As an advocate for peace, I choose to take the time at least once weekly to remember the cost of war to civilians, and to remember the friends and families of United States service personnel who have been killed.
This past week, the Department of Defense announced the following combat-related deaths:
Spc. Kenneth Clifford Alvarez, 23, of Santa Maria, California
Pvt. Jonathon Michael Dean Hostetter, 20, of Humphreys, Missouri
1st Lt. Jason Togi, 24, of Pago Pago, American Samoa
Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo D. Young, 34, of Rosston, Arkansas
Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, 24, of Staten Island, New York
Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Bowden, 28, of Villa Rica, Georgia
Source 1 – Source 2 – Source 3 – Source 4 – Source 5
It is also easy to forget that the human cost of war extends beyond combat-related deaths.
July 2013 Suicide Information released by the Army
May the friends and families of those who have died find peace. May those in combat areas, as well as their friends and families, find peace. May returned veterans find peace. May those who experience the mental health costs of war find peace. May the world find peace.