Tracy's Tyler Jackson came back from Iraq a lance corporal. He leaves the Camp Pendleton brig today a private after spending about 17 months locked up for his role in the killing of an Iraqi civilian.
No one knows what is next for this young man who went to serve his country and got mixed up in the fog of war with a commanding officer who decided killing an innocent civilian — Hashim Ibrahim Awad, if you care to put a name to the father, grandfather and longtime police officer — was as good as killing an insurgent.
Pvt. Jackson deserves to be welcomed by his community. A ticker-tape parade and hero's welcome are not necessary. But he should be given the respect and understanding due anyone who enters a war zone and does not emerge the same person.
He deserves to be able to start his life over. Hopefully, Tracy can grant him that second chance.
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1 comment:
Thank you, Jon for your compassion.
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