Iraq war for U.S. is over, but pain lingers
Lewis DiuguidThe decision by injured Iraq war veteran Tomas Young to refuse nourishment, water and life-sustaining medication is just one of many tragic examples of the pain this country continues to bear because of that unnecessary war.
Young, 33, became well-known after a sniper’s bullet paralyzed him in 2004. The 1998 Winnetonka High School graduate had joined the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as many young men and women did.
Because of how he was treated as a wounded veteran, he was the subject of the 2007 documentary, “Body of War,” which Phil Donahue produced. The film was shown in Kansas City, and Young spoke with an audience afterward about the deficient veteran’s services and his physical challenges.
He bravely brought attention to this continuing problem for veterans. The Kansas City Star reports today that because he is “sick and tired of being sick and tired” he is entering hospice preparing to die.
This country owes veterans, their families and the communities that help them so much more than it currently is giving.
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