Article Content

Author David Hagstad responds: I served in the U.S. Army during the first Gulf War and this is why I slip into referring to these and all service members as soldiers.

 

You suggest that the men whose belongings we were sorting became only names to me. This is far from the truth. My role at the hospital was primarily administrative, but on this and a few other terrible days when our resources were overwhelmed, I stepped into a clinical role and did what I was trained to do.

 

I offer sincere apologies for any anguish my writing might have caused families and anyone else close to these fallen marines.

 

Section Description

AJNwelcomes letters to the editor regarding recently published articles, although critiques of original research may be submitted at any time. Submissions must be typed, contain fewer than 300 words, and list the correspondent's name, address, and phone number or e-mail address; include no more than three references for any statistics or studies cited. Letters will be edited for length, clarity, and accuracy. Submission of a letter will constitute the author's permission to publish it, although it doesn't guarantee publication. Letters become the property of AJN and may be published in all media. Send letters to AJN, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 333 Seventh Avenue, 19th Floor New York, NY 10001 [email protected] (212) 886-1206 (fax)