Teachers, Hardware Salesmen and Stay-at-home Dads

Who wanted to help their community are paying the ultimate price for a cause that changes with every negative news cycle.

For Many in Iraq, Death Is Quick and Capricious: "'Dying for Iraq is a horrible way to die,' said Spec. Aaron Novak, 25, of Billings, Mont. 'But to die for your buddies, that's the way I look at it. Iraq is going to be here a long time after we're gone.'

Task Force 1-163 arrived in Hawija last December, 850 soldiers -- teachers and hardware salesmen and stay-at-home dads in civilian life -- deployed to a town so violent some referred to it as 'the sister city of Fallujah.' The unit encountered more than 600 roadside bombs during its deployment; one 30-man platoon was hit by 41.

McNary, who drove a cement truck and ran the gravel crusher for Casino Creek Concrete in Lewistown, Mont., 'believed in what he was doing 100 percent,' said Sgt. 1st Class James Irish, 39, who hunted, fished and bowled with McNary for 20 years. McNary's commitment appeared to have less to do with the future of Iraq than with the immediate fate of his men.

'My mission is to keep you guys safe,' he told them repeatedly."

What a heavy burden to bear...if only his commander in chief had the same goals.

And if only he had been able to protect himself.