[SpyGuy]

"We lost a great American," Simpson said. "We lost a great soldier."

Uhhh... he was a great soldier based on what criteria? None is mentioned (unless dying automatically makes one great). From the article, it would appear that Evans was with the two guys that set the fire and caused the explosion. If so, then at best he did not stop them, and at worst, he was complicit in their actions.

[ambrose]

if he managed to survive the blast, he could have been the next Max Cleland. Injured "war hero"..

[kenth]

"We lost a great American," Simpson said. "We lost a great soldier."

I think Simpson was talking to the young man's mother. I agree with you regarding his language that it was just an accident. They lit them on purpose.

[BfloGuy]

Uhhh... he was a great soldier based on what criteria?

In my opinion, any soldier who does his duty is a great soldier. Heroes raise the bar.

I see no reason to find fault with this article based on this man's relative greatness.