European and Mideast editions

(EDITOR’S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump ahead to the Pacific edition letters)

‘Quiet clay’ should be read

The author of “‘Quiet clay’ column horrifying” (letter, Oct. 1) obviously didn’t read the entire piece.

The author of the column (“My respect for ‘quiet clay’ is loud and clear,” Opinion, Dr. [Col.] W. Thomas Frank, Sept. 26) clearly expressed shame for his initial feeling of hesitation in attending to the three fallen soldiers.

Furthermore, the descriptions of the soldiers were nowhere near as gruesome as seeing them firsthand would have been.

It is ironic that printing “quiet clay” shocked people, yet these types of events are happening every day in Iraq. How can the fact that someone would retell this story be more horrifying than the fact that the events are reality? Yes, it would be a painful piece to read for families of fallen soldiers, but most news from Iraq would be. That should not cause us to obscure or sugarcoat the reality of what is happening to our soldiers.

The original piece was a haunting reminder that all of us could one day become “quiet clay.” The author described a transition within himself after facing this reality. For him, it required standing over the bodies of fallen heroes straight from battle.

Those who will thankfully never see that shocking sight should read “quiet clay.”

Sgt. Andrew Garza
Baghdad

‘Quiet clay’ a ‘fine tribute’

I read the “quiet clay” column and I did not find it “horrifying.”

I saw a physician who believed himself inconvenienced by a task he would rather not do find a new respect for fallen comrades, and how he was honored to be of service to them even in their death. The graphic description of the injuries suffered hits home the enormity of the price paid to defend freedom. While the fallen are indeed soldiers, in death their remains can be referred to as corpses. That they are corpses neither lessens their dignity nor cheapens their sacrifice in service to their country.

I consider the column a fine tribute to those fallen soldiers the good doctor has a newfound respect for. No apology is necessary. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. If the letter writer found the article disturbing, she could have stopped reading it.

Roberta Wilmoth
Spangdahlem, Germany

‘Quiet clay’ details unnecessary

This is in regard to “My respect for ‘quiet clay’ is loud and clear.”

I am a medical company commander. I know all too well that my soldiers have seen and experienced more than any soldier should. I know I am not the only leader who can say that.

The experience of losing not one, but two, soldiers from my unit was painful, and we know there are many other soldiers who understand what we are going through. While we knew our fallen comrades were killed when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb, only a few knew the graphic details. I am sure my soldiers wondered, did they go quickly or did they suffer.

While in Bagram [Air Base, Afghanistan] for the ramp ceremony, my first sergeant was told the condition of our fallen comrades and he said: “It was more than I ever wanted to know, and I hope our soldiers never have to hear the details.” Until this publication, we were fairly certain the details of that incident would be kept in confidence.

[To Dr. Frank:] The first sergeant and I know we cannot shelter our soldiers from the realities of war. A detailed description of what my soldiers looked like when you pronounced their death is not something you print in a newspaper. You could have easily gotten your point across by explaining the duty you performed, less the detail.

To put into words what it is like to pronounce the death of a soldier may be a good story, but you must remember who your audience is.

Capt. Lisa M. Dennis
Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan

‘Quiet clay’ a reality check

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for publishing “Quiet clay.”

This column was probably the most well-written and thought-provoking article you have ever published. Thank you for having the courage to do so.

In response to the woman who wrote “‘Quiet clay’ column horrifying,” well, that was her reality check. Let me be the first to welcome her back to the real world most of us live in.

Perhaps next time, before people are so quick to argue on the side of such a “noble” war or vote right-wing warmongers into power, they will reflect on the “horror” of that column and make a more informed decision.

Staff Sgt. Lance D. Gulick
Forward Operating Base Liberty, Iraq

‘Quiet clay’ hits home

I don’t know why someone would find “My respect for ‘quiet clay’ is loud and clear” disturbing.

My son is in Ramadi, Iraq. He has told us worse than what this young man has described. The only ones who would find it disturbing are the ones who do not care, the ones who do not have loved ones in these wars, who turn their heads and look the other way.

[The author] had just faced the reality around him. Just as my son did. Fearing that he might not return home, he is reaching out to everyone or anyone about the reality, maybe in some way preparing future troops for it. In another way he is talking about it to help him get through this war.

They have to have someone to talk to, to speak out. I think it does help them get through. They shouldn’t have to hold it in.

At the same time, I think the reality has brought [the author] to respect life itself.

[The author of “quiet clay”] should not be put down for what he writes. The people who do not want to hear this must realize one thing. What if it were your loved one saying this to you. How would you feel then? What would your response be to your loved one?

Leslie Hagood
Columbus, Mo.

Leave the kids at home

I agree with the writer of “Inappropriate movie for kids” (letter, Sept. 28). He is totally right. I have three children under 10 and would never take them to an R-rated movie.

On Oct. 29, we went to see “Pirates of the Caribbean” in the Büdingen, Germany, theater. There were at least five small children there, and that movie was way too much for them. One couple brought a baby who cried for the first 30 minutes, nonstop.

Find a baby sitter, or don’t go. Buy the movie on DVD if you can’t get a baby sitter. Why would you do that to your kids?

If I am going to the movies, I don’t want to hear a crying baby or see little kids running around in front of the screen. I pay, and I think the rules should be enforced. Don’t let parents with underage kids into R-rated movies.

There are “kids movies,” and that’s what my kids see. If you bring your kids [to the theater], at least keep them under control.

Melanie Kennedy
Gelnhausen, Germany

Customers should insure mail

A word for “Mailed iPod, speakers stolen” (letter, Sept. 29): insurance.

I know it’s a little more costly, and that we should be able to trust the postal services, in the honest world.

I work for a contractor downrange and my wife or myself never send anything without it. It is a shame that it has to be that way, but better safe than sorry.

