Comments on: "This Is A Tough One"

[thafbeye]

I can''t begin to say how dissappointed and saddened I am by what I just viewed. There is no excuse for this and I fault the Military and its'' Doctors. I didn''t know this young man personally but to see the vivrant energy the way he danced with his niece in the living room and than to see him on his death bed made me lose myself and just cry uncontrollably. What if that was my father, brother, sister? This man risked his life for us and this country and that''s his Thank You! They should''ve paid for his funeral and the family should be compensated for NEGLECT. This story touched my heart and I never post comments but I want you the family to know that I cry with you and my prayers are with you all the way from Dallas Texas.

R.I.P. Carmelo and Thank You for your courage in protecting our country. The military didn''t give you the wings you deserve but I know God has special wings for you. You''re Finally Free.

[molly828]

Carmelo intended for it to go just this way. He waited for the camera man. He knew it was THIS IMPORTANT. I love him for that. I am so hurt, it''s beyond words. I hope this is the biggest story tomorrow. I just don''t want it to hurt me any longer. I''ve cried now for 30 mins, as if I''ve lost someone very close to me. I''m so, so, sorry. Those ***!

[boiaquamarin]

I seen this story tonight I feel for your family. I will pray for everyone I hope the goverment pays its dues. Its very wrong to treat you like this,
Phil
Cincinnati, Ohio

[dan_n_dani]

To the Rodriguez Family,

I was introduced to you at the funeral for Carmelo by my wife. She had remembered that she was Carmelo''s first girlfriend. I really had no idea that this was the treatment Carmelo was subjected to. I am heartbroken by the neglect such an outstanding Marine was shown by our govenment due to an archaic law.

I applaud your courage. As a member of the local VFW, I promise that I will attempt to do everything I can to see Carmelo''s wish realized. I can not guarentee a result but only that I will try. I only hope that this small measure will make Carmelo proud and help ease the pain on your loss.

God bless you all.

[vasi2-2009]

Dear family of Carmelo,

I just saw this story moments ago. Although I did not know your loved one, I must tell you how proud Carmelo has made me as an American. People like him force the rest of us to strive to be better. I am so sorry for your loss of a fine young man. I applaud you for bringing to light this injustice by th military and Congress in this archaic doctrine. Fight hard. You have the power and fervor with Carmelo''s spirit to get it changed. Dont give up.
Please take comfort in the assurance that he is resting peacefully with the Lord.

Sincerely, Christina B

[magpieusmc]

It is long over due for the Ferres Doctrine to be abolished. I am very sorry for the loss of this Marine.
I have personally suffered as a result of this Act as have many other Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and American Families that have had great loss due to this out dated protection of Government medical personnel. All doctors and support staff should be held to the same standards regardless of the scrubs they wear.
I hope that America sees this as outrageous as it is, and wakes up to change it soon. Our military personnel and families deserve it.
Maggie

[molly828]

Dear Rodriquez family; Words can never express the emotions we feel at times like this. I was so moved by this story. I am about to explode about of my body. I am horrified, absolutely horrified. I am proud for the dramatic way it unfolded. Maybe this is just how had to play out, to draw attention to this outrageous lack of care. I am so angry at our nation and their inept medical care for those that sacrifice. All my love.

[fireemtmom]

I watched this story with tears in my eyes. I am married to a SGT currently serving overseas and things like this terrify me. I am very sorry for your loss and if there is anything I can do to try and change this then I will. It sickens me to see the men & women who serve our country treated like this. I don''t think a story touched me as much as this one did. I have sent this link to all the military personnel I know.
Keep your chin up, your family is in our prayers.
Rebecca Mathias

[DS9Sisko]

I am heartbroken. Almost literally heartbroken and outraged and in tears by this story of Carmello Rodriguez and the other young man profiled in the story. Our government and military should be ashamed for this and other stories like this of the men and women who protect this country. I want to thank you, Mr. Pitts for an informative, hardhitting, and deeply moving story, one of the best of your career at CBS News. And additional thanks to Katie Couric for going forward editorially to allow the time to tell this story with dignity and integrity. Bernard Jones, Atlanta

[cape2island1]

The case of Carmelo Rodriguez is horrible. I have a son, 30 years old, in the Marines, and like Carmelo, dedicated to the Corp and U.S. The action (or lack thereof) is nothing short of criminal!

[bnthewind-2009]

Dear Liz, David and little Carmelo,
I was surprised to see your brothers face go across the TV today so I got online to find the story. I am devastated to learn of your loss.. Your brother was one of the best people I ever met, I''ve told you that before. I wish I had the right words to comfort you but please know that you are all in my prayers. I had no other way to contact you, I can only hope that you read this. God Bless, Toni