"War is hell"

I meant for yesterday's post to strike a celebratory tone but, upon re-reading it, it felt like I veered into self-indulgence.

Today's entry is nothing like it. Mike Francis, an associate editor at The Oregonian, shared the featured post from his own blog, Oregon at War, with the rest of us in the Editorial Department. It's from a deployed soldier in Iraq and, as Mike says, it is a harrowing read.

If you have misgivings about reading about grief and death, don't go here.

If you have the fortitude to read about what it's like when soldiers lose one of their own -- and you can appreciate the incredible bond uniting those serving abroad and the sense of duty that propels them forward -- then read on. (Above right: Combat Infantry Badge)

http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonatwar/