‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Juan Peces — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:40:57 GMT

I deeply appreciate this article, full of compassion and sincere understanding of what Julio gave his life for, and the high moral standards that he embraced. I was only an intern when I met Julio at El Mundo's newsroom, and we still miss him and remember with deep gratitude how fortunate we were to know him. Thank you for this excellent piece.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

freddieLam, Vallejo, Ca. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:27:55 GMT

I thought I was a tough person but while reading this article I could feel a lump slowly developing in my throat. Thankfully I finished it before I started to break up.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

just sick — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:39:48 GMT

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Maria Luz — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:22:19 GMT

Dear Mr. Rutherford,

thank you four your interview to Mr. Jeffrey Hardaway.

Julio was a close friend of mine and it was extremelly touching to read how Mr. Hardaway remembers Julio.

Thanks

Maria Luz

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

MAJ Coleman, Evans, GA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:03:40 GMT

just sick,
Ya uh....nice quote from your mom that quoted some person that probly quoted some person....get a mind of your own, use your own words....the "little people" that you refer to is me, and I am not a little person....I have a purpose and a mind of my own, CCNA certified and have managed at levels that you can only hope for....in the future it would be nice if you would speak your peace without calling guys like me a nobody....ps...if you want us to stop working for you then just lobby....now I'm just sick from you to think I help you everyday.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

C. Jason, Sarasota Florida — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:09:44 GMT

Thank you for honoring Sgt. Hardaway and also remembering Julio also a hero in my book. I have four sons, all active military and I do not feel our government is trying to get rid of them as mentioned above. Many thanks to all our honorable soldiers, their family and friends.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Bill, New York, NY — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:11:38 GMT

To just sick. Some people can't avoid an opportunity to miss the true sense of camaraderie and friendship. They must spoil it by being partisan and political.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Winston-Salem, NC — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:15:00 GMT

In war, everyone loses. But, it is also a time where simple acts of kindness, like forwarding a group of soldiers emails, really stand out.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Deborah L Hund — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:15:57 GMT

This is a great story and demonstrates not only what a sensitive, caring human being Mr. Parrado was but also what a sensitive, caring human being Sgt. Hardaway is as well. My condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Parrado and my hopes for Sgt. Hardaway's recovery and emotional healing go to them all.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Keenan Kline — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:31:30 GMT

Hey Coleman, that was unseemly and beneath your station. Don't take the low road with those who don't appreciate you - you serve (and I served) all of them. Don't mock or taunt those who you serve by virtue of your oath to defend the Constitution.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Benchdogg — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:44:18 GMT

Thanks, just sick, that's a wonderful tribute to Julio and the unit he was embedded with. We can all now thank you for being just a little dumber for having read your moronic proselytizing. By the way, if our military (I'm a former 12-year Marine) ever is "out of a job" you can look forward to learning another language in whatever intern camp you're shoved into. What a tool...

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Louis Gregorio, Orangeburg, NY — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:47:33 GMT

Sometimes I wonder when I'm gone... will people remember me with the same fondness and love as they reminisce about their times with Julio Parrado? Some people were born to give light to this world... And when they go ... they are sorely missed...

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Mary, Loudon, TN — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:47:41 GMT

So many silent brave men and women with great hearts.
We should all wish them safety and thank them for their courage no matter how we feel about this war.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

CUSTOMSGUY, KOSOVO — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:41 GMT

Hey Maj Coleman, you forgot to tell JUST SICK that if it weren't for folks like us fighting for folks like him, there wouldn't be folks like him, and he wouldn't have the opportunity to say those things whether they are really dumb or not. Just another Know nothing trying to be a hero for something he doesn't really understand. 22 years in the army and still working as customs inspector. Long live the soldier and the government employee.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Karen Turner, Bolivia, NC — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:59:47 GMT

When I read this article and saW the video by Sgt. Hardaway, I broke down and cried. I am not fortunate enough to know anyone in the army, or away at war, but I thank GOD every day that there are such truly "BRAVE" people who fight for not only our freedom, but the freedom of others. God's speed to Sgt. Hardaway and his family. I will be praying for his recovery. I will also be praying for the family of Julio Parrado, who was also BRAVE and extremely kind and considerate. I wish everyone, in every corner of the world, would realize that we are all just human beings. We are all here on this world for such a short time. It just goes to show that it doesn't matter how long we are here, it is how we spend the time we do have. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS OTHERS WHO STAND WITH US FOR THE FREEDOM OF ALL PEOPLE!

