A Marine’s burden

Re “The Marlboro Marine,” two-part series, Nov 11-12

I commend Times photographer Luis Sinco for his sensitive telling of the tragedy of Marine Lance Cpl. James Blake Miller, one of many tragedies that have yet to be told about those inflicted with the invisible wounds of warfare. So much of what Sinco says about Miller needs to be understood by those in government, especially those rattling sabers now.

I’m a combat veteran of World War II and still jump at sudden loud noises 65-plus years since my last battle experience. The plain fact is that one never recovers from the trauma of killing others or from seeing your comrades killed.

A couple of years ago, I decided to see what the Department of Veterans Affairs in Westwood could do for me. I had a minor medical problem. I sat in a large room with about 100 other guys; next to me was a man about my age who looked to be in pretty bad shape. I asked him how long he had been waiting. He said: “Since yesterday.” I left.

Miller’s case seems to me to be unusual, based on the horror stories of (mis)treatment I read about. At least he’s being treated.

Leon Cooper

Malibu

Tragically, Miller’s story is being played out across this country in numbers that far exceed the almost 4,000 killed and 28,000 wounded in the Iraq war. His story has come to light only because of Sinco’s famous image captured during the battle of Fallouja. What about the tens of thousands of other emotionally damaged service members who fought bravely and then were discharged without adequate healthcare? The body can heal from injury, but a wounded mind may never heal properly.

When President Bush talks about supporting the troops, I doubt he has Miller on his mind. If he did, he would not have allowed the scandal at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to occur, as well as the continuing lack of adequate healthcare for so many emotionally damaged service personnel. Bush should call Miller and apologize.

Norman Franz

San Clemente

Sinco and Miller should go down in American history as heroes. Together, their account and memories reveal war in all its “glory.” Remaining World War II veterans were mostly against this fiasco when we saw it coming. After Congress was duped into it (tell the big lie often enough), this so-called war on terror began. Detractors were deemed unpatriotic, and buzz phrases such as “cut and run” and “drive-by media” sprang up. Now the real war has begun. Our finest young people are paying the price, while their elders in Washington sleep in warm beds.

Members of Congress are aware of Miller’s story. Presidential candidates should be. We shall see if there is any moral fiber left. Otherwise, we can only vote and pray.

Robert E. Lowe

San Juan Capistrano

Miller’s picture from Iraq reminds me of the photo of Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II and of Ira Hayes. Same story, different wars. Somebody besides Sinco please help this young man before his life ends up the same as Hayes’.

Marsha Moore

Gardena

After looking at the photo of the Marlboro Marine, it looks like Jesus wasn’t the only one who took on the sins of the world.

Patricia Huff

Alhambra