"Joseph never came home."

Some mornings I remember what is really important, to day is one of them.

"Iraq Vet in Famous Press Photo Dies from Overdose"

The entire story is at
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/07/06/iraq-vet-made-famous-by-photo-dies-of-drug-overdose/
Check out the article, it has good links to more information about military suicides and drug use.

This makes me think a lot this morning...

Even our bravest and honorable soldiers are being corrupted by this war. If there is one thing to "never forget", it is that war damages more then life, it damages peace of mind, forever.

I got a second reminder of this on the 4th of July. I spent it with a Vietnam Vet (Tom) and his wife. While she and I stayed up to watch the fireworks, he cloistered himself in a darkened room with headphones and a walkman. Ever since Vietnam he has had PTSD, and the fireworks give him flashbacks. But his enjoyment of the 4th, as it is traditionally celebrated, isn't the only thing he has given up for America.

Despite his experience in war, both his son and his daughter joined the armed services. Michel became a Marine, and was sent to Iraq when his 2nd son was just 6 months old and his first son was just 2. In Iraq he was in an explosion where he lost 3 of his fingers, and had a good chunk taken from his head. Luckily for his young family he came back alive, and due to the good doctors, can be with his family again.

Tom's other child, a daughter, also joined the armed services. She wanted to become a nurse, and she thought the military could help her start this career. She didn't get into the military program, but she did get to spend time in Afghanistan, and get shot at nearly everyday. Then she returned to the county she loved and here are attempting passing amendments to make sure she doesn't have the same civil rights as her straight brother.

Tom and his family have given so much for our country and we can respect him best by working to end war, not just in Iraq or Afghanistan, but all war. Teach peace.

Peace takes courage too.