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

b m — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:02:43 GMT

hey benchdogg sounds like your the tool if you re still drinking the Bush kool aid and the illegal war in iraq. 'internment camp'? come on buddy be brave

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Dave, Killeen, TX — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:04:08 GMT

just sick... "you know the military would probably be out of a job if it wasn't for the started up war were in now." The military will always have a job in this world because man is rooted in worldly values. Until each and every person on earth becomes centered around a heavenly belief of love and compassion, there will always be war and strife. Face it. Your fellow man either can't stand you or wants what you have and is willing to kill you in order to get it. Man was created in God's image, not with God's values or God's unwavering love.

This story is more of a tribute to a fallen comrade, whether it be in arms or in life, and those that are left behind. Thank you for showing the soldier as a human being and not just a killing machine.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

juan valdes — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:06:38 GMT

pansies... all pansies

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Christie, MD — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:07:47 GMT

Leave it to the sour apples of this world to dump all over a story that was meant to inspire. It's an honor to have men and women like Sgt. Hardaway in our military - that through the dust and rubble they're still humans with compassion for all, not just their American bretheren. My condolences to Julio's family, as the loss of life in any conflict is a heavy burden to carry.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Madeline, Delray Beach, FL — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:13:56 GMT

Thank you for reporting this story. And thank Jeff Hardaway for the the remembrance. I just appreciate reading it.

Condolences to Julio's family and friends.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

JUAN VALDES — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:19:53 GMT

Its great to see a touching story like this one, and then have advertizement for penile enlargement right next to it with a pic of a woman in amazement. It shows what the war, America, and freedom stands for now !!!! Innocent lives are being slaughtered daily in Darfur, but there is no oil there, so to hell with freedom and human rights there. . .R I D I C U L O U S !!!! WAKE UP AMERICA !!!! IN REALITY WE ARE AGREEING TO LET OUR SOLDERS BLOOD FILL UP OUR SUV'S GAS TANK WHILE R E A L HUMAN RIGHT ATTROCITIES ARE HAPPENING ELSEWHERE.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Laura, Bonner Springs, Kansas — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:21:51 GMT

I was at the service as a dear young man in our town was buried after being shot by a sniper. My sons, both good friends of his, were devastated. I will never forget the look on his mothers face. Such pride in her brave son, and such grief for her baby boy. I know that Julio's family are now going through the same thing. Please let them know we are grieving with them over the loss of their precious son. To all our troops, God Bless You for your courage, and honor!

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

USAF Retired, Wilmington NC — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:24:45 GMT

Why is it always the good ones who die so young? When a soldier gets emotional over the loss of a reporter, it says a lot about who that person really was. It's nice to know there are still people out there like Juan Parrado and Sgt. Hardaway. God blees both of them and their families...

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Lincoln Sanford, Idaho Falls, Idaho — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:33:06 GMT

To "just sick"...
You can thank the men and women that are in our armed services, for the God given right for you to open your pie hole and spew forth a diatribe of stupidity. If it wasn't for those remarkable men and women- past, present and future, you might not have that same right you exercise so freely. Like it or not, anyone has the right to speak their mind. Try doing that in the Third Reich, and your sorry ass would have been sent to a concentration camp.
To all those in the military, thank you, and hurry home.
My condolences to the family of the slain reporter. I'm sure you are suffering, he sounded like a great person.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Employed in war or peace soldier — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:53:36 GMT

you know the military would probably be out of a job if it wasn't for the started up war were in now. all those military suppliers are millionaires, and all the little people are dead or mangled. my mom once said some aristocrat once said, "war is the best way to get rid of people you didn't really want in your society anyway, and it distracts everyone else from the truth." these people didn't have to die, but when you step on someones toes they will fight back.

