I flew home from a Boston writing conference this afternoon. The skies were cloudless and blue. Earth looked so serene from 33,000 feet up. In the world’s busiest airport, there was not a trace of the wars that are now history for the United States. No more soldiers returning home from bloody tours of duty; no more family reunions that would make the hardest and … Continue reading 20 years of tears
For many weeks, we’ve been saturated with news of the Royal Wedding. This time, there’s a higher interest in some of my circles because Meghan Markle is an American commoner and more importantly, a woman of color. Saturday, millions will tune in to watch the spectacle. CNN and other major media outlets have devoted a whole lot of energy and resources to covering this story. … Continue reading As you watch the royal wedding…
I felt proud when I first saw Khizr Khan on the stage of the Democratic National Convention last year. Not because of his politics but because of his courage. He lost a son in Iraq and because of that, he felt compelled to remind Americans of the greatness of this country. Of the rights and dignities afforded to all of us in the Constitution. I … Continue reading Khizr Khan has a message on Veterans Day
I awoke to news today that Iraqi forces were claiming victory in Mosul. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi arrived in Mosul to personally deliver a message of victory to the world: ISIS had been driven out of the city in northern Iraq that had been the extremist group’s crown jewel. Victory. Yes. But at tremendous cost. The ancient city of Nineveh will never be the same. ISIS … Continue reading Iraq: Victory in Mosul, but at what cost?
Amid all the political noise of today, I want to stop and think of all my soldier friends I met in Iraq and back here at home in all the years I covered the military. Today is Veterans Day, a time for pause and reflection about the courage and sacrifice of our men and women who served in uniform. I am afraid that they will … Continue reading Stop the politics today — and remember
Almost every day, I receive an email from the International Organization for Migration containing the latest update on migration issues around the world. Many of you may not know that more than 60 million people are on the move, either as refugees fleeing horrendous situations in their homelands or economic migrants seeking a way out of a life of poverty. Today, the IOM update included … Continue reading Migration crisis: People keep dying
I woke up to extremely sad news today. NPR photojournalist David Gilkey was killed in Afghanistan, along with interpreter Zabihullah Tamanna. Another friend who worked tirelessly in the world’s most difficult places, gone. David and Zabihullah were traveling with an Afghan army unit, according to the report I heard on NPR this morning. They came under fire and their armored Humvee was hit by a rocket-propelled … Continue reading David Gilkey: remembering an incredible photojournalist
My heart breaks every time I read news from Iraq. So much so that I find myself clicking away or turning off the radio. Ramadi, the capital of al-Anbar province, has fallen to the Islamic State. I think of the people I met there during the height of the Iraq War and have to stave off tears. Ramadi and nearby Fallujah were the two most … Continue reading If you throw your hat into the air in Ramadi, it will come down with 12 bullet holes in it
I first met the boys of Charlie Company, 1/121 Infantry, in December 2005. I was an embedded reporter, a lost soul among the rough and tumble men of the Georgia Army National Guard. What did I know about the military, about the U.S. Army? Very little. I arrived with trepidation in my heart. But the soldiers of Company C welcomed me. One of them was … Continue reading Farewell, Sgt. Denny
Here’s to you, Blacksheep — 3rd platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment. Thinking of that hot day in April, 2006, when you completed your last patrol. I was with you in the worst of times and you showed me the best. I feel proud to know all of you. Saluting your courage on Veterans Day. ERC. Continue reading Rembering Blacksheep on Veterans Day
