Humankind Stories

I do too and have gone back and forth all day long wrapping my head around this. All I see is the exact opposite. She's more mature than I'll ever be.

SSG Warren Swan - We all want to have the ability to forgive like her however if we all were, evil would take advantage of us more than it does already. We sign up to pick up a rifle, stand on the line, and kill if we need be to make a world where people like her are able to live and forgive. I would love to find the peace she has but after what I have seen, the most I can do is try to protect her and those in this world that are innocent of the evil that is there and see to it those unlike her that are still innocent, never have to know. My six year old daughter is still there and that is a joy to my life.

MAJ Byron Oyler - Sir that is my dilemma too. We spend years talking about keeping our bearing, but how can you keep it when something like this happens? I was beyond pissed, crying in a fit of rage because a battle was killed, another hit with IED's twice due to command negligence, and that's not me. I'm not a violent person, I don't like violence, but acknowledge in our line of work, it has to be seen as a reality, a reality I'm prepared to do. I understand we have a job to do, and many times we won't like it, but I don't think or believe for one second I could forgive those who harmed my battles. Anybody would want that person(s) dead for harming one of us, but her child? I love her, her spirit, and he ability to forgive and want to mentor him to be a better person later. I think that is one of the most selfless acts that will never make the news, and I'd be so damn happy if I could see what he winds up after he's released. If she can do this now, and stay with him later, this kid has a better chance at success in life than many of us ever had.