Iraq War - The Real Toll
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Sgt. Jonathan "Loots" Lootens |
I wanted people to remember that this war is not just about the 'war on freedom'. It is also, and more importantly, about the valiant men and women who are serving in our armed forces. They are the ones who are putting themselves in harm's way, every minute of every day. And they are the ones who are dying. Jonathan's Dad, Bob, is like brother to me. I watched this young man grow up. He, like most young kids today, had a few bumps in the road. But, he made a conscious decision to enlist and try to turn his life around. And, boy, did he! I am crying as I write this. This is hard for me. He turned into a young man who displayed strength, integrity, loyalty, dependence, and a major ability to empathisize with his fellow man. We were all so proud of him! He did two tours in Afghanistan, where he was honored for his valiant service. He was admired by others who served with him for his bravery. I talked to him before he went over to Iraq. I will never forget his words to me - "Sharon, I don't want to go over there. I am afraid, for some reason." That upset me because Jonathan was no 'chicken'; just the opposite was true. There was a little voice inside of him that told him something was going to happen. |
