Army nurse, paratrooper shot in back by insurgent

Image courtesy: Waterbury Republican-American

This says it all about the enemy we are fighting around the world. Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and other terrorist groups have absolutely no respect for human life, let alone even the most basic rules of war. While rare, isolated atrocities by U.S. troops like the Abu Ghraib scandal are all over front pages for months, terrorists beheading civilian contractors or dragging bodies through the streets do not get the same level of attention.

According to a Pentagon statement just released, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Spino was gunned down in Afghanistan on Tuesday while unloading medical supplies. The Hartford Courant reports that the nurse and paratrooper was shot in the back by an Afghan insurgent. It is not clear whether the cowardly assailant was caught or killed.

According to the Courant, the 45-year-old soldier had been in the Army since 1993. He started working in a hospital shortly after graduating college, and his career culminated when he was parachuting into war zones and helping the wounded. The Waterbury, Connecticut, native arrived in Afghanistan a few weeks ago after serving in Iraq. WFSB-TV reports Spino would have come home in 20 days. The soldier leaves behind a wife and stepdaughter. His mother, Rita Spino, is quoted in the Courant article:

His mother said, "I was outgoing, but my son was quite shy. He blossomed when he joined the service. It was his true love."

Spino's family will spend their New Year's in Dover, Delaware, watching their beloved hero's flag-draped casket return to American soil. While we mourn this hero's death, it is almost impossible not to be incensed at the enemy's reprehensible shooting of a medical official while his back was turned. The insurgents terrorizing Afghanistan must be stopped.

Numbers don't tell the whole story

There is no doubt that 2009 was a tough year for our men and women in uniform, especially in Afghanistan. As USA Today notes in a breakdown of Pentagon casualty statistics, 302 American servicemembers lost their lives in Afghanistan in 2009, far more than any other year during our lengthy battle against terrorism in that country. 148 U.S. troops were killed in Iraq, the lowest total since coalition forces invaded in 2003.

Yet an end-of-year wrap-up like the aforementioned USA Today article, counting casualties and not mentioning a single name of a fallen hero, again shows the lack of perspective offered by the media in covering the post-9/11 struggle. While the numbers should be reported, they do not give a full view of the progress being made in both countries, or the many successes that go unnoticed by the press, like helping build a school, making a new contact in a village that could eventually lead to the capture of prominent Taliban, or lending a hand to a child. To the credit of USA Today writer Tom Vanden Brook, he quotes a Heritage Foundation analyst who basically calls him out.

Counting casualties in Afghanistan or Iraq is an "idiotic" measure of success or failure, said James Carafano, a military analyst at the Heritage Foundation. Success in Afghanistan will be judged by how much of the population is safe from the Taliban and how Pakistan deals with havens for insurgents on its side of the border. "Casualties in Afghanistan are likely to go way up at least initially," he said. "That's because we will be taking the fight to the enemy. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing."

Here is what I will remember about 2009. While U.S. troops, led by Gen. David Petraeus, won the war in Iraq in 2008, this is the year the doubters were silenced. While brave men and women still gave their lives for freedom in that country, Iraq has clearly become an incredible success story that many thought impossible during the toughest years of that war from 2005-2007. It remains astonishing that liberal activist group MoveOn.org once took out an advertisement, which The New York Times inexcusably printed, labeling the commander of U.S. troops in Iraq as "General Betray Us." Smearing any soldier for political gain is disgraceful, but in this case, the group attacked a man who will perhaps be remembered as the hero of the Iraq war.

As President Obama and Gen. Stanley McChrystal adopt an Afghanistan "surge" strategy similar to the Bush-Petraeus policy in Iraq, major challenges are ahead in the central front in the war on terror. While the media labels 2009 as a failure in the country, I see incredible stories of sacrifice and progress that did not get enough attention during the year of Michael Jackson. From Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti being awarded the Medal of Honor for giving his own life to save others on the battlefield to Liberian native Sgt. Albert Ware signing up to fight for his new country, extraordinary examples of putting God and country before personal gain are abound. Soldiers like 1st. Lt. Brian Bradshaw and 1st Lt. Tyler Parten went to Afghanistan not just to win a war, but to help children in need, and died while honoring that cause.

How about when evaluating 2009, we remember all these men and women and what they stood for, instead of just reciting statistics?

Seven CIA agents killed by terrorist in Afghanistan

It's important to remember that not every defender of freedom wears a uniform. Tonight is a tragic reminder of that fact, as the Central Intelligence Agency mourns its worst day since the war in Afghanistan began just over eight years ago.

The BBC reports that seven CIA agents were killed in Afghanistan's Khost Province when a terrorist wearing a bomb-laden vest snuck into Forward Operating Base Chapman, which is close to the Pakistani border. CNN reports that the Islamic extremist walked into a workout facility and blew himself up, and that six Americans were also injured. Of course, officials are investigating how the terrorist managed to get through security. In a written statement, CIA director Leon Panetta mourned the deaths:

"We owe them our deepest gratitude, and we pledge to them and their families that we will never cease fighting for the cause to which they dedicated their lives -- a safer America."

The CIA has made an enormous amount of unsung sacrifices since the war on terrorism began. Of course, you usually don't hear anything when the agency is successful, for good reason, while the media and Beltway partisans pounce on each and every mistake. In addition to the seven CIA agents murdered in cold blood today by a ruthless terrorist, another hero who comes to mind is Johnny Micheal Spann, who was killed in November 2001 shortly after questioning American traitor John Walker Lindh at a prison facility.

In a subdued spot not far from the site of Spann's tragic death sits a memorial, pictured below, to the first American killed in combat in the war in Afghanistan. It is incredibly tragic that eight years later, seven more CIA agents had to lose their lives at the hands of the enemy. But tonight, we salute their bravery and service and vow to make sure they did not die in vain. No matter how long this war takes, we cannot lose our resolve.

The only thing I like about airports

Note: This is a re-post from December 11. I wanted to share it again, since I am heading to the airport in a few hours and may not be able to post for several hours.

With my immediate family and in-laws all up north, I do a lot of flying. It's no secret that airports are generally a miserable experience, with delays, bad music, screaming babies, and an atmosphere of rudeness. But there is one thing that always fascinates me about walking through an aiport: All the U.S. troops you see walking by. I always wonder where they've been, what they've seen, and where they're going.

A few months ago at Memphis International Airport, I ran into a soldier who couldn't have been more than 21 years old at an Arby's. He was by himself, hauling an incredible amount of gear. I am talking the equivalent of 20 suitcases. Astonished by all he had to carry, he shrugged and said "the stuff needs to get back, and someone needs to take it there." He was on his way back from Iraq and had been flying or sitting in airports for over 20 hours. He started out in Iraq, then Kuwait, then Germany, then Atlanta, then Memphis, and had one last plane to hop to Mississippi. He told me about the incredible desert heat, and said he would likely not take a shower with hot water for several weeks after returning home. He just liked the newfound privilege of feeling cold.

