on my shoes, nothing but teardrops


Brue Springsteen


enough

[NMMNG]

186. "Mission Accomplished" Mr. Bush?

May the young Lt. RIP :patriot: