Where I Stand — Columnist Mike O’Callaghan: Honoring living and dead

Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 | 5:16 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

WEEKEND EDITION

Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2004

TEN DAYS AGO the Sun staff produced a memorable edition, publishing the names of every American military person killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Appropriately special attention and pictures recalled the names of Army Capt. Joshua T. Byers of Sparks, Army Staff Sgt. Cameron B. Sarno of Las Vegas, Marine Lt. Frederick Pokorney of Tonopah, Marine Lance Cpl. Donald Cline of Sparks and Army Cpl. Matthew Commons of Boulder City. That Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 edition of the Sun reminded every reader of the sacrifices that have been and still are being made by fellow Americans.

Since that date the name of each and every death in Iraq and Afghanistan appears in the Sun after the next of kin have been notified. We refuse to be satisfied with those sacrificing their lives only being given a number hidden in a news article. It's important for readers to at least know the name, rank, unit, hometown and circumstances surrounding the death of these special Americans.

The response to these publications has been most rewarding. A large number of our residents come from some other part of this great country and almost all of them have relatives in other states. This came through loud and clear following the publishing of the death notices of two National Guard soldiers from North Dakota. Americans are concerned about the men and women serving with our military in combat zones. Las Vegan Pamela Goodwill, mother of Spc. Adam Powers of the First Infantry Division, said it best when writing, "This means so much to all of us military families. It's not just 'another GI killed in Iraq today,' it's somebody's kid, husband ... you know."

Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Evans has a role in meeting the flag-covered coffins arriving during the night at Dover Air Force Base. The public is not allowed to witness the arrival and the show of deep respect given by the soldiers receiving the bodies.

Evans, writing in U.S. News & World Report, tells readers, "There are those who would politicize this scene, making it the device of an argument over the freedom of the press. But if this scene were ever to be exploited by the lights and cameras of our 'infotainment' industry, it would be offensive. Still, the story must be told. A democracy's lifeblood, after all, is an informed citizenry, and this image is nowhere in the public mind. The men and women arriving in flag-draped caskets do not deserve the disrespect of arriving in the dark confines of secrecy." Evans used his commentary to tell the story through the eyes of a soldier.

Teacher Donna Hardy, from a military family, and her students at Centennial High School are good examples of what our country is all about. They have been collecting items to send to our troops. It all started out with her class prior to the holidays and since then has expanded to participation of the entire school. In three days they collected enough to fill five boxes. The items included toiletries, hand wipes, Kool Aid, playing cards, travel games, reading materials, writing supplies, gum, hard candies, T-shirts and socks. There are very few things, other than mail from home, more important to a soldier than dry socks and shirts during the rainy season. That's exactly the weather condition in Iraq today. Then along came Coast Casinos with at least 10,000 T-shirts for the troops. Now Hardy and her Centennial troops need some help in shipping these goodie s to Iraq.

Can you help them get these bits of comfort to our troops? Maybe you, your company or civic club can come forward to give help to some good young people completing an act of love and good citizenship. Hardy can be reached during the day at Centennial High School at 799-3440 (extension 4078) or by e-mail at DonnaHardyLV@aol.com. It's not just 'another GI killed in Iraq today,' it's somebody's kid, husband ... you know."