This is a different kind of sacrifice we rarely hear about. It makes me feel guilty for complaining about checking a bag or sitting in a cramped middle coach seat. Ever since, I have done my best to always shake at least one servicemember's hand and thank him or her for their service when I am at an airport. While some are tired, a small act of kindness will almost always brighten their day. If I had it my way, whenever a group of U.S. troops walk through an airport, they would be serenaded with applause. I saw clapping spontaneously erupt a few years ago at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and it was one of the most moving things I've witnessed.

To all the troops sitting in airports right now: You are almost home. If you're headed overseas, know that your country is behind you.

For Marines, New Year is new challenge

While many of us drink champagne and sing Auld Lang Syne tomorrow night to celebrate the dawn of 2010, some U.S. troops will be saying goodbye to their families and making final preparations to deploy.

WBAY in Green Bay reports on 47 Marines based in northeast Wisconsin who will leave for the first leg of their deployment to Afghanistan on Tuesday. They will fly to California first for final training, and then spend their next year surrounded by Afghanistan's rugged terrain. Detachment Bulk Fuel Company Bravo is part of President Obama's 30,000 troop surge, and for several of the Marines, this isn't their first time in a war zone.

"In 2003, I did the initial invasion of Iraq," said Staff Sgt. Josh Aide.

"This will be my first tour in Afghanistan, my fourth tour overall," said Gunnery Sgt. Allan Kanzenbach.

This is my favorite quote from the WBAY article:

"Basically I tell [my five-year-old son] I have to take a trip and be gone for a little bit of time, that there's some bad guys far away and I have to go help some people out, live better lives, and hopefully eliminate the bad guy," Sgt. Pete Vargo said.

Think of all the political rhetoric, long speeches, and heated debate you've heard about the war in Afghanistan. Have you ever heard a politician or pundit sum up what we're fighting for in a more appropriate fashion?

Stay safe, Marines.

A second chance for wounded heroes

In September 2008, Capt. Sam Brown was riding in a Humvee near Kandahar, Afghanistan, when a bomb blew up under his vehicle. The soldier recounted the horrific moment he nearly burned to death to the Associated Press a year after the blast, which killed a fellow servicemember.

"I knew we had hit something pretty terrible. I was instantly on fire. I got out and I literally threw my arms in the air and said, `Jesus save me.'"

On Monday, thanks to a USO and Troops First Foundation initiative called "Operation Proper Exit," Brown, who is visibly scarred from his injuries and has undergone months of difficult rehabilitation and surgery, returned to a war zone to continue healing from that terrible day in Afghanistan. Yet he never expected what would happen shortly after he and five fellow wounded servicemembers arrived in Baghdad: a surprise, emotional visit from his wife, Capt. Amy Brown. The couple, pictured above, embraced on stage in Al-Faw Palace, which sits next to a pond once used by Saddam Hussein during duck hunting trips.

Sam Brown is a vocal advocate for his fellow soldiers and a critic of American media coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These enlightening quotes also appeared in the September AP article:

"Unless you see it all the time, it's just kind of easy not to remember," Brown said. "The war is definitely not over."

"It's not like it's a waste if people don't recognize me" as a wounded soldier, Brown said. But he said it feels as if many Americans have "kind of moved on."

While brave soldiers like Brown may never be entirely the same after serious combat injuries, the USO and the Troops First Foundation is trying to help servicemembers move on. This latest trip to the Persian Gulf is the third time the organizations have helped bring closure to the wounded, with the first trip happening in June, when six wounded warriors went into war zones to reflect. According to a USO press release, 13 more servicemembers have travelled to 14 overseas bases since.

“Advancements in medical evacuation and trauma care give our Wounded Warriors a greater chance for survival," said USO president Sloan Gibson. "Operation Proper Exit takes the healing process a step further and helps them achieve closure.”

Five combat veterans are joining Brown, of San Antonio, Texas, on this holiday journey:

Master Sgt. Tom Carpenter (Ret.), Hastings, Michigan
Sgt. Bill Congleton (Ret.), Sutherlin, Oregon
1st Lt. Jim Kirchner (Ret.), Douglasville, Georgia
Sgt. 1st Class Josh Olson, Spokane, Washington
Sgt. 1st Class Mike Schlitz, Moline, Illinois

Hats off to the USO, to which I am a proud donor, and the Troops First Foundation for creating this wonderful, important, compassionate project. Supporting our troops, whether in everyday life or in the toughest times imaginable, is what being an American is all about.

Images courtesy: USO

Special thanks to my friend Steve for alerting me to this fantastic story and to the USO's Sharee Posey for her help.

New York to lower flags for fallen soldier

By all accounts, Spc. Jason Johnston touched many lives, from his hometown of Albion, New York, all the way to the mountains of Afghanistan.

On Wednesday, New York state will honor the 24-year-old soldier and junior firefighter by lowering all flags at government buildings to half-staff. A Pentagon release said the soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in Arghandab, Afghanistan, on the day after Christmas. Johnston’s parents, Brad and Jenny, have released a statement:

”We are very proud of our son and his love and devotion to his country. We want people to know our son was more than just another soldier that died in Afghanistan. He was a nephew, cousin, uncle, grandson, friend, brother and our only son."

The Buffalo News reports that the Albion Fire Department, where Johnston's father has also volunteered for 20 years, made the fallen soldier an honorary member on Monday. Reporter Gene Warner also gives this stirring account of how the department sprung to action after getting the terrible news of their friend and hometown hero's death.

At noon Sunday, just hours after the news started spreading, firefighters got on their trucks for a red-light procession to the department's memorial in Mount Albion Cemetery, where they held a brief ceremony, observing a moment of silence and lowering the American flag to half-staff.

About 35 to 40 firefighters attended on extremely short notice.

"We want the family to know that the Fire Department is here to support the family as much as we can," [Albion Fire Department President Stanley] Farone said. "And when he comes home, we plan to give him the hero's welcome he deserves."

WIVB-TV reports that Johnston joined the Army at 19 and was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He was planning on getting a college degree after his deployment ended.

By coincidence, I am going to be in Buffalo, New York, tomorrow. I look forward to being able to pause near a flag at half-staff and say a prayer for this young man, who sacrificed so much so we could be free.

Civilians, children, and war

Civilian deaths are a terrible, tragic reality of war. While all casualties are painful, the absolute worst result of a military operation by air, land, or sea is the death of a child. Nobody fighting modern warfare wants kids to die, except evil, ideologically corrupt forces like al Qaeda and the Taliban.

On Christmas, alleged al Qaeda terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to murder innocent civilians, including children, on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit. 620 AM WTMJ News Radio in Milwaukee has this dramatic account from the Keepman family, which survived the failed attack. The husband, wife, and daughter were bringing two newly adopted Ethiopian children home for the first time when they were nearly murdered in the sky:

"No matter what happened, these kids would never know if we didn't make it. We wanted them to think this was a game," explained Patricia.

"They were very concerned when they saw the flight attendant. They were very withdrawn. So I told them that they were just being very funny and silly, and this is what they do on airplanes, since they'd never been on one, and we got them to giggle about it.

But then, the gravity of the situation came over the whole family.

