As a military nurse and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, I applaud Mason's editorial. When I returned from Afghanistan in 2002 after helping to establish the American hospital in Bagram, I felt like a stranger in my own country. It was the holidays, and I watched people in the malls going about their routines while others, worlds away, were searching for their next drink of clean water.

During my last four years in the military, I worked as a case manager for returning soldiers who either were wounded or had other medical problems. By my estimate, more than 50% suffered some form of posttraumatic stress disorder.

I hope Americans, whether or not they agree with the war, realize the sacrifice our soldiers have made. We should also remember the nurses who have been killed while serving all of us.

Regina Long, RN, CRNP

Pittsburgh, PA

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