"you know the military would probably be out of a job if it wasn't for the started up war were in now".

Negative. Regardless of being engaged or not in war, the military will remain. The military doesn't close up shop just because we're not at war. Soldiers continue to train in war or peace so people like you can have your way of life protected. This gives you the chance to enjoy your freedom, drink Starbucks, turn the war off the TV when you're uninterested, and post ramblings about the lack of understanding you really have about the military.

"all those military suppliers are millionaires, and all the little people are dead or mangled".
I wasn't aware this news story was about military suppliers. In fact if you took the time to actually read the story, you would realize this.

"my mom once said some aristocrat once said", "war is the best way to get rid of people you didn't really want in your society anyway, and it distracts everyone else from the truth."

And some mistake opinions for thoughts.

"these people didn't have to die, but when you step on someones toes they will fight back".
I concur. These people didn't have to die. The reporter was out there reporting on the war so people like you could hear about it and outright disrespect not only the military but the lose of this reporter.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

James, Retired Military, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:53:51 GMT

After having read this story and the message from "just sick" it has become more apparent then ever that those that are in the military do not understand "WE" do it for a pride in our country that he will never understand. I am retired military veteran yet know the men and women in our military are willing to give the ultimate gift for this country of ours ... their lives. So "just sick" you seem to be angry at this country and if so you have the choice to stay or leave. You seem to be upset that you are not one of those people getting rich over this war. My suggestion would be to leave since you can not comprehend or understand the meaning of sacrifice to this country we all love.

For all the men and woman who have served in the military, past, present and future, I salute you for doing what you do for this country. For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, I cry for your loss while standing tall in knowing you died for our country so others like "just sick" could live here in peace and bitch to hear their voice. I am honored to be apart of a family that very few will ever know - the military. I look forward to the day when all men and women in the military can come home to be with their families and enjoy the freedom they give us on a daily basis.

For Sgt. Hardaway this was about another person's life, Julio Parrado, being taken from him, his friends and family. There are tons of stories like this one yet the general public never gets to hear about them. Thanks to both Sgt Hardaway and Julio Parrado for doing the job they loved doing.

Thank you very for the hard work you, the military, does on a daily basis for our peace and continued freedom.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Patches, Chester, VA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:04:52 GMT

Benchdogg,you said it all (LOL). I was going to flame that idiot "just sick" myself, but you stated the case so well. What does he (or she) think the military did between Vietnam and current operations? Certainly not out of a job. And military suppliers get rich, war or not. As do school suppliers, church suppliers, and yes, flaming liberal suppliers

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Patches, Chester, VA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:07:49 GMT

.....and thank goodness for the brave men and women who still serve and protect. I'm not sure the value of having Telemundo embedded with our troops, and certainly no knock on Mr. Parrado, but usually the press only gets in the way and makes troops do extra things that would not otherwise have to do.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Michelle, Fayetteville, AR — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:11:18 GMT

Well said, Mary in TN. I'm not sure which was more heartbreaking to me--the loss of a wonderful human being, or the fact that people still feel the need to make negative comments in response to such a heart-lifting article. Three people in this story helped others without really "needing" to do so. Let's talk about how wonderful, encouraging, and positive that is. There could be no better tribute to Julio Parrado.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

John Toradze — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:53:03 GMT

153 journalists out of how many? I believe the total number of journalists in Iraq has been about 5000. That's an approximate 3% chance of dying for journalists.

The total number of soldiers through Iraq in the same period of time has been about 500,000. (Cumulative total of individuals.) 4,502/500,000 = 0.9% risk of death.

0.09%/0.3% is close enough to 0.3 that's about as good as we can estimate.

