Free Republic

CBS) NEW YORK The death and destruction of U.S. troops fighting in Iraq seems to have become so rampant to one local soldier that he actually staged an attack on himself -- allegedly hiring a hitman to non-fatally shoot him -- so he wouldn't be sent back for another tour of duty. Now, 20-year-old Jonathan Aponte is under fire at home in the Bronx for his decision that may send him to prison. "There are some people mentally that can handle it. There are some people who just can't. You need to know when to say enough is enough," Aponte...

AUSTIN, Tex. - "Aponte?" the Fort Hood soldier asked. "I'm here to pick you up." And with that, Bronx G.I. Jonathan Aponte was back in the hands of the U.S. military - his fate uncertain. On the flight back to his base yesterday, Aponte came clean, admitting he indeed hired someone to shoot him in the knee, hoping to get out of returning to Iraq. The alleged gunman, Felix Padilla, charged $500. The cost to Aponte is now much, much more. He faces charges in the Bronx and a possible court-martial at Fort Hood. He also is dealing with the...