To (soldier's ) mom, death more than statistic

[rainbow4321]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/102805dntexgeorge.1f53820.html

Staff Sgt. George Alexander was distressed in the weeks leading up to his ninth trip to the Middle East. He moped around his mother's home. He complained of moodiness and depression but refused to see a doctor. And he told his minister that the continuing death and instability in Iraq were getting to him. He dreaded going back.

Two months later, a Humvee carrying Sgt. Alexander and his best friend was blown apart by a roadside bomb. Sgt. Alexander died Saturday. His friend Staff Sgt. Alwin Cashe is hooked up to a breathing machine and fighting for his life in San Antonio.

<snip>

As his time wound down, he became brooding and despondent, and Ms. Spence suggested he go see a doctor. Sgt. Alexander resisted; he didn't want a diagnosis of depression on his military record. But he shared his anxiety with the Rev. Melvin Hunter, the family minister of 17 years.

"It was getting worse over there and he didn't want to go back," Mr. Hunter said. "But being in the service, it was an oath he had taken."

[Oversea Visitor]

1. BRING IT ON

STAY THE COURSE

Shouted the mad chimp when he saw this articles.