Mail: America's Wounded In Iraq

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Although I have never supported the war in Iraq, my heart has always been with the troops stationed there. Our brave men and women are just doing their job in a strange country for a vague cause.

Your story on our wounded soldiers coming home to pick up the pieces of their lives was both heart wrenching and inspiring. Thank you for once again getting to the heart of the story, and shining a light on true American heroes.
-- Jennifer Duhart

I would just like to say that as an American, we should all be so proud of these brave men and women. They will forever live with the scars of battle. As an American, I thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are all what is great about his nation.
-- Tom H.

I was awestruck by the young man with the severe facial burns. What a strong person he must be to have such a positive attitude. He actually seems to wear his scars like a badge of honor. He is an example to us all. I, for one, am humbled by his sacrifice.
-- Catherine Hender

Your segment on the wounded vets from Iraq was the most revolting thing I have seen on television in many years. You showed a total lack of compassion and taste in showing these boys, and in particular, highlighting their injuries. The only reason to do what you did was to drum up anti-war sentiment and to attempt to destroy the image of the commander in chief. I was not aware until tonight of just how low you people will go in your efforts against President Bush.
-- Paul Banding

I was moved by your piece on the true heroes in this war. I was an Air Force sergeant from 1967-1970. I am very proud to be an American with these men and women putting there lives on the line for us. I am 54 years old, and I am working and playing baseball on the weekends for the senior mens baseball league. I realize how small our lives are. I might have an ache or a pain, and never again will they ever be thought of as pain or suffering. What I witnessed on your segment was eye opening and heart stirring. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone who has endured this pain and suffering.

I believe someone put these real Americans here for all to see and be proud of. I commend you for your reporting of this story. You asked some tough questions while giving me the insight needed to feel their pain. I am a person with limited means; I just wish I could help make their lives better for them. I know their lives are in front of them, but they will have to be great to pass the hurdles put in front of them all. My service career was nothing compared to what these people are being put through. I hope you will stay with the progress of them all.
-- Barry R Gibell

Never before has a television news show left me with tears running down my face -- until tonight. "The Long Road Home" should be required viewing for everyone in the United States. Even though I was raised as an Army "brat," the dedication of the men and women in the Armed Forces to our country never ceases to amaze me. The emotional fortitude shown by the soldiers who have been wounded in Iraq is indicative of the caliber of men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend our country since its inception.

We could all learn a few lessons from these selfless heroes. The United States is filled with people who whine, cry and sue over their lot in life. Perhaps a roadtrip to the front lines in Iraq would cause them to grow up and realize just how fortunate they are to be able to call the United States their home. I hope the media continue to bring us these stories from Iraq. The people of our country need to know what these fine individuals are sacrificing so the rest of us may live in freedom. And by the way, Spc. Jose Martinez, in my book, the woman who discovers how beautiful you are will be the luckiest woman in the world.
-- Marysia McFann

I am only 35 and have not had personal understanding or appreciation of the sacrifices our veterans have and continue to make. Being surrounded by patriotism here in the Midwest, and enjoying the celebrations and parades, I have an academic understanding of our military history. I am trully grateful for the sacrifices of our men and women in military service, but until now, it has been only an acknowledgement of their service, not a heartfelt sentiment.

I commend you for "pushing the issue" about the wounded of the Middle-east conflicts. I know there is political strife over whether or not to broadcast the devastating extent of the injuries to our soldiers because the war may lose its populous support. I have been more firmly grounded in my belief that our government and its allies are doing the right thing. Thank you for bringing these men into our homes in order for us to give credit where credit is due.

The testimonies of those wounded soldiers was inspiring. I will forever be in awe and be humbly grateful for their courage on my behalf and all others in this world who desire to the rights freedom brings. From this day forward, I will give any veteran who crosses my path the respect and honor he or she deserves to the best of my ability.
-- Matthew R. Myers

As the wife of an Army physician, I was heartened by his coverage of the wounded soldiers from the Iraqi front. All too often we hear reports of the number of soldiers injured with no coverage of the extent of these injuries. This story brought home the fact that these young men and women will not be the same physically or emotionally after serving their country. Thank you for highlighting the sacrifices our servicemen and women are enduring for this mission.
-- Barbara Engeriser