So it is probably 3 times more risk to your life to be a reporter in Iraq than it is to be a soldier.

It's a very nice story, and I'm glad that this man found Julio's family.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Jimmy Crackhorns, Texas — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:51:26 GMT

I thought the story was well a written testament to the kinds of people we have in our military, and the bond they forge with those around them.

Discretion is a better part of valor...this story screams of the absurdity of the collective cost we have all experienced through Iraq.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

kellie AC NJ — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:32:18 GMT

I FEEL TERRIBLE FOR ALL OF THE SOLDIERS IN IRAQ AND THEIR FAMILIES. I strongly feel that we (US) have no business over there. I mean how would you like someone telling you how to run your household, I believe that the Iraqs feel this way.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Justin, Houston TX — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:47:15 GMT

While I understand the feelings Just Sick stirred up within a lot people I think that they were missing the point. War is messy and it is sad that such good people have to be lost the way they are no matter what the cause. I don't think just sick was simply dissing the military and I don't believe he was using the term little people condescendingly.

In any case, I respect the good soldiers fighting for our country and the well meaning press that cover the conflicts.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Mike Peterborough Cambridgeshire UK — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:48:11 GMT

I am an ex Britsh Army serviceman (30 years) I read the article of Army Sgt. Jeffrey Hardaway and was imensley impresed him and the information. The way he recalled his embedded civilian colleague reporter shows what a great team can be formed in a very short period of operations – No-one like ‘Just Sick’ -a really good name for this individual- and the like will ever understand the bond between service folk and their supporters. Perhaps Just Sick fails to understand there have been Military Forces for more than 2000 years (Remember the Romans!)
My personal gratetude to all the military and civilains who are fighting to maintain our freedom. Without which people - the like of Just Sick would not be allowed to make such outlandish comments. We have military forces to allow freedom of speech even if some people bite the hand that feeds them. Again my thanks to the coalition forces and their supporters.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

David Miller — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:25:30 GMT

To Just Sick,
Has it occurred to you that if your mom's quote of a quote were true and war was really used to "get rid of people you didn't really want" we would have sent you?

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

corporal p — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:43:52 GMT

Coleman, I dont believe "just sick" was advocating getting rid of the unwanted people of society nor was he/she being ungrateful to those serving/have served. I interpreted the use of that quote to make a point. The point being, the defense industry is rich from sending our military to Iraq for Oil. Justin makes a similar argument, that
"just sick" wasn't belittling anyone.

As for your reaction, sir. As a Major, a field grade officer, I would expect more restraint, tact and understanding. Your education and experience should have allowed you to make your point without losing your cool.

Perhaps, you have reflected and now realize that your government, which you gallantly choose to serve, misrepresented the mission, preyed upon public fear and prejudice, willfully lied to all of us and sent you to an unjust war to fight for oil.

I can only speak for myself as a former Marine. To those that have served, thank you. Bear in mind one thing. We take an oath to do the will of the those elected, to serve the people and do the mission presented to us to the best of our ability. We don't complain ( wait, a bitching Marine is a happy Marine, so of course we do :) )we gear up and do what is asked.

For those Marines that are asked to go in harms way, I ask my elected officials one thing. When you put that Marine's life on the line. You damn well better make sure its for Life, Liberty, and Justice. Not, no bid Haliburton contracts and Oil for your buddies.

semper fi, mac.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

tired of ignorance, Seattle, WA — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:18:33 GMT

You know I read these stories of great sacrifice and I cannot believe how people like "sick" can be so ignorant. Has it been so long since we all stood back and took a look at what this country was built from? I am so proud of our service men and women that show the rest of us and the world what it is still like to stand and fight for what they believe in and what America truly means regaurdless if our government has forgotten. I grieve for the family of Julio even though not a soldier showed the same type of bravery and honor as our service folk show us everyday, I thank them and Men like Sgt. Hathaway for giving me a reason to say I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! And it speaks well for us as a race to have people like Julio.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

