The anguish of having loved ones in harm’s way

Your article (Nov. 2) on the recent deaths in Iraq of four soldiers serving in the California National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, touched my heart and made me cry. Thank you also for remembering the others who have died from their company. Cpl. Glenn Watkins was serving in our son’s squad when he was killed earlier this year. I wish I had a photo of him to send to you; his photo being absent from the others in your article saddened me. I can understand the anguish families feel about having our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and friends at risk every day. Our day revolves around our son’s online messages. When we hear from him it’s a good day; when we don’t, well, our day is hell. If more people in our country had more “skin in the game,” and if our country’s leaders had their sons and daughters at risk, I believe we would see a quick end to this costly war.

RANDY HENNIGER

Aliso Viejo