A War's Tragic Toll
Heartbreaking is the only word I can assign to "One Soldier's Story" [May 21]. Army Staff Sgt. Darrell Griffin was a true credit to his country and humanity. For him and others fighting in the "War on Terrorism," I have the greatest respect. My son is headed to Iraq for the third time. There is no limit to my admiration of our military personnel and their commitment to orders. The time for the stubborn and uncaring conduct of this shameful administration concerned only with its pride must end.
BRUCE E. WILLIS
Hilton, N.Y.
I commend you for the cover story and beautiful article "One Soldier's Story." Your reporting and editorial staff may have to dig to find material about the other coalition forces in Afghanistan or Lebanon, but this kind of human interest story needs to be featured every five or six months during hostilities in the Middle East. The troops deserve this type of support from those of us here on the home front. Full-color photography should be featured in every issue of the magazine for as long as the United States is committed to bringing peace in the Middle East.
RICHARD EMERY
Minneapolis
"One Soldier's Story" is a form of reporting almost untouched during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is personal, eye opening, and tells a crucial story that Americans may have never heard otherwise. It not only reported the death of Sergeant Griffin but also captured so eloquently the challenges, both in battle and in faith, that he faced.
JENNIFER MILLER
West Chester, Pa.
It is important for us to "see" the horrors of this war through the saddened eyes and courageous hearts of soldiers like Sergeant Griffin. In the pursuit of our daily lives here at home, we run the risk of becoming immune to the tragedy of war. And I say this even as fear grips my heart for my brother, a husband and father of four, who stands in his combat boots in a destroyed Mideastern city because he was called to do his duty.
LINDA LAW
Kingston, R.I.
I belatedly read "One Soldier's Story," and for the first time in a very long time, I didn't skip a paragraph or a sentence or a word. When I read the last line, "Today, Darrell has come home on his shield," uncontrollable tears ran down my cheeks, and I had difficulty controlling my emotions and state of mind. As a World War II combat infantry veteran, may I suggest that the men and women responsible for the Iraq debacle put on a uniform, be given a rifle, and be required to participate in a door-to-door search in Baghdad. If this were done, I bet the Iraqi conflict would be over in 60 days or less.
LEON COHEN
Bal Harbour, Fla.
The first words that Diana Griffin heard informing her of her soldier husband's death in Iraq were "The President of the United States ... ." I hope that the president will read "One Soldier's Story," take it to heart, and come to his senses about the tragedy we are sowing and reaping in Iraq.
FRANK J. NICE
Derwood, Md.
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