A FATHER’S QUEST: Joe Johnson went to Iraq to avenge son’s death, but something changed (Must Read)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution ^ | October 11, 2005 | Jeremy Redmon and Ron Martz

[calrighty]

Thanks, FMC.

[Just A Nobody]

Thank you for the ping FMC.

My 'puter screen needs cleaned...very blurry. Will have to come back to it.

[wagglebee]

An amazing and uplifting story!

Thanks!

[Gucho]

Thanks for the ping. A very moving story.

[visualops]

Great post, awesome story.

[Smartass]

Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14

Thought...

It is not enough to turn from evil. We can clean the putrid things out of our life, but if we do not actively pursue what is good then a worse evil will rush into the void. (cf. Mat. 12:43-45)

Let's be a people eager to do good and
with a passion to "wage peace."

Prayer...

O Father, let me be an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, use me to share your love and grace. Where there is injury, sin, and brokenness, use me to bring healing, forgiveness, and comfort. Please, Abba Father, use me to do your good work in my world.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.


Deus vobiscum

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank God for this hero and his father and entire family!

[newsgatherer]

I like that guy! Thanks, great article.

[Calpernia]

For more than a year, Johnson fought to follow in his son’s footsteps to Iraq. There was a sense of soldierly duty, but what most drew him here was his desire for vengeance.

“I can shoot an insurgent and not lose a bit of sleep over it,” said Johnson, a home builder from Lyerly, Ga. “I think any father would feel a sense of revenge. To me, it would be like someone down the street killed my son and I sat by and didn’t do anything about it.”

[BenLurkin]

God bless this family.

[justshutupandtakeit]

God forgive me but I hate the bastards that undermine our men with every breath and attempt to sabotage our President's efforts to make our nation safe.

Families like this one are the reason our nation became the most powerful in the world. We should never forget that.

[justshutupandtakeit]

I had to break out the tissues as well.

[eyespysomething]

Thanks for the ping, I read this at ajc online the other day.

Dad is a good man with a lot of love for his son and country.

AJC has been running fairly balanced coverage of the 48th Brigade since they left for training (to start with) last fall. Where I work, we had 17 ROTC students deployed, 1 has been injured, and 2 former students have been killed. Everytime I hear or read of a 48th incident, my stomach drops. I couldn't imagine how families all across our great nation feel everyday. God bless them and all those fighting and supporting.


aside:
I have lived in GA for 38 years, and I had never heard of Lyerly. I had to look it up, its NW of Rome, almost in Alabama.

[blackie]

"Families like this one are the reason our nation became the most powerful in the world. We should never forget that."

Roget that Brother ~ Liberal Moonbats will never get 'it' and Conservative Patriot's will never forget 'it!'

Be Ever Vigilant ~ Bump!

[La Enchiladita]

Thank you for pinging me, FMC. I am still reading the story. The photo of the grieving parents is heart-breaking.

[McGavin999]

God works in strange ways. This man will not only heal his heart, he will expand it. This will give him a greater understanding of his son's sacrifice and although it won't make it easier, it will give him peace.

[Former Military Chick]

PING

Knew you had enjoyed the article and in case you wanted to share this with others here is the link on FR.

[GVnana]

“As Christians, we need to stay and help [the Iraqis],” he said. “I hope I can help them while I’m here.”

Revenge is sweet, but love heals.

[Former Military Chick]

I have to tell you this is one of the reasons I love FR. I have the ability to share an article like this of this fine patriotic family to so many whom also think the same as I do and your love and respect for our troops warms my heart. I appreciate such wonderful people and your amazing words.

I have to admit, when I saw where this was published I to was shocked. I never thought this publication was in any way supportive of the efforts in Iraq. To write this story of this man, to show what this family has lost and gained, I was shocked.

While this family has lost much, it feels they have been given so much more. I have no doubt there are many who are equally as honorable and I wish we read more stories about them.

* * * * * * * * *

In Loving Memory of SPC Justin W. Johnson June 25, 1981 - April 10, 2004

[colorado tanker]

Thanks for posting this very moving story. Another story that won't make CNN, as they pander to the Ditch Witch.