Discarded Heroes: Washington sends 'em to war & screws 'em on return

[Algorem]

http://www.clevescene.com/Issues/2006-01-18/news/feature.html

Washington sends them off to war -- and screws them upon return.

By Denise Grollmus

Published: Wednesday, January 18, 2006


Rick Clasen has trouble remembering little things, like names, doctor's appointments, and where he put his hat. But the 25-year-old Iraq war veteran has no problem with the details of July 27, 2004.

He emerged from the underground bunkers at Camp Steel Dragons to a clear Baghdad sky. It was 7 a.m., a comfortable 80 degrees, and he had a hot tip on where to find some powdered Gatorade -- a delicacy among infantrymen.

Clasen carefully placed the packets of lemon-lime powder atop the trunk of his Humvee, which he loaded up with water and ammo. To his right, 23-year-old gunner Mike Boozier stood in the turret of another Humvee. He slid his weapon onto the stabilizing pole and prepared his rounds. In the distance, speakers blared with the day's first reading of the Koran.

It was business as usual. Until the first blast...

[Arkansas Granny]

1. I have no words for the total sadness I feel after reading this.

[Karenina]

2. Multiply this story

by 10's of THOUSANDS.