An act of faith

Nobody would have blamed Issa Salomi for giving up. In late January, the 60-year-old Army civilian was abducted by a terrorist group in Baghdad and paraded before cameras, forced to recite enemy propaganda.

At his age, enduring captivity would not be easy, and Salomi was undoubtedly aware of previous contractors who had been kidnapped and murdered by cold-blooded extremists. But the Iraqi-American linguist, who could be reunited with his family in San Diego as early as today, never questioned the American military's commitment to bringing him home.

"During my captivity I never doubted that the United States or its Armed Forces would abandon me," Salomi said in a written statement. "And that faith has been confirmed in abundance during my first few days of freedom."

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the El Cajon, California, resident was brought to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas after his release. The U.S. government has not given details on how he was freed from the terrorist group's grasp, but that is of little concern to his two sons, ages 7 and 11. The family is planning a big party when Salomi returns to the San Diego area this weekend. The former hostage will certainly not be taking that event for granted.

"I would like to thank every U.S. citizen and person who kept me in their prayers during my time in captivity and who helped bring my captivity to an end. I am forever indebted to all."

While the U.S. military is the greatest and most compassionate fighting force in world history, it is not always perfect. Yet as we are constantly reminded, it's filled with men and women who will never quit. It looks like that attitude rubbed off on Issa Salomi.