"As the seriousness progressed, and we knew that this could possibly be it, my husband and daughter put their hand through their seats and we all held hands in a circle and sang 'Jesus Loves Me' and we prayed, and we just made it as much of a game as we could and make them completely innocent as to what was happening."

Had the suspected al Qaeda terrorist's detonator worked, or if brave passengers and crewmembers hadn't responded so quickly, the two adopted Ethiopian children would not have seen snow falling for the very first time later that night. What did these children do to deserve nearly being blown apart in mid-air? Nothing. A terrorist group simply didn't think they deserved to live.

According to reports, Abdulmutallab, who is from Nigeria and allegedly trained in Yemen, brought this war back to the American homeland. Many miles away in Afghanistan and Iraq, thousands of U.S. troops are trying to keep these acts outside our country's borders, and have undoubtedly saved thousands of American lives with their unsung heroism since the 9/11 attacks. Yet when Afghan or Iraqi children are tragically killed while targeting the enemy on the battlefield, the national and international media usually give the accusers a platform to smear our troops. The press often grants the benefit of the doubt not to the men and women who put everything on the line to protect these children from being kidnapped, raped, or enslaved, but the terrorist groups that actively try to murder them. This blog has talked about the media's misconduct in its handling of the alleged Haditha 'massacre' in Iraq, in which all but one Marine awaiting trial have now been cleared of all criminal charges despite an initial media uproar over the allegations.

The latest case in point: Afghan President Hamid Karzai is blaming NATO forces for the alleged deaths of ten civilians, including eight children, in Afghanistan's Konar Province on December 26. As a BBC report on the incident editorializes, "if the civilians deaths are confirmed, it will be a blow to Gen Stanley McChrystal, the commander of Nato forces in Afghanistan, who has vowed to limit such casualties, says our correspondent." Yet the same BBC article quotes Reuters saying Kunar's governor admits the civilian deaths can't be confirmed "because of the presence of the Taliban" in the area. Perhaps we can connect the dots and analyze whether a terrorist group with a longstanding disrespect for the lives of children was using them as human shields during a coalition exercise? Articles by CNN and the New York Times fail to even mention that the area is inaccessible due to a Taliban strangehold, which is flat-out irresponsible reporting.

I wasn't in Kunar Province on Saturday and I don't know what happened. I do know the U.S. military has pledged to investigate and said it takes Karzai's complaints very seriously. I also know I have corresponded with U.S. troops and families about personal stories of Americans saving children during battles or risking their lives to go into a village and hand out candy bars. Countless acts of terror, like the near-tragedy on Christmas in Detroit, prove al Qaeda and the Taliban is trying to murder innocent children. So why does the media trumpet civilian deaths while largely ignoring all the good U.S. troops do for children, and go a step further by omitting key facts that expose the terrorists and their propaganda?

If you confront a journalist with these arguments, you will likely be told that "the media can't take sides in a war." I say that is total nonsense, because killing children is evil, while fighting to protect them is a moral obligation that America has answered the call to enforce. Journalists took sides in World War II because Hitler, Hirohito, and Mussolini were indiscriminately murdering civilians and children to advance their dark ideologies, and attacking or planning to invade the United States.

We took the fight to Europe and the Pacific, where thousands of children were accidentally, tragically killed by the Allies in order to defeat these murderous regimes. To ensure a U.S.-led victory, much reporting was censored and sanitized by the U.S. government. If journalists refuse to honestly report that al Qaeda and the Taliban are slaughtering innocents, or spotlight the wide gap between the good of American troops and evil of our enemies, how can we win the war of ideas during the decisive conflict of this century? It is a frightening question that must be urgently addressed by our military, media, and national leadership.

Husband, father killed on Christmas

Sometimes these stories of sacrifice are almost too difficult to write about.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports on the death of decorated Staff Sgt. David Gutierrez, which tragically occurred on Christmas Day in Afghanistan. A Pentagon release said the soldier was badly wounded "when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol with an improvised explosive device in Howz-e Madad" and died of his injuries.

According to the Chronicle article, Gutierrez left behind three sons, ages 12, 6, and 4. The soldier enlisted in 1998, which was about two years after his wedding. He was also an amateur football star. But this part of the article seems to sum up what the soldier was all about:

On Sept. 11, 2001 - the day of the terrorist strikes in New York and Washington - Gutierrez was flying back to the United States for an assignment at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. While there, he and his wife housed two Japanese orphans in their home, his family said.

Today, we mourn the loss of this kind man who gave his life in service of others.

Difficult Christmas for Idaho family

For the Bergdahl family in Idaho, it was a bittersweet holiday.

On the positive side, they found out Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl, who disappeared in Afghanistan sometime around June 29, is probably still alive. But sadly, they also saw their beloved family member forced to recite propaganda in a Taliban-produced video, which was disgustingly released by the terrorist group on Christmas Day. The U.S. military quickly condemned the release of the tape.

Local station KMVT reports that the Bergdahl family released a statement through the local sheriff in Blaine County, Idaho. It urges the 23-year-old soldier to "stay strong" and begs his abductors to release him.

The media covered this story heavily back in July, but news about the plight of Bergdahl, who is believed to be the only U.S. servicemember being held captive in Afghanistan, largely vanished from the national media soon after. Important news of an attempted terrorist attack on a Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines jet quickly knocked the Bergdahl tape off most front pages.

Whether Bergdahl's story stays in the discussion remains to be seen, but of course, the soldier and his family deserve our continued thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Courage, strength, faith, and sacrifice

Image courtesy: The Tyler Parten Foundation. From left to right: Daniel, Lona, Anna Laura, and Tyler Parten.

I consider myself a lucky person who has seen a lot during my young life. I have gotten a good eduction, travelled across this great country, and am married to a wonderful woman. Three of my four grandparents are still a phone call away, and both my parents are in good health. While I sometimes forget how much I have to be thankful for and take things for granted, I try to remember how many people across the world are less fortunate, usually because their countries are run by dictators who embrace evil ideologies. I strongly believe America is a force of good in this world; put on earth by God to give hope to the seemingly hopeless. We are not a perfect country and never will be, but everyone who lives here should feel among the luckiest 300 million people on earth.

But there is nothing that makes me feel more privileged than to have met or spoken with many U.S. troops and their families as part of my former job, and in my new career as a writer and blogger. This Christmas, as I enjoy time with family and appreciate being able to celebrate this holiday as both an American and a Christian, I can't help but keep looking at a beautiful card, which includes the above picture, that I recently received from a strong, inspiring woman named Lona Parten. She will be spending a difficult Christmas without her son, 1st Lt. Tyler Parten, who died heroically in Afghanistan on September 10.

I recently wrote an article for CNN.com about this soldier, focusing on Parten's humanitarian instincts and his compelling love story with girlfriend Meg Reedy. In fact, it was the very last project I worked on in my 4 1/2 years at CNN, and I look forward to writing more about him in the future. During the course of writing and editing the article, I was able to speak with the fallen soldier's aforementioned mother. I cannot put into words how deeply the conversation affected me, and how much I admire this woman's love for God, America, and most of all, her children. The late soldier's sister, Anna Laura, started The Tyler Parten Foundation to honor her brother. Tyler's brother, Daniel, is beginning his own brave service to our country as a cadet, currently in his senior year at West Point. And the soldier's father, Dave, continues to honor the sacrifice of his late son, while also emphasizing his accomplishments as a man.

