Never forget Iraq war’s injured vets

A few minutes spent talking to B.J. “Stumps” Jackson bring into focus one little-understood legacy of the Iraq war. As the double amputee from Iowa told The Eagle editorial board, injuries that would have been fatal in any other conflict are survivable now, and the troops are returning to their communities with life-changing disabilities. The organization that Jackson promotes, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, is the designated beneficiary of the Amateur Texas Hold ‘Em tournament today and Sunday at Century II. But all Americans should make it a priority to help these vets meet their unique and pressing needs, such as for job training and placement, as they move into civilian life.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

9 Comments

  1. Galahad
    Posted December 10, 2005 at 12:45 pm | Permalink

    The best thing we can do for our soldiers is to stop creating more dead and wounded.

    Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.

    That’s George Bush’s Iraq policy.

  2. Galahad
    Posted December 10, 2005 at 12:46 pm | Permalink

    Call it a victory. We got Saddam. Halliburton’s making out like the bandits they are.

    Call it a victory.

    Just get the hell out.

  3. Ed Friedemann
    Posted December 10, 2005 at 12:55 pm | Permalink

    Galahad, I believe that is called the straight-forward approach.

    I don’t see any “wiggle-room” but of course that’s just me.

    I second your right-minded motion.

  4. Rage
    Posted December 10, 2005 at 2:58 pm | Permalink

    I third, but I also think we need to tend to those who have already had the pleasure of experiencing the unending nightmare, and lived to tell about it.

    And I realize you said “such as,” Rhonda (implying there was more) but improving health care–specifically a less appallingly understaffed and unbelievably bureacratic VA–is essential. Granted, it’s been 3 years since I’ve had the dubious pleasure of dealing with that organization, but you could not possibly believe how screwed up it was.

  5. Emerican
    Posted December 10, 2005 at 8:08 pm | Permalink

    God bless our American Vetrens, Iraq, Vietnam, Korea, and more. Especially, those who gave all. May our future wars not sacrifice life for foolish values. Hey, Mr Bush, Iran and North Korea are building NUKES aimed for the USA now. We need to put America first!

    Emerican

  6. Damoon
    Posted December 10, 2005 at 8:18 pm | Permalink

    Oh God, don’t give Dubya anymore ideas!

  7. Ed Friedemann
    Posted December 10, 2005 at 9:04 pm | Permalink

    Today

    Four U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq Violence

    http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-me/2005/dec/10/121006973.html

  8. Ed Friedemann
    Posted December 12, 2005 at 8:58 am | Permalink

    New York Times:”The American military said Sunday that a soldier was killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Baghdad. At least 2,144 American troops have died in the war.”

    http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/12/international/middleeast/12iraq.html?th=&adxnnl=1&emc=th&adxnnlx=1134399301-4cW30F2kf4KZnCul8lXxuA

  9. cpbimodjto
    Posted March 23, 2007 at 2:02 am | Permalink

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