David of The Thunder Run has posted a number of times about Sgt. Mike Stokely, an American Hero killed in Iraq, and about his conversations with Mike's father.

Recently, David received a letter from Mike's father, answering the question - "Is Iraq worth it?"

The day of the night that Mike was killed, he could have gone up to Baghdad for an overnight trip to take equipment for changeout, but a fellow squad member wanted to go as well so he could see his brother in another unit - upon learning both couldn't go, Mike gave up his seat so the other soldier could go see his brother. That night when Mike was killed, he had been on duty 30 hours or so, and saw three Humvees about to go on a mission - one had an empty seat due to a soldier being home on leave rotation - Mike jumped in the seat without being asked.

Be sure to read this - an answer from someone who knows in a very personal way exactly what the war costs.

Also talking about Sgt. Stokely - the Mudville Gazette