Soldier shot at Ft. Hood is home for Christmas

I doubt Sgt. Miguel Valdivia will ever appreciate Christmas -- or his birthday -- as much as he will this year.

Valdivia was shot three times at close range on November 5 at Fort Hood, allegedly by Nidal Malik Hasan. A story by Chicago's WGN-TV said Valdivia was hit in the leg, side, and ear, and had many difficult surgeries after being wounded. Now, he's just thrilled to be home:

With a bullet still lodged in his side, and a metal rod from his hip down to the knee cap, he is happy to be home with family and to hold his three-month-old baby girl.

"You have to forgive. This guy has to pay for what he did. I don't blame the army, or the system," said Valdivia.

Valdivia hopes to serve his country again but for now, his mission is healing.

Our mission should be to help him recover, as he enjoys his 36th birthday on Christmas.

Blaming the military for events leading up to the Ft. Hood shootings was a popular media narrative in the tragedy's aftermath. It's encouraging to see a soldier who has paid the heaviest price possible without losing his life put that nonsense to rest. Valdivia's intention to continue serving is beyond honorable.

As we gather around the Christmas tree this year, let's keep in mind the 13 Ft. Hood families that will not be fully together this year because of an apparent act of terrorism on a U.S. army post. The Ft. Hood massacre was one of 2009's most senseless tragedies.