"Tyler chose a life of service, service to God and service to his country," the grieving father said at the celebration of his son's life.

During our private, emotional conversation, Lona Parten showed me what faith in God and service to country is all about. Listening to her story also reminded me of something too easy to forget: the people fighting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are not just on the battlefield. They are in small towns and large cities all across this country, doing the best they can while their loved ones are away. We could not have won World War II without all the support our troops got at home from family, friends, and volunteers. The same principle applies to America's post-9/11 struggle against terrorism.

When I go to church tomorrow night, I will carry the card Lona Parten sent me in my pocket. After Mass, I will show the card to our holiday guests, and tell them about 1st Lt. Tyler Parten and his family. Then, we will all say a prayer for the Partens, as well as all American troops and their families.

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday.

Little girl asks Santa for her soldier Dad to return, gets her wish

What a story by WCMH-TV in Ohio:



Bobby James Walters had not seen his little girl, Raegan, since he deployed to Iraq over the summer.

While stories like this one are uplifting and it's wonderful to see this Dublin, Ohio, family so happy, it behooves us to keep in mind that there are many others not so fortunate. Some families will be worried about their loved ones overseas as they gather under the tree, while some children will be spending their first Christmas without a mother or father who didn't make it out of the war zone. All military families need our prayers and support more than ever, especially at this time of year.

Company, community give troops a Christmas gift

This afternoon, I tip my cap to Lowe's Home Improvement and the community of Fort Mill, South Carolina, for an act of kindness that embodies the Christmas spirit.

The Herald reports that thanks to $35,000 in donations, about 200 soldiers who were in Wisconsin training for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment will be able to come back to South Carolina for Christmas. As the article explains, many of the soldiers were concerned they'd see the mountains of Afghanistan before the smiles of their loved ones.

“Sure it was talked about; people wanted one last chance to get home, but nobody was sure, and it had to be all of us,” said Sgt. Eric Kimbrell of Rock Hill, a veteran of both previous deployments.

His wife and kids have missed him for Christmases and birthdays and a whole lot more during all those years at war. But not this time.

“I can't express enough gratitude that all of us have,” Kimbrell said, “to have a chance to come home and see our wives and kids and mothers before going overseas.”

Lowe's, which welcomed home the troops at one of its stores, donated $25,000 to help the soldiers come home. The rest of the money came from donations small and large. Today, 200 brave men and women are hugging their family and friends before going overseas to defend our freedom. To everyone involved in this Christmas surprise: Way to go!

He came to America and made his new country proud

A 12-year-old Liberian boy fled to the United States in 1992, as his native country of Liberia was ravaged by a brutal Civil War. Just nine years later, when his new country was forced into a war it did not seek, the brave man signed up to fight for his still young, newfound freedom.

This is the story of Sgt. Albert Ware of Chicago, who died on Friday in Afghanistan's Arghandab River Valley. He was on his second tour of duty in the country. A Pentagon release sent out Tuesday afternoon said the soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists blew up under his vehicle.

WMAQ-TV reports that Ware lived in the Windy City's Pullman neighborhood with his wife and three children. His name will soon be placed on a memorial close to where his family lives, which stands in tribute to fallen troops.

The NBC Chicago article about Ware has a tragic account of his family's final conversation with the soldier, just hours before his death.

Always generous, the family said Ware was making plans with his father to buy [his mother] a gift in his absence.

"I said, 'OK, call me tomorrow,' which was Friday. And that was the call that I got, which was four guys coming to tell me my son is dead," his father, Thomas Ware, recalled.

"He spoke to each one of us, and we shared our love. It was a normal conversation. I was trying to get from him a list of what his unit needed, because my job wanted to send him a care package," added his mother, Anna Ware.

Thank you, Sgt. Albert Ware, for coming to America and defending it so bravely. You have done an incredible deed for America, Liberia, and a world struggling against tyranny and terror. We will be praying for your family.

Dear Marine...

The Statesman Journal reports on elementary school kids in Salem, Oregon, who have written more than 400 letters now being sent to U.S. Marines in Afghanistan.

The Marine Corps League Detachment 881 started a program to encourage children to write to troops overseas. As part of the initiative, current and former Marines are visiting area schools to receive the letters and send them overseas. The article chronicles some exchanges between the special visitors and the kids:

"Are you a real U.S. Marine?" third-grader Joey Hang asked [former Marine Corps Commandant Terry] Williams.

"I'm a former Marine officer," he told the little boy.

"Wow," the boy replied.

Third-grader Luis Garcia wanted to know if any soldiers had "died yet?"

[Navy Corpsman Alen] Lemons replied, "Yes."

Speaking of Marines currently fighting in Afghanistan, Lemons also told a class:

"Some of them don't get any mail. So these letters are going to make their day over there because they'll know we haven't forgotten them."

If you have a son or daughter, how about working together with them to write a letter to a servicemember overseas? While I am not a parent, I can't think of a better learning experience for a child.

Image courtesy: Kidz 4 Troops

Are you talkin' to me?

Merry Christmas, Osama. And make sure to speak clearly and distinctly to your fellow terrorists over the holidays.

Bloomberg News reports that a new spy plane with staggering capabilities, including picking up enemy conversations on the ground, should arrive in Afghanistan on or around Christmas Day. 24 have been manufactured by Beechcraft and equipped with state-of-the-art technology by L-3 Communications Holdings. They can gather video, photographs, and audio. According to the article, six planes are already flying missions in Iraq.

$950 million is being spent on the planes. If U.S. troops can use them to capture or kill Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Mullah Omar, or any of the other moral cowards hiding from justice in caves, I say it's worth every penny.

Tragedy in Baltimore

It's probably fair to say that most troops in Afghanistan and Iraq have at least thought about the possibility of being killed in combat. But few probably expect to lose their lives while home on leave.

Tragically, that awful scenario played out in Baltimore over the weekend, as reported by The Baltimore Sun. Police said Pvt. Clifford Jamar Williams, who deployed to Afghanistan in April and was home for 15 days to spend Christmas with his family, was shot dead in front of wife as they left a store. His wife was not injured. The more you read about the story in The Sun, the more senseless it gets.

It was not clear what, if anything, provoked the shooting, and police were working to determine the precise location of the crime scene, made difficult by the heavy snow accumulation.

Williams was to have turned 23 years old on Dec. 26, and his deployment would have ended in April.

"He had a clean criminal record, and there is no evidence at this point to suggest that he was involved in any nefarious activity," Guglielmi said.

Let's hope the police catch whoever did this -- and fast.

A case of the Mondays?

It's the Monday of a holiday week. As someone who worked in the news business for eight Christmas seasons, I can tell you that most newsrooms are like ghost towns right now. Many of the journalists working either lost their annual office holiday lotteries or ran out of vacation time.

