My name is Jan Johnson, and my son, Justin Johnson knew Casey Sheehan (son of the well-known Cindy Sheehan) very well. They were in fact very close friends after they met in the U.S. Army at Fort Hood.
Justin and Casey shipped off together to Iraq, and their friendship grew stronger as they spent more time together and shared the experiences of serving their country at a time of war.
On April 4, 2006, Casey Sheehan died in Sadr City, Iraq when his unit was attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. The news of Casey's death was devastating for Justin, and he went online to express his condolences to the Sheehan family:
"My name is Spc. Justin Johnson of the 1-82 field arty battalion. Casey was a great friend of mine and is missed by us. All I wanted to say he is in my heart all the time."
Six days later, Justin himself died in the same city as Casey Sheehan when the Humvee he was traveling in hit an IED.
My family's story does not end there. At the age of 45, my husband Joe Johnson re-enlisted and went to Iraq. He was determined to fight for this nation in response to the 9/11 attacks, the attack on the U.S.S. Cole and all the other acts of terror against the U.S. and its citizens. And now Joe's son had died in the war on terror as well, and he had the chance to avenge his son's death in Iraq.
The death of Justin has been an immeasurably painful experience for my husband and I. We loved our son very much and wish so badly he was still with us today - more than just in our hearts and prayers.
We wish to honor Justin Johnson and Casey Sheehan. They are heroes who gave all to sacrifice for their nation.
Watching the actions of Cindy Sheehan and some of her supporters the past 2 years has been painful for me at times. I do not think that many of her actions and tactics properly honor the brave efforts of our troops serving in the war against terrorism. I've been determined to find a way to give voice to America's heroes, including my son, and now there is one way that I can be sure he and Casey will be properly honored.
There is a new book you've probably heard about called "American Mourning" written by Melanie Morgan (Chairman of Move America Forward) and Catherine Moy (reporter for the Vacaville Reporter).
This is the story of my boy, Justin and his friend, Casey. It is a story that has largely gone untold. Oh sure, everyone in the nation knows what Cindy Sheehan thinks about President Bush, but that's not what I think our nation should focus on.
I think we should instead pay tribute to the wonderful men and women who have given their lives for this nation, and whose service and sacrifice keeps our nation strong and free.
I think it would be a great honor for Casey and Justin if we could help make this book the #1 Bestseller at Amazon.com. I am hoping that each one of you reading this will pick up at least 1 copy. The book is about $15. It will be a compelling read for yourself, and make for a great gift for someone this holiday season.
Here's where you can order the book, and join me in monitoring that Amazon.com Sales Rank number - KEEP CHECKING BACK HERE TO SEE OUR PROGRESS.
If there's some justice in the world we can get that book to #1 and get the story told that deserves to be told about America's finest.
A family photo from when
Thank you for reading my letter. God Bless you and God Bless America!
my family was whole.
Fondly,
Jan Johnson
Rome, Georgia
P.S. The memorial page for my son can be found online here.
Casey's memorial page can be found here.
