One of my son's friends was killed in Iraq this week.

[Longhorn]

We just got the call from our recruiting officer because this young Marine and my son were from the same recruiting office and attended boot camp in the same platoon. They also worked together in the recruiting office during their boot camp leave and spent many a night playing cards (and who knows what else?) afterwards.

I just called my son in Japan to give him the news and he is quite upset. His friend was in Iraq to drive trucks.

This idiotic war . . .

[soothsayer]

1. What a waste.

It's a sin.

[deadparrot]

2. I'm very sorry to hear that.

You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

[LynzM]

3. I'm so sorry to hear that

Love and hugs to you, your son, and the soldier's family :hug

[bemildred]

4. Damn, sorry to hear. It always leave a hole, that never quite heals. nt

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. I guess we are going to have to get used to this

The freepers already have.

[AmerDem]

6. Sorry to hear

very tragic!

[Eloriel]

7. Horrible, horrible news.

So shocking, so senseless. I'm really sorry.

[Lefta Dissenter]

8. I'm so sorry

Your son must be devastated. What a horrible loss for your son, and unbelivable pain for his friend's family. I wish I could somehow make a difference by saying something profound, but I know that words simply won't ease the pain. Nothing will.

How sad.

[Longhorn]

9. You and me, both. There simply are no words but thanks.

Several months ago, I wrote about how upset my son was after he saw F9/11. Since then, he has come to terms with his situation -- he's a Marine for the next three years and it's an obligation he will fulfill with pride in his service to his country while at the same time detesting the people who are wasting these young lives. But this is the closest that this war has affected him and he's having to handle it thousands of miles from his friends and family.

I can only imagine what it is like for the Marines and soldiers who are seeing their friends killed and maimed in front of their eyes or who are, under orders, causing the death and destruction of innocent Iraqi lives while presumably going after the bad guys. I WANT THIS TO END, RIGHT NOW, but there's no end in sight.

[Lefta Dissenter]

10. Your son

is very courageous, and he sounds like a young man who truly loves our country. I am so sorry that bush has spit in the face of young soldiers and Marines, and I just can't WAIT to have a president who will show our armed forces the honor and respect that they deserve.

I wish you and your family the very best. We all will keep working as hard as we can to bring your son, and all of the others, home as soon as possible. :hug:

[shance]

11. My sympathy and condolences Longhorn.

Im so sorry to hear this news. So little to say when I hear news like this, except to express both tremendous sadness and regret.

Thank you for posting. I believe the more we hear about it, the more it will hopefully affect the vital changes needed.

[alittlelark]

12. Driving trucks seems to be the most hazardous duty in Iraq

Godspeed to him, and I hope your son makes it through w/ minimal scarring.

ITS JUST SO TRAGIC!!!:cry: :cry: :puke:

[lefty75]

13. My condolences

A sad and needless loss of life.

[maverick hombre]

14. Very Tragic

My condolences to you and the young Marine's family.

My son is also a Marine in Fallouja. Your son's friend was one of the very best no doubt, and so is your son, and I pray he remains that way while he serves. My son recruited after boot camp too. Semper Fidelis.

[Pallas180]

15. Our soldiers are now being forced to drive in Halliburton trucks - a parti

a particular target of the Iraqi rebels.

Some have written letters asking people to write their congresspeople
to put a stop to it...

the deaths of these young healthy bright children is painful.