(Rocky Mountain) News wins 2 Pulitzers (Final Salute-Marines)

The Rocky Mountain News ^ | April 18, 2006 | Kevin Vaughan

[CedarDave]

The Rocky Mountain News was honored Monday with Pulitzer Prizes in writing and photography for its unflinching look at the way U.S. Marines honor comrades who have paid the ultimate price.

In a newsroom celebration marked by emotion and tears, reporter Jim Sheeler was recognized for winning in feature writing and photographer Todd Heisler in feature photography for their collaboration, "Final Salute." The special report followed a Marine major who has the difficult task of making death notifications and of helping families begin to face life after loss.

And while there was tremendous satisfaction in the awards, there was also a keen sense of respect for the Marines who never came home - and their families.

"We're going to have some glasses of champagne to toast Todd and Jim and also to honor the courage of the families that we wrote about and photographed," said Rocky Mountain News Editor, President and Publisher John Temple, a catch in his voice. "This is an incredible moment for these two journalists and this newspaper."

"Final Salute," published on Veterans Day, chronicled a year in the life of Marine Maj. Steve Beck, the casualty assistance calls officer for Colorado and parts of four other states, and several families who lost loved ones in Iraq. Beck was in the newsroom for the announcement, and later in the afternoon he was joined by the loved ones of two Marines who lost their lives in Iraq. Sheeler and Heisler paid respect to those families.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Ping to another Marine story about heros.
CedarDave

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PING

[Gucho]

Ping!

[RikaStrom]

Oh heck, I know better to look at this at work.

(blinking away tears) . . No, I am not crying... uh huh, not me.

[A.A. Cunningham]

The original thread from last November: Final Salute

[F-117A]

Thank you!

[kas2591]

If you haven't I highly recommend reading the article. I had very wet sleeves before I was finished.

[Colt .45]

This story maade me realize how very priveledged I was to be a part of this select group of warriors called the United States Armed Forces. Not everyone can do it, and those of us who have remember the days of heartache, pain and the days of joy. How honored we truly are to have served. Because WE KNOW!

We few, we happy few
We band of brothers.

[daybreakcoming]

I would have way more than wet cheeks if I had read the story immediately after seeing the pictures and I have a sick child here to tend to. Saving the story to read late tonight. Thanks kas for the reminder.

[Lurker]

Thank you very much for posting this.

Semper Fi.

L

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[freema]

Thank you for the ping, Tonk. Incredible story, Dave. Thank you for the post. Ping List FReepmail if you want on or off this list

www.mfvov.org

www.vetsforfreedom.com

[TomasUSMC]

Semper Fi

[M0sby]

"I remember how knotted I was, forcing myself to go home at the end of the day, afraid to see government license plates in my driveway. My son was a squad leader, first battle of Fallujah."

Please thank your son from our family for his service to our country.

When my husband was in Iraq/Kuwait, I had a new baby at home. I was up VERY EARLY (like 4:00AM ) for a feeding one morning. After the baby was feed, I was standing at the sink fixing coffee.
My kitchen sink faced the cul-de-sac in front of our house.
I was groggy and tired, kind of looking outside, but not really paying attention. Just happy the baby had gone back to sleep after the early morning feeding.
As I was standing there, I saw a very dark sedan beginning a slow drive down the cul-de-sac. It took me a few seconds to "see" it.
When it hit me, what it "could be", my knees nearly buckled, and I froze in place.
I stood there trying to just breathe as it slowly drove past our home and back up the street.
I continued to stand there, waiting to see if it would come back, thinking maybe they were looking for our address but had missed it.

It never came back- that was the luckiest day of my life.

[gandalftb]

This Marine family gives us some rough days. I would have much rather been back in the field with my son than having all the anxiety of the unknown dangers our family was in. I hope your Hubby made it back safe and sane. Bless you for your sacrifices.

[M0sby]

OH THANK YOU!!!
Blessings to you as well!
My hubby DID make it home safe and sound (mostly ;-)

We are so thankful..and SO proud!