1SG Cameron B Co 1-22 IN. Baghdad, Iraq — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:21:32 GMT

Sometimes small minded people like to try to snuff out a ray of sunshine. My regards to SGT Hardaway, get better as quickly as possible. My condolenses to the family of Julio Parrado. To all the "geniuses" like just sick who wish to use stories like this as a forum for their political opinion I say, if you have such an issue with this country, and how we are being managed feel free to leave and dont come back. Two things that I love to point out, the US has not been attacked since we began fighting out wars, and this is an all volunteer Army. With the exception of a few old timers like myself, every person has enlisted or re-enlisted since this war started. We know what we signed up for, and we are not asking anyone for sympathy, or to try and stop our fight. We would rather fight the enemy on their turf than allow them to come fight on ours. The difference is we understand the sacrifice that our brothers have made, and not just read about them in the newspaper. For my good friend "Just Sick" if you have a problem with the military that gives you the freedom to spout uterely stupid, and ignorant statements, Ill be home from number three around April time frame. Come to Ft. Hood and Ill be more than happy to show you how us "Little People" handle our business on a day to day basis, and I guareentee I wont have to use my BofS to do it.
RIP ALL OF MY FALLEN BROTHERS

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Proud USAF Lieutenant Colonel — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:59:33 GMT

I work with reporters in my military career. Their ranks are filled with many honorable, decent people. They serve their nation(s) as we serve ours. Both are vital roles in democracies. I don't expect everyone to understand the fulfillment that comes from serving a higher cause, and the comraderie and bonds that are forged in doing so. But both are real, and exemplified by people like Sgt Hardaway and Mr Parrado. God bless them both.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Mark Dixon Rowley — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:39:10 GMT

This reporter didn't have to die if NBC and the other media outlet were not such pipsqueaks. Shame on the US government for their silence, and preference for smart bombs over information to the ignorant religeous extremists abroad and at home. Shame on the media too - hatred beyond compare is related to an absence of information in the news feed, and a hidden caste system lodged in US government form.
Political Permit 08-15 issued 10/06/2008 Boca Raton, FL USA
http://www.myspace.com/revelation911

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

SGT C. Lubbock, Texas — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:00:28 GMT

My prayers to SGT Hardaway, to Julio Parrado, and to their families. We should never forget the sacrifice people such as these give for the rest of us. What a touching story. If at all possible it would be great to inform Julio's family that many Americans such as SGT Hardaway remember their son and pray for his soul.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Rod Warfield, Philo Il. — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:12:12 GMT

Ladies and Gentlaman, If I have to be classified then classifyme not as a liberal but as an AMERICAN !!!!!!
I have been a flag waiver and supporter of this country all my life. To all who have served and to ALL who have died I Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Im a big supporter of our military but not of this WAR. I will continue to do what ever I can for our men and women in uniform. But they have done what they were asked to do Now it is time to salute SgtHardaway and Juilo for both thier service and thier sacrifice. It is time to stop hating and time to start working together so tha war is not necessary Period.!!!!!!!!!

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

AC Robertson — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:41:17 GMT

Just Sick,

The people I served with in the USMC for over 26 years. Voluntarily preformed their patriotic duties for this country of ours, not 'for' but 'in spite of' people like you.

Semper Fi

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Andrew S — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:20:45 GMT

What a moving story... Tales like this remind us that ALL of US are mortals and weapons do not discriminate against which people are good and which are bad. Others in this thread have stated that they broke up afterwards. Hell I broke up two thirds into and of that makes me a Pansy, I will happily concede the point. I do have one question though why is that whenever we hear stories such as this someone always has a reason to argue politics or use it as an excuse to debate the war? Are they so lacking in common sense and respect? The article was about 2 brave men, one of them was badly hurt and the other is dead. It's not a story about the morality of the war, or who is at fault for starting it, or who is profiting. I could go along with people commenting upon those subjects if the article was about peace protestors or pro war supporters. This article at it's very core a story about humanity and showing just how much we as humans have in common with one another. THe reporter cared for the men he was serving with and obviously they cared a great deal about him. For the record I have some very strong anti war and anti Bush, feelings. However THIS IS NOT THE APPROPRIATE place for me argue why I think I am right or vice versa. Rather it is the place to pass comment upon a tragedy and show support for our fellow human beings.
....
All my best to all those who serve and serve with them. Stories like this and many others would not be possible if where not for them. People like myself and the others who commented in this thread would not have the luxury of doing so where not for their gallantry and commitments to our coalition countries.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