Something I have not experienced at this time of the year is a deployment in a war zone, thousands of miles away from my family over the holidays. Right now, thousands and thousands of brave American men and women are doing their jobs while surrounded by sand or snowcapped mountains, wishing they were at home. War coverage is where the media and the military clash. Yet today, that collision is more like a minor fender bender, because the press isn't telling us much about what is going on in Iraq or Afghanistan.

I scanned four of the top American news websites -- CNN, Fox News, Yahoo, and MSNBC -- at 4:30 p.m. eastern. Out of all four of these websites, I found a grand total of two stories about either war in all of the top story sections! To be fair, the one Afghanistan story on MSNBC.com was given prominent placement on the front page. It's an Associated Press story about how U.S. troops are competing with Taliban terrorists to win the hearts and minds of Afghans. CNN has a negative article about one general's policy against female soldiers getting pregnant in northern Iraq, which applies to about 22,000 troops out of about 115,000 stationed in the country. In my opinion, the headline is misleading, and makes it seem like any servicemember who becomes pregnant in Iraq will go to prison.

It wouldn't make sense to simply give a story count without looking at what these four leading news sites are covering instead. So here's a breakdown. Predictably, all four have articles near the top about the death of modestly successful Hollywood actress Brittany Murphy. All four also have something about Beltway debate on health care reform or holiday shopping, and there are also a couple of stories about the death of Oral Roberts.

The only story among those being heavily covered by the media today that I see equal to the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan is the health care debate, which impacts millions of people's lives. Brittany Murphy? I'm sorry she died so young and feel bad for her family, but is a somewhat famous celebrity's death more important than the casualties of U.S. or coalition troops on the battlefield? What about some of the compelling stories posted here that some local newspapers and TV stations have been covering? What about events on the ground and progress against the enemy?

Perhaps the best story today by any journalist about the wars is by CBS News correspondent Kimberly Dozier, who was nearly killed covering the war in Iraq in May 2006. She bravely returned to the country to report on the incredible progress U.S. troops have made in Iraq since she last visited. In my opinion, any reporter who risks his or her life to cover the war, even if we don't always agree with the way the stories are written or produced, deserves our respect. Yet when I look at the front page of CBS News website, I can't find Dozier's compelling blog post linked anywhere near the site's top story section. Why?

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.

Planting a new seed in Afghanistan

I realize that on the surface, reading about U.S. troops helping vaccinate donkeys thousands of miles away may not seem like the most exciting way to spend a few minutes of your day. But when we all step back for a second, doesn't the fact that our military has special units devoted to helping Afghans build a lifeblood for their war-torn country say something great about America?

To its credit, The Los Angeles Times filed a detailed report about the 40th Infantry Division's Agribusiness Development Teamstationed in Afghanistan. The story is no fluff piece, and the soldiers helping Afghan farmers care for their animals are risking their lives to do so.

To get to Naray, a village backed up against snowcapped mountains separating Afghanistan and Pakistan, the 64 troops took their convoy on a 60-mile journey on a narrow, winding, unpaved road.

To the left of the slow-moving trucks was a sloping mountain, providing perfect positions for an ambush. The convoy had been warned attacks were possible.

To the right, hundreds of feet below was the rushing Kunar River. Often the tires of the massive vehicles had only inches to spare to keep from plunging down to the river.

The article notes that the unit is not scheduled to return home until August. Considering that the team inoculated 462 animals in one day, that means these soldiers will eventually vaccinate tens of thousands and help many farmers and their families survive. To me, that's a big deal, and shows why our military is the greatest on earth.

Wounded Marine visits family for holidays

A 19-year-old Marine, who lost his feet and ankles in October when an improvised explosive device detonated under his vehicle in Afghanistan, is with his family for the holidays. The Northwestern in Oshkosh, Wisconsin has the story of Marine Lance Cpl. Josh Wege, who is keeping the faith despite an unimaginable, life-altering challenge.

Although he is on the road to recovery, it has been far from easy for Wege. He had a stay at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland and then transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. for rehabilitation.

"Sometimes, I get down on myself, but I guess that’s human nature," Wege said.

His twin brother, Joe, has helped him during rehab.

"I make plans for everything, organize his day and get his meds from the pharmacy," Joe Wege said. "Josh would do the same thing for me."

Josh Wege said his goal is to play softball again.

"My family could pretty much field a softball team," he said.

Major thanks to the non-profit Veterans Airlift Command, which paid for Wege's expenses home. His sister was quoted in another article saying the family was concerned it would be their first Christmas without Josh until the group volunteered to pick up the tab.

The Northwestern story also mentions how special the Marine's visit is to his grandparents, who have only seen him once since he sustained his injuries. On his first trip back, he attended the Green Bay Packers-Baltimore Ravens Monday night football game, and got to meet many of his hometown team's players, as well as head coach Mike McCarthy. I remember being surprised by how the Packers dominated what I thought was a superior Ravens team that night. Maybe they were inspired by Wege's incredible tenacity.

"I plan on staying with the Marines for my five year commitment and I’d go back to Afghanistan if they’d let me," Wege said.

Image courtesy: Facebook

Special Forces hero awarded Silver Star

Staff Sgt. Linsey Clarke repeatedly ran through rapid machine gun fire to save fellow soldiers in Afghanistan. But the Special Forces soldier insists his acts of heroism were "nothing special," and told his local paper, The News Leader, that he wants more credit given to his brothers in arms.

“Their actions that day were just as great as mine,” he said. “It was not an individual effort at all. It was a team effort.”

Despite his admirable humility, Clarke's distinctive actions are being recognized. He is being awarded the Silver Star for his stunning acts bravery on the battlefield.

Clarke isn't finished, either. While he could have left the military next year, he has re-upped his committment for another year so he can deploy again with his current unit. According to the article, the soldier will leave the Army in January 2011 to possibly explore a career in medicine.

As a fellow Virginia native, Clarke's heroic actions make me proud. He is also a graduate of James Madison University, a school many of my best childhood friends attended. I am sure they will be even prouder than I am when they see this story.

Image courtesy: U.S. Army

Dog gives faith to wounded veterans

The day I started this blog, I promised this site will always be fair when there is an example of the national media giving our troops the coverage they deserve. This story, which I saw linked on The Drudge Report, demonstrates a noble effort by The Associated Press.

The article tells the story of Faith, a two-legged dog rescued by Reuben Stringfellow, who is now an Army specialist on his way home from a tour of duty in Iraq. He is at Alaska's Fort Wainwright and will be out of the Army at the end of the year.

Until Stringfellow can be reunited with his beloved pet, the soldier's mom, Jude, has been bringing Faith to visit Army bases across the nation. She told the AP about a recent trip to Washington's Fort Lewis.

"She just walks around barking and laughing and excited to see them all," Jude Stringfellow said. "There is a lot of crying, pointing and surprise. From those who have lost friends or limbs, there can be silence. Some will shake my hand and thank me, some will pat her on the head. There is a lot of quiet, heartfelt, really deep emotion."

Faith has been named an honorary Army sergeant for her efforts. Isn't our military great?

Image courtesy: Faith the dog's official website

Even the smallest acts of kindness inspire troops

A friend of mine who served in Iraq emphasized to me recently that even seemingly insignificant gestures to servicemembers overseas do wonders for morale.

