http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/7226540.htmAL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Under the glint of a desert moon, the line of battle helmets held aloft by the rifles of fallen soldiers provided a somber illustration of the toll taken in the worst single attack against U.S. troops in Iraq.
The simple memorial service, held on this remote base's sandy soccer field last week, marked the downing of a Chinook helicopter that killed 16 soldiers. Such military rituals are meant to celebrate valor and fortify troops in the face of losses. Afterward, the base commander, a taciturn cavalry officer, briskly assured reporters that his soldiers' spirits remain high.
"No matter how many attacks there are on a given day or given week, the morale has not slipped at all," declared Col. David Teeples, commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
But by the light of day the next morning, there were different views.
"Morale's pretty low for most soldiers," said Sgt. Jerry Ciolino, an army reservist.
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My god, alternate views in the Americab media??? Didn't they get the memo?
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