Free Republic

Skylar Johnson had not seen her father since last Christmas when she stepped on stage for her school's spelling bee on Friday. So when the moderator asked the nine-year-old how to spell 'sergeant', she was overcome with emotion when he appeared from behind the curtain. Staff Sergeant Therron Johnson and his little girl embraced for the first time in almost a year at Boca Raton Elementary in Florida An Avionics Line Supervisor with Charlie Company of the 1,111th Florida National Guard, Sergeant Johnson has been serving in Iraq for the past ten months.

Did anyone catch the interview by Jim Angle of the two wounded soldiers from Iraq? These people were amazing. I was so stirred by their comments of pride in our country, of wanting to go back, of knowing we are doing the right thing, of never doubting the mission, of support of the Iraqi people....if you can catch the rerun at 11, please do. It was emotional, patriotic and remarkable! Between this interview and the remarks of Farris Hassan, Florida student, who swore to kiss the ground of America when he returns because he realizes how sweet this country is,...

WASHINGTON — Cpl. Jemel Daniels was a gunner on patrol with his unit in Iskandere, Iraq (search), when his Humvee hit a makeshift bomb on the side of the road. "I shot out of the turret 30 feet into the air and fell into a ditch on the side of the road. My friends dragged me across the road. Just two of us actually got out and three passed away," the corporal said. Daniels works out hard without appearing to give much thought now to his injuries — an amputated left leg, a battered arm and a shattered right foot...

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use. Federal Law Protects Jobs For Reservists, Guard Members HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The U.S. Labor Department is investigating complaints from National Guard soldiers and reservists who are returning home from Iraq, only to find they've lost their jobs. This comes despite a federal law that is supposed to protect their jobs while they're on active duty. Labor Department officials in Harrisburg said the problem is not as great in Pennsylvania compared to other states. Only 80 complaints have been filed from soldiers who have lost their jobs or promised promotions. None of...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- They were Saddam Hussein's heroes, the veterans disabled in his wars in Iran and Kuwait. He gave them medical care, housing in a tree-lined enclave at the edge of the capital, and cash bonuses on patriotic holidays. Now, as they roll their wheelchairs -- with makeshift cushions and cracking rubber tires -- to visit each other, they can muster an ironic laugh at how war has been foisted upon them again. Life in the Al-Thurra disabled veterans neighborhood -- established in the 1980s -- has been tough this year. The community was overtaken by Iraqi troops when...