That's what makes this story about Sgt. Robert Howes and students at W. Blaine Beam Intermediate School in Gaston, North Carolina so heartwarming. The Gaston Gazette did a nice job reporting on it.

Howes, who is back from Iraq and visited the school, told the kids that the cookies they made for troops arrived just as they were planning to head out for a mission. One of the young students, Ryan Powers had a nice quote as well:

“I thought it was really special,” Powers said. “They don’t get any credit for working hard in the Army. I think they were really proud that the people that they were fighting for were thanking them.”

Good job, kids.

Is Chris Henry more important than our troops?

Come on, media, this is what I'm talking about.

Chris Henry, a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who was often in trouble with the law or suspended by the league during his turbulent NFL career, died after falling out of a pickup truck during an apparent domestic dispute.

Of course, Henry's death is tragic and we pray for his family. I mean no disrespect to his loved ones as they grieve. But why, when I visit some of the most prominent American news websites like CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and Yahoo, do I see the story of his death everywhere and nothing about actual fallen heroes like Xhacob Latorre or Anthony Campbell?

These men sacrificed everything for their country. They may not have been able to score touchdowns, but they could withstand extreme temperatures in Afghanistan carrying heavy gear. They left their families to protect American freedom and help the Afghans struggle for theirs. While of course Henry's death is a compelling story that should be reported, there is no reason why his death can get extensive attention from national journalists while recent, relevant stories of sacrifice like the ones highlighted don't.

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are going on right now, as we speak. Neither is an "old" story. Millions of people's lives are at stake and thousands of military families are worried about their sons, daughters, husbands, and wives. It's time for the media to step up and pay attention to the men and women fighting the war with the same zeal as the tragic story of an NFL wide receiver.

A Purple Heart in heaven

Last week, we learned about Marine Cpl. Xhacob Latorre's brave ordeal in a Texas hospital after losing both legs in Afghanistan's Helmand Province in August.

Today, in Latorre's Connecticut hometown, the Associated Press reports that the valiant Marine is being laid to rest with full military honors.

The Hartford Courant reported that Latorre received a Purple Heart in his hospital room shortly before his death. While his Aunt said he may not have been aware of the honor due to heavy sedation, we know the Marine is proudly wearing his Purple Heart today in heaven.

Latorre leaves behind a wife and an 18-month-old boy. He was only 21, but accomplished more in those years than many of us will in a lifetime.

The silence is tragically broken

In hindsight, I wish I hadn't said anything about the casualty notices, but this is a difficult war and thinking we will go more than a few days at a time without any deaths on the battlefield is naive.

The Pentagon just sent out this news release:

Tech. Sgt. Anthony C. Campbell Jr., 35, of Florence, Ky., died Dec. 15 of wounds suffered from the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Campbell was assigned to the 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

The Kentucky Post reports that Campbell was a Cincinnati police officer and had only been on the job a couple of weeks before he was ordered to deploy overseas with his Air Force Wing.

Campbell leaves behind a wife and three children. If you are reading this, please take a moment to pray for his family tonight.

The sound of silence

For the past five years, I have been subscribing to the Pentagon's news release e-mail list. While it has many functions, like updating general officer assignments and releasing recruiting statistics, its main purpose is to notify the media of casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After speaking with several military families and servicemembers, getting one of these e-mails has become a difficult moment. It's not like any other message in my inbox, because everytime I see "DOD releases casualty," that means a family has been notified that their loved one has died for our country. A husband isn't coming home, or a mother will never hug her children again. The volume of these e-mails during this past October, for instance, when 48 U.S. troops were killed in action in Afghanistan, is sometimes unbearable.

The last Pentagon casualty e-mail I received was on Monday, announcing the death of Pvt. Jhanner A. Tello in Baghdad. Here's to hoping my inbox stays empty.

Fallen soldier's legacy spans the globe

I am honored that my last story for CNN is about an exceptional soldier, 1st Lt. Tyler Parten, and his wonderful girlfriend, Meg Reedy. It is posted on CNN's Afghanistan Crossroads blog, which is one of the few examples of the national media doing war coverage the right way. Speaking at length with Meg and his mother, Lona, has been a very eye-opening, emotional experience for me personally. Special thanks to both of them for their invaluable assistance in getting this story out to the world, and I look forward to writing more about this hero soon.

Soldier's death spurs girlfriend's mission to Africa
by Tom Sileo

On his way to Afghanistan, 1st Lt. Tyler Parten made a phone call to the woman he realized he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Parten told Meg Reedy that he loved her, and after his deployment, he wanted to travel with her to Africa, where she planned to become a minister to some of the world’s neediest children.

After his departure from Colorado on uncertain terms, Reedy and Parten would spend many late nights over the next few months talking via phone, e-mail, and Skype, where Reedy said Parten’s eyes still sparkled over a computer screen. The couple wanted to live together in an African hut and spread their message of faith to youth, with little regard for material gain or personal safety.

“I didn’t choose to fall in love,” Parten e-mailed his family from Afghanistan on July 11. “According to my plan, love was much further down the line.”

Before he could ask the preschool teacher to marry him, the 24-year-old U.S. soldier would be surrounded by the mountains of Afghanistan, during one of the deadliest six-month periods of the eight-year war. He died September 10 of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit in Kunar province, becoming one of the more than 1,500 U.S. and coalition casualties in Afghanistan since the start of the war.

Reedy said that while in Afghanistan, Parten kept his focus on children born in one world’s most troubled countries.

“Our last conversation was about the kids,” Reedy, 26, told CNN. “He talked over and over again about the smiles of children, helping them, and giving them water or candy.”

Parten’s Facebook page was filled with stories of entertaining young Afghans. “Tough days make the good days that much better,” said one of Parten’s final Facebook posts, which was noted by the Colorado Springs Gazette while reporting his death.

Reedy, who lived near Fort Carson, where she met Parten, was with a fellow girlfriend of a deployed soldier when her phone rang. When she saw the late-night call was from Parten’s mother, Lona, she could not bear to pick up the phone.

“Please don’t say it,” Reedy said when she called back. When given the grim news, Reedy repeated “no,” even as the grieving mother gently responded with “yes.”

While experiencing emotional and physical pain she never thought possible, Reedy joined the Parten family in Marianna, Arkansas, to grieve and attend the soldier’s memorial service. The celebration of 1st Lt. Tyler Parten's life was planned by the soldier's brother, Daniel, a West Point cadet who is also deeply inspired to serve. While commending the Army’s compassion and attention to detail while honoring Parten, Reedy said it was important to emphasize his worth to those who knew him, not just to the military.

Parten loved music and would tell stories of playing his harmonica for children in Afghanistan. In one instance, he told Reedy a small village gathered to watch him play, after kids ran to their parents’ huts in astonishment. “The American soldier is playing music for us,” Parten, who was fluent in Arabic but not the village’s native Pashto tongue, deciphered one of the kids exclaiming.

