Return Home ... heartbreaking images

[RedEarth]

Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V. Komppa of Montana was killed October 25 in Anbar province in Iraq. Kenneth Jarecke captured the images of Komppa's homecoming, from the arrival of his remains at the Billings airport to his funeral and burial.

...first of nine pictures.......so tragic and unnecessary....


http://www.usnews.com/usnews/photography/funeral/bigpicture.php?image=1

[wicket]

1. Those pictures are soul-crushing

Rest in Peace Mr. Komppa.

:cry:

[babylonsister]

2. So very sad and unnecessary. Many lives were changed, and

that's one person. Imagine the pain being felt in this country, and Iraq? :cry:

[Virginia Dare]

3. Heartbreaking, no other word for it...n/t

[mike_c]

4. this is all so fucking unnecessay-- all for nothing....

Damn Bush and everyone who supported his shitty little war!

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. I am so sorry for all the broken families.

[speedoo]

6. He was Navy. I'd like to know how he was killed.

Every time I see this kind of picture, I become semi-enraged about this immoral war and the chickenhawks who lied this country into it.

This time I am especially enraged, since I am a Navy vet and I know that sailors and airmen are being plugged into duty that is normally for Army and Marines types. And it's a terrible reminder that there are thousands of Reservists and National Guard there, as well as regular types on their third and maybe fourth tours.

Horrible fucking war. Horrible fucking administration.

[BOSSHOG]

7. He was a CB Shipmate

Here is his funeral home guestbook:

http://legacy.com/AZCentral/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=19735255

Evil tragedy, perpetrated by evil people and supported by evil (and extremely ignorant people.)

[Mad_Dem_X]

9. I signed the guestbook

So tragic...my heart goes out to that family, and all families torn apart by this evil war.

[BOSSHOG]

11. I guarantee it will be appreciated

I never knew that Sailor but he will forever be my shipmate.

[speedoo]

10. Thankyou.

I was going to sign it but I just cannot associate myself with all that crap about "he was fighting for our freedom/country".

I realize I'm being selfish, and I'm sorry for that.

He should not have been there.

[BOSSHOG]

12. Roger that Teammate

I'm onboard with your thoughts. I'd prefer "your son would not be dead if our cowardly commander in chief wasn't totally fucking incompetent and you can bet you'll get nothing more then a machine signed form letter from him if that much." But I shall maintain a degree of professionalism.

[speedoo]

16. Exactly.

A note such as yours would express my honest feelings, but I know the family is not likely to appreciate it at this time.

[InternalDialogue]

8. God bless his family.

As well as countless other families facing their own losses from the war.

[wicket]

14. Amen

:cry:

[Hav]

13. .

Very sad.
All of these people probably had the worst day of their lifes as well. How horrible to lose your kid or your brother/sister.

[never cry wolf]

15. I am crying

how gut wrenching.

[progressoid]

17. Alicia Komppa, 14, touches her father's casket........