M Katz, Lynn, Ma — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:34:54 GMT

This is a heartbreaking reality of all the people working very hard to give a glimmer of hope in Iraq. I recently returned from Iraq where I worked at the Combined Press Information Center in Baghdad. The humanity in war is something that is far too often over looked in the media and as soon as someone brings forth this humanity they smack it down and belittle the people giving the people of Iraq hope.
War is a horrible thing as I have seen from my own personal experience as an infantry soldier in Iraq. Yet do not judge us soldiers, it is our job to protect those who can not protect themselves.
I feel for SGT Hardaway and understand his grief. We soldiers work with brave people whom everyday. Those who risk there lives in ways that the average American could not possibly comprehend.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

ML Jones, Pocatello, Idaho — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:45:54 GMT

Gratitude and prayers for the Parrado family and for Sgt Hardaway and all his family. Most of us understand the expense of freedom: "eternal vigilance". And gratitude and prayers to our Commander in Chief and ALL the military and their families for their efforts in our behalf. READ ON:

For those (like "Just Sick") who question the validity of our involvement in the Middle East in general and in Iraq in particular, just read the July 5, 2008 AP press release (under-reported, to be sure!!!) regarding the successful delivery of "yellowcake" uranium to Canada early this past summer. The Iraqi nuclear program WAS real, and Bush removed their near-complete capability to field WMDs when 550 metric tons of this nuclear seed material was located (in 2003!!), secured (for FIVE YEARS!), prepared for recovery and shipment outside of Iraq, and finally delivered to Canada in early summer of 2008.

President Bush has endured years of criticism and contempt from the press and from dissidents like Just Sick, but had the moral strength and integrity of character to protect this classified discovery and extraction to ensure the insurgents in Iraq did not know about the find and would not mount a major offensive to recover the materials in-country. He has permitted his reputation and standing to be assailed rather than breach the security of this mission. Truly he has served the interest of America - indeed of the entire world!!! - in maintaining silence about this mission. Now instead of Terrorist nuclear weapons capability, the nuclear power capability of a peace-loving nation has been augmented. Thank you, President Bush!!

Consider similar "strength of character" and "resolve in isolation" amid "unrelenting criticism" when you cast your votes Tuesday. A leader forges history! There will always be those who seek to control/enslave us through an approach of benign care-giving! "Beware of Romans bearing gifts!"

A Proud Army Brat and Marine Mom!

PS to the Associated Press: The 23,000-acre site near Baghdad was secured by sand BERMS, not "beams" as in your article.)

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

MSG Ballou, FT Bragg, NC — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:40:21 GMT

Top Cameron, MAJ Coleman, and other service members, past and present....

We know what we are doing as Soldiers, Airman, Sailors and Marines, and that our orders come from the top. We dont have the luxury of questioning, we simply execute. "just sick" has the luxury of using his 1st Amendment right that we have sacrificed so much so he can continue with what he speaks. Let's not act as if we dont know the underlying reasons for which he spoke it- we havent lost our sense of thought either- whether right or wrong. Hurts me too when people who have and have not a clue of what we do speak ill or out of bounds on a story or stories of those dealing with the results of this war in painful ways. I msyelf have a hard time dealing with it, and I know you guys do too...... let him be, but you guys keep your head up, and drive on..... believe me, I understand......OIF III Veteran

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Randy — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:59:22 GMT