In the final moments of Parten’s memorial service, Reedy helped his sister, Anna Laura, sing the soldier's favorite song, Journey’s iconic rock anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’.” As his younger brother played the song's recognizable chords on acoustic guitar, the service culminated in remembering Parten for his kindness, loyalty, and selflessness.

“People left with tears in their eyes, but smiles on their faces,” Reedy said.

During their lengthy conversations about Parten’s education at West Point, basic training, and even possible death in Afghanistan, Reedy said the man she hoped would be her husband never revealed his feelings about the political debates surrounding the war effort.

“He always knew he was about serving others and making a difference,” Reedy explained. “He didn’t want to just get by, by only doing his job as a soldier.”

Like the man she loved, Reedy is not content living a life void of sacrifice or risk. With Parten in her heart instead of holding her hand, she has applied to a youth ministry project in Sudan, a country she concedes may be as dangerous and unpredictable as Afghanistan. Like The Tyler Parten Foundation started by the soldier's sister and mother, Reedy said she also wants to help kids in poverty-stricken, war-torn nations.

Reedy said she has prepared her family for the possibility she may not return from Sudan, if accepted into the program. But emphasizing her faith, she believes her destiny is pre-determined.

“Without my faith in God, I don’t know if I could have made it this far,” Reedy said.

If Reedy realizes the couple’s dream of sitting under the stars in an African hut, planning the next day’s Bible verses to read to children, she will likely recall an excerpt of one of the last e-mails Parten sent to friends and family. It was composed on the side of an Afghan mountain, on the soldier’s final Fourth of July.

“As for me personally, I'm both excited and a bit nervous. I'm ready to get out there and do what I've been training to do, what I feel I am meant to do, leading men in combat, but at the same time I'm anxious in the ambiguity. It seems I can never know what to expect next, but I suppose that's a good thing, for like I said, God has a plan that always seems to put my own plans to shame.”

'The Hurt Locker' nominated for 3 Golden Globes

War is not a movie, as I wrote Monday. But if you're looking for the best film about America's post-9/11 missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, The Hurt Locker is a motion picture you will never forget.

Director Kathryn Bigelow, best known until now for Point Break and Blue Steel, tells the story of fictional Staff Sgt. William James, played to perfection by Jeremy Renner in a breakout performance. The lead character defuses bombs in Iraq, and for the most part, seems to enjoy it. But that's not to say he is immune to emotion or the horrors of war, without giving away too much of the plot.

Bigelow, screenwriter Mark Boal, and the movie itself were all nominated for Golden Globes on Tuesday. As former Washington Redskins coach George Allen liked to exclaim after a victory: Hip, hip, hooray!

A scene I will never forget, which taught me so much about what our troops go through, is when Renner's character suddenly appears in a suburban grocery store, shopping for food while thinking about dismantling explosives planted by terrorists in a foreign land. How do our veterans make that adjustment? It's almost incomprehensible to someone like me, who hasn't been through it.

Renner visited the CNN.com newsroom while I was still working there (unfortunately, I had the day off), and had a revealing discussion about the film with my former colleague, the brilliant Naamua Delaney. You can see Renner getting very emotional while talking about our troops and filming some of the movie's most intense scenes. How about an Oscar nomination for this fine actor, Academy?

Merry Christmas, Marine Cpl. Erik Goodge

How's this story for getting into the Christmas spirit?

The Courier-Press of Evansville, Indiana, reports on Marine Cpl. Erik Goodge, who is finally back home after serving bravely in Afghanistan. He was seriously wounded in August and is left without an eye and has permanent scarring on his face. Three of Goodge's comrades were killed in the IED attack.

According to the article, doctors have tried three times to replace his eyelid with a skin graft, but an infection is preventing the procedure from being successful. Goodge won't be able to get a prosthetic eye until the infection subsides.

Even so, Goodge is not feeling sorry for himself. Despite living through an ordeal few of us could imagine, the 21-year-old wants to go back and help his fellow Marines train for the war in Afghanistan, which he supports.

"I signed up for four years, and I want to pull my hitch," he said. "I can teach guys things to make them better in the field."

Thank you, Marine Cpl. Erik Goodge, for your service. And thank you to The Courier-Press for reporting this story, which I hope is noticed outside of this hero's hometown.

Image courtesy: MySpace

800 Marines won't be home for Christmas

Approximately 800 Marines are leaving Camp Lejeune tonight for Afghanistan, according to this report from WITN-TV. Gov. Bev Perdue visited the base today and asked North Carolinians to support the many military families that will be coping during this difficult time, as an astounding 8,000 Marines prepare to deploy from the base in the next six months alone. It's all part of President Obama's Afghanistan troop surge.

About 150 Marines returned from Afghanistan to Camp Lejeune last week, and several told Star News Online they were relieved and excited to be home for a well-deserved holiday season with family. Of course they all understand how difficult it must be for the Marines who won't be able to, especially the ones deploying tonight, less than two weeks before Christmas. While we're sitting with our families on December 25, exchanging gifts and enjoying each other's company, I hope we all pause a moment to think about the nearly 200,000 American families that won't have the same privilege this year.

Wasting away again in 'Mortaritaville'

Fox News has an interesting story about military slang in Iraq and Afghanistan, which helps troops communicate and takes the edge off during situations filled with enormous pressure. And no, it's not all politically correct, so if you can't handle it, stop reading. According to the column, here is some of the slang:

-SNAFU: Situation Normal, All F**cked Up
-Death blossom: Fire sprayed indiscriminately in many directions
-Mortaritaville: A Balad, Iraq base constantly attacked by mortars
-Haji shop: A cart run by locals selling DVD's, drinks, etc.
-Fobbit: A servicemember who almost never leaves his or her base
-Hillbilly armor: Makeshift armor for vehicles
-Frankenstein: A truck or humvee with lots of 'hillbilly armor'

Apparently the alternative band Cracker, which I remember having a hit song when I was in high school, released a song using military slang as lyrics. I may have to download that one.

Not Guilty

Yet another Marine initially accused of horrific crimes in the Haditha "massacre" case has been found not guilty. The Thomas More Law Center, which defended Lt. Col Jeffrey Chessani, announced that a Military Board of Inquiry found him innocent of misconduct related to the Haditha deaths.

However, as the Law Center's post explains, Chessani is still being forced to retire from the Marine Corps because of what the Board called "substandard performance." Had he been found guilty of the misconduct charge, he could have also faced a demotion. All criminal charges against Chessani were dismissed last year.

Not a single Marine out of the eight originally accused of murdering 24 civilians on November 19, 2005 in Iraq has been convicted of any charges. One Marine, Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, still faces trial on reduced charges of manslaughter. Perhaps the 0% conviction rate will encourage the government to drop all charges against Wuterich, who has always insisted he followed tactical guidelines and did nothing wrong, even when confronted by a hostile CBS News reporter on national television.

Remember what a big deal the Haditha story was to the media when it broke? I have found exactly one story by a national media outlet about Chessani's not guilty verdict, and it is predictably spun against him by the Associated Press. The reporter, Eliot Spagat, does not mention that every Marine but Wuterich has been exonerated until the last two sentences of the eleven paragraph article.