Robert Hunkapiller
Baghdad

Pacific edition

‘Quiet clay’ should be read

The author of “‘Quiet clay’ column horrifying” (letter, Oct. 2) obviously didn’t read the entire piece.

The author of the column (“My respect for ‘quiet clay’ is loud and clear,” Opinion, Dr. [Col.] W. Thomas Frank, Sept. 26) clearly expressed shame for his initial feeling of hesitation in attending to the three fallen soldiers.

Furthermore, the descriptions of the soldiers were nowhere near as gruesome as seeing them firsthand would have been.

It is ironic that printing “quiet clay” shocked people, yet these types of events are happening every day in Iraq. How can the fact that someone would retell this story be more horrifying than the fact that the events are reality? Yes, it would be a painful piece to read for families of fallen soldiers, but most news from Iraq would be. That should not cause us to obscure or sugarcoat the reality of what is happening to our soldiers.

The original piece was a haunting reminder that all of us could one day become “quiet clay.” The author described a transition within himself after facing this reality. For him, it required standing over the bodies of fallen heroes straight from battle.

Those who will thankfully never see that shocking sight should read “quiet clay.”

Sgt. Andrew Garza
Baghdad

‘Quiet clay’ a ‘fine tribute’

I read the “quiet clay” column and I did not find it “horrifying.”

I saw a physician who believed himself inconvenienced by a task he would rather not do find a new respect for fallen comrades, and how he was honored to be of service to them even in their death. The graphic description of the injuries suffered hits home the enormity of the price paid to defend freedom. While the fallen are indeed soldiers, in death their remains can be referred to as corpses. That they are corpses neither lessens their dignity nor cheapens their sacrifice in service to their country.

I consider the column a fine tribute to those fallen soldiers the good doctor has a newfound respect for. No apology is necessary. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. If the letter writer found the article disturbing, she could have stopped reading it.

Roberta Wilmoth
Spangdahlem, Germany

‘Quiet clay’ details unnecessary

This is in regard to “My respect for ‘quiet clay’ is loud and clear.”

I am a medical company commander. I know all too well that my soldiers have seen and experienced more than any soldier should. I know I am not the only leader who can say that.

The experience of losing not one, but two, soldiers from my unit was painful, and we know there are many other soldiers who understand what we are going through. While we knew our fallen comrades were killed when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb, only a few knew the graphic details. I am sure my soldiers wondered, did they go quickly or did they suffer.

While in Bagram [Air Base, Afghanistan] for the ramp ceremony, my first sergeant was told the condition of our fallen comrades and he said: “It was more than I ever wanted to know, and I hope our soldiers never have to hear the details.” Until this publication, we were fairly certain the details of that incident would be kept in confidence.

[To Dr. Frank:] The first sergeant and I know we cannot shelter our soldiers from the realities of war. A detailed description of what my soldiers looked like when you pronounced their death is not something you print in a newspaper. You could have easily gotten your point across by explaining the duty you performed, less the detail.

To put into words what it is like to pronounce the death of a soldier may be a good story, but you must remember who your audience is.

Capt. Lisa M. Dennis
Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan

‘Quiet clay’ hits home

I don’t know why someone would find “My respect for ‘quiet clay’ is loud and clear” disturbing.

My son is in Ramadi, Iraq. He has told us worse than what this young man has described. The only ones who would find it disturbing are the ones who do not care, the ones who do not have loved ones in these wars, who turn their heads and look the other way.

[The author] had just faced the reality around him. Just as my son did. Fearing that he might not return home, he is reaching out to everyone or anyone about the reality, maybe in some way preparing future troops for it. In another way he is talking about it to help him get through this war.

They have to have someone to talk to, to speak out. I think it does help them get through. They shouldn’t have to hold it in.

At the same time, I think the reality has brought [the author] to respect life itself.

[The author of “quiet clay”] should not be put down for what he writes. The people who do not want to hear this must realize one thing. What if it were your loved one saying this to you. How would you feel then? What would your response be to your loved one?

Leslie Hagood
Columbus, Mo.

‘Quiet clay’ a reality check

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for publishing “Quiet clay.”

This column was probably the most well-written and thought-provoking article you have ever published. Thank you for having the courage to do so.

In response to the woman who wrote “‘Quiet clay’ column horrifying,” well, that was her reality check. Let me be the first to welcome her back to the real world most of us live in.

Perhaps next time, before people are so quick to argue on the side of such a “noble” war or vote right-wing warmongers into power, they will reflect on the “horror” of that column and make a more informed decision.

Staff Sgt. Lance D. Gulick
Forward Operating Base Liberty, Iraq

Protesters’ claim ‘outrageous’

Since my two years in the United Kingdom, I have read Stars and Stripes every day. And every day I read about how our nation’s brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are making the ultimate sacrifice for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. And most of the time, I read about how these men and women, some of whom aren’t permitted by law to drink a beer in their own country, receive a military burial with full honors, just as they should.

Then I came upon an article about a Baptist church in Topeka, Kan., that claims “the soldier’s deaths are a sign of God punishing America for tolerating homosexuality” (“Ky. ban on military funeral protests halted,” The Associated Press, Sept. 29).

What authority do these people have to make such an outrageous claim? It’s obvious none of these people have worn a uniform or would know the first thing about defending a nation. If the American Civil Liberties Union wants to file injunctions about an honorably intended state law forbidding protests within 300 feet of military funerals, that’s fine. But I don’t think these terribly misled people would get a very pleasing or thankful reaction from the mother of a dead 20-year-old lance corporal if they told her that her son died because there are homosexuals in American society.

Shame on these people! I hope Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo maintains his efforts toward appealing such a disgusting injunction.

Airman 1st Class Nicholas K. Smith
RAF Lakenheath, England