So touching. Have you noticed this was is different? We really have no idea what is really going on over there.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Texas TSGT — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:11:05 GMT

We in the military have always had to deal with people that don't get the whole military thing. They just see us as something they hate and not as actual people. I've even been called "baby killer" by some young ignorant punk. Stories like this shows the human side of military members. When people are ignorant(just sick), it makes the rest of us look that much better since we know the truth and they can keep living in their fantasy world. I've been in the Air Force for 16 1/2 years and have been at places where they don't like military and it is hard to be there when you have no community support. I'm just thankful that my present community loves the military. I've had more people come up to me in the couple of years i've been here and thank me for serving more times than in the previous 14 years. It's a really good feeling. They need to report more on stories like this, that show the human side to an otherwise all around ugly situation. God Bless America and our troops.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Denny Smith — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:52:22 GMT

I salute corporal P and Justin for their intelligent remarks. Many of us who love America and revere our men and women in uniform nevertheless opposed Bush's war. The problem was never our soldiers, it was that our soldiers were sent on a troubling, questionable mission by our not-really-elected commander-in-chief.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Nonny, California — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:46:58 GMT

Very touching story!! My prayers to SGT Hardaway, Julio Parrado, their families and all our men and women in harms way!!

My saying has always been ~
If you don't stand behind our troops, please, feel free.. to stand in FRONT of them!!

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

confused — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:30:27 GMT

correct me if i am wrong but is a soldiers job not to fight for their country? Regardless of how much pride they take in doing so in the end it is their career choice. Just as a cop is paid to serve and protect his community a solider does so for his country. I guess when people use we defend this country so you can say whatever negative comments you want to say and drink your starbucks and blah blah blah its your choice to do so if you dont like it then quit! I respect what every soldier is doing for this country perhaps i am just confused on why they take negative critism so personal? its a job your getting paid no matter how much someone likes or dislikes the situation in iraq.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

SEA Ingleside, TX — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:51:12 GMT

This is a wonderful story. Thanks.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Nate Harris, Fort Mill, SC — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:17:12 GMT

I spent 12 years in the Navy, because I felt it was something I owed to my Country. In reading through the comments, it seems apparent that there is a real sense of entitlement that permeates our society. I came to terms with this a long time ago. In life you have to take the good with the bad. To protect the constitution and our way of life, we have to accept that we protect those that disagree with what must be done. It's unfortunate and demoralizing, but I think of my family and friends first.

Thank you's go out to our military men and women, and people like Julio that keep it real for us all.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Twisted 2/1 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:55:02 GMT

Just sick is exactly why would we should have mandatory service. Not that I want him covering a sector next to me. Quite the contrary, with his ignorance, I think he might be suited for command! ;-)
Fortuna Favit Fortibus

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Sherry Harper — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:12:54 GMT

I've read several of these comments after reading the story from Sgt. Hardaway about Julio. Isn't it great to have a forum where we can all verbally praise or abuse our fellow human beings!? That's also one of our Constitutional freedoms. Beware, though! With the conclusion of the recent elections some of those freedoms may be in jeopardy. Keep your eyes and ears open.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

Mike Brenner, Omaha, NE — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:39:51 GMT

Thank you for posting this story. I, too, was touched by it.

As we approach Veterans Day, I want to thank everyone who is now serving in our Armed Forces and their families for the sacrifices they are making for all of us here at home. I am grateful for your willingness to serve.

I am a Viet Nam era veteran who lost several friends in that war. Veterans Day and Memorial Day are holidays on which I remember my friends and the sacrifices they made.

I continued to serve in the Navy Reserve until retirement. I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for the men and women in uniform. I wish I could thank each one individually for their service, and wish them God Speed.

‘We lost our embed reporter that day...’

August, Manila — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:31:15 GMT

Very touching article.. Sgt Hardaway's wife is a very good friend of mine, just got the link from her. I salute these people. Jamaica hope youre reading this. Kakaloka ang Video, Ganda mo........ sa susunod hwag uupo pag umiyak ha.