While being told to retire must be devastating for Chessani, at least he was not convicted of a crime he did not commit or forced to accept a humiliating demotion in rank for telling his men to tell the truth. As noted on Friday, Chessani's wife is currently expecting the couple's seventh child. Hopefully that boy or girl will grow up to be a great Marine too.

2 soldiers die in 'non-combat' incidents in Iraq

The Pentagon just sent out these two news releases:

Pfc. Jaiciae L. Pauley, 29, of Austell, Ga., died Dec. 11 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Pauley's remains returned to the United States on Saturday in a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

Pvt. Jhanner A. Tello, 29, of Los Angeles, Calif., died Dec. 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 3rd Aviation Support Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

KWTX reports that Tello had been based at Fort Hood in Texas since late 2005 before deploying to Iraq.

Vermont National Guard unit departs for war

The Bennington Banner reports on the Vermont B National Guard Troop, which is headed to Indiana for training before a deployment to Afghanistan. The soldiers were based at Vermont's historic Bennington Armory.

The paper reports that family, friends, and even veterans of previous wars came to support the approximately 80 soldiers on a blustery, frigid day. Look at what the Harrington family is dealing with:

The couple is expecting a third son in February during the deployment. Their two sons understand how long their father will be away in terms of the birthdays and holidays their father will miss. The youngest takes it well, while the oldest is more aware of what’s going on, she said.

"’Daddy is going to fight the bad guys’ is what he tells people," she said. "His father is a hero to him."

Let's all pray that Sgt. Jeremy Harrington is able to hug his sons again very soon.

War is not a movie

As I said on Friday, I have never served in the military or put my life on the line for others. Most journalists haven't. So writing about our troops and their families for these last few years has been a very eye-opening learning experience.

U.S. troops and their loved ones are some of the most incredible, selfless people on the planet. That said, they are not perfect. These are ordinary people under extraordinary pressure that few of us can imagine. Even the bravest heroes sometimes have personal and family conflicts, and they deserve our compassion and respect.

There have been some great war films. Some of my personal favorites are The Hurt Locker, The Deer Hunter, Saving Private Ryan, Taking Chance, and Born On The Fourth Of July, even though its overall message is decisively antiwar. Those films all portray Americans who make incredible sacrifices, but are also sometimes conflicted about family, friends, or even the wars they are fighting in.

One thing that needs to change, however, is the notion that it is all black and white. Hollywood and the press often take two extremes when portraying troops; they are either flawless heroes or dishonorable villains. The reality is that almost everyone serving is an honest American trying to do the best they can to serve their country and provide for their families. That is why I want the media to spend more time reporting on who these men and women truly are, because it will reveal the depth of what they sacrifice for us on a daily basis.

Instead, the press often chooses to obsess over every small detail of celebrities' lives. Clearly, Hollywood stars and sports figures are not perfect, but the difference is that they didn't volunteer to defend their country. Acting in a movie, singing a song, or hitting a home run is not as impressive to me as hauling 20 suitcases in an airport after flying for 20 hours. Is that not more compelling than some celebrity who openly admits she's only "famous for being famous?"

My grandfather, a World War II veteran, has always been captivated by Joltin' Joe DiMaggio. The baseball hall of famer was not a perfect man, by any means. He was a sports icon and a celebrity, and the media obsessed over his relationship with Marilyn Monroe. But, pardon the pun, there is a big catch. The Yankee Clipper volunteered to leave one of the most high-profile spots in the world, the center field grass at Yankee Stadium, during the prime of his career. And he did it to serve his country during World War II. Oh where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?

Highway sign dedicated to fallen Marine

My friend and former CNN colleague Mike Gertzman sent me a link to this good story from Newnan, Georgia's The Times-Herald today.

Saturday was the fifth anniversary of Marine Lance Cpl. Jeffery Steven Blanton's death in Iraq. In the fallen Marine's honor, a sign on a local highway has been renamed the Jeffery Steven Blanton Memorial Highway. Here is a link to the Georgia General Assembly's proclamation.

This brave Marine insisted on going back to his unit after losing three toes because of a gunshot wound, and ultimately wound up giving his life for his country. While his family still mourns his tragic death, it must be encouraging for them to see his sacrifice being remembered so prominently, five years later. According to the Assembly's announcement, he is buried very close to my town. I plan to visit the cemetery to say thanks.

Image courtesy: Atlanta Fine Arts League. Painting by Carla Sanchez.

Soldier begins new career as reporter

We need more journalists like Sgt. Kelli Lane.

The St. Tammany News reports on a Louisiana native who was called up to active duty in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, served in Iraq, and made the difficult decision to re-enlist despite having three children to care for. The article delves into the soldier's emotions as she prepares to return to the war zone:

She said she looks forward to going back to Iraq to work as a press officer to the civilian press corps. However, she said her only regret is leaving her three children behind.

“You never appreciate your home until you leave it,” she said.

She said going back to Iraq would be an experience for her. Her first time over there, she said was “surreal.”

“It is a very old place. Parts of it are beautiful, but then the war has torn up a lot,” Lane said.

I was always surprised by how rare it was to encounter a military veteran in the various newsrooms I worked in. Hopefully, Lane will come home from Iraq safely and consider helping to fill that void, if she so desires. As the media faces daunting challenges in covering modern warfare, we need more perspective from people who have actually served.

On a less serious note, Lane talks about football:

Oh and she is a big Saints fan, and predicts with authority that the team is going to the Super Bowl.

“We are going to have a big party here at Fort Bragg when they win,” Lane said.

The Saints are here in Atlanta today to play the Falcons, and I was just sitting down to watch the game before my Redskins play in Oakland later this afternoon. I think I've figured out which team to root for.

Welcome home, Lance Cpl. Owen Curry

Yesterday, I wrote about airports and how much seeing U.S. troops walking through them fascinates me. Well, I wish I could have been at Newark Liberty International Airport today to witness the return of Lance Cpl. Owen Curry from Afghanistan. The Star-Ledger has a nice write-up about the Marine's homecoming, and the difficulties his family had during his deployment. This excerpt, which shows the 19-year-old and his mother planning for the worst, is particularly striking:

It started in May, a week before Owen Curry’s deployment.

"It was in the afternoon and we sat there in the living room," said Filan-Curry.

"You know what we need to do," she said to her son.

They tried to avoid the word "death," she said. "Maybe it was just too real to say it."

"If you die over there, what kind of funeral services do you want," she asked him. " Do you want to be cremated or buried?"

She said she wanted his body to be buried near West Orange, where she lives, so she could visit him easily.

Owen Curry said he wanted a military funeral.

"What do you want to do with money," she asked, referring to any money he might leave behind.

He asked her who he should give a letter to, the one he had already written to her with his last words.

They even talked about the chance of him being wounded.

He told her that he would prefer have a leg amputated by an injury because there are good prosthetics, rather than an arm, which would make it too difficult to return the way he was before.

Could you imagine having that conversation with your mother?

The Star-Ledger, New Jersey's largest newspaper, deserves a lot of credit for doing this story. I hope national media outlets follow its lead, and send more reporters to cover these incredible homecomings instead of staking out celebrities who pass through airports.