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DEL.ICIO.USA FATHER’S QUEST: Joe Johnson went to Iraq to avenge son’s death, but something in his heart changed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rifle ready, Cpl. Joe Johnson nimbly stepped around mounds of trash and pools of raw sewage, handing out strawberry Twizzlers to scabby, barefoot children.
It saddens Johnson to think this desperate poverty and filth were the last things his son saw before he was killed last year.
Louie Favorite/AJCCpl. Joseph Johnson on patrol near Husseiniya, Iraq.
Audio reports from Joe Johnson:
On why he came to Iraq
On meeting Iraqi children
On retracing his son’s footsteps in Iraq
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.”
But since his arrival less than a month ago, this former Church of God missionary has discovered the children of Iraq. And on occasion they have rekindled the Christian spirit in his heart that was once his guiding light.
This date is inscribed on a silver bracelet on Johnson’s right wrist: April 10, 2004. Spc. Justin Johnson, 22, was killed that day by a roadside bomb. Joe says he won’t take the bracelet off until he returns home sometime next year.
When he talks about his son, Joe grows quiet. He looks off into the distance almost as if he is searching for something. He is not a complex man and at times struggles to express the conflicting emotions he keeps hidden deep inside.
Justin Johnson was killed by a roadside bomb on April 10, 2004.
At 48, Joe has a youthful face. He carries a photo of his son in uniform. The two look nearly identical. They were close. Almost too close. Justin worked in his father’s home construction business. They occasionally fought like relatives who spend too much time together.
“We would get into it and he would quit,” Joe said. “He would go out and party with his friends and come into work late and I would fire him.”
Joe was supposed to be in Iraq last year, looking after his son. He wanted to be here the same time as Justin. With seven years of service in the Army and Navy combined, he had the experience. He thought it would make it easier on his wife. She would know he would do his best to look out for their son.
Joe contacted several military units, asking when they were deploying to Iraq. He had no luck until he found a National Guard brigade in Washington heading out. He joined — but then he injured his knee in training and was unable to deploy with the unit.
“It was a big letdown,” he said.
Justin went on to Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division. He patrolled a Baghdad slum called Sadr City, manning a machine gun on a Humvee.
Joe talked to his son once by telephone before his death. “I thought I would be seeing him in a few months when my knee got better,” Joe said. “What are the odds? I really wasn’t worried about him.”
Billy Smith II/AJCJoe and Jan Johnson mourn their son in April 2004 at Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Rome.
On Easter Sunday, while he was recovering from his injury at Fort Lewis, Joe got a call from his wife. He had trouble understanding her because she was crying so much. She told him Justin was gone.
Jan Johnson said a change came over her husband almost immediately after he learned of Justin’s death.
“He got mad at God for a while,” she said, sitting in the photo-lined living room of the family home on the outskirts of Lyerly.
“He never stopped loving God,” Jan continued, “but he blamed God for what happened to Justin. I think he just wanted to blame somebody because he somehow felt responsible.”
When Joe stopped blaming God, he started blaming all Muslims for his son’s death. For more than a year the couple talked about his feelings and his desire for revenge.
Finally, Jan said, she told him: “I don’t care if you go over there and kill every one of them. It won’t bring Justin back.”
On the first anniversary of his son’s death, Joe made up his mind. He picked the Savannah-based 1st Battalion of the 118th Field Artillery Regiment because it was headed to Iraq. He said his wife “wasn’t too happy with me.”
But Jan said she knew there was little she could do to stop him.
“I don’t think he’d ever have closure until he went over there,” she said.
Curtis Compton/AJCJan Johnson says grief altered her husband. “He got mad at God for awhile…”
“I told my wife, ‘If I don’t come, who will?’ ” he said. “I keep trying to drill in her head that when my time is up, my time is up. The Bible says your days are numbered. God will decide when to bring me home.”
But that does little to comfort his wife.
“My nerves are shot worrying about Joe and Joshua,” she said.
Joshua, 26, is their oldest son and a Special Forces sergeant. The couple also have a daughter, Joleen Gladney, who is Joshua’s twin, and three grandchildren.
Jan stays busy working around the couple’s 13-plus acres, bordered by the Chattooga River. She also is involved with the Georgia chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, an organization for those with sons and daughters serving in the military.
She wears a blue star pin for Joshua, a gold star pin for Justin and a silver bracelet with Joe’s name on it. She also wears a set of Joe’s dog tags around her neck. Justin’s dog tags hang from the rearview mirror of her PT Cruiser.
In recent weeks Jan has become something of an anti-Cindy Sheehan, the California woman who became an outspoken anti-war activist after her son, Spc. Casey Sheehan, was killed in Iraq last year. Jan has appeared on CNN and done other interviews as a mother who supports the war despite losing a son.
“I don’t want Joe over there,” she said, “but it’s not because I don’t support what’s going on. I’ve already lost one. I don’t want to lose another. But my son died trying to give somebody else freedom.”
Louie Favorite/AJC
Iraqi children have helped Joe Johnson regain much of his former self, his wife says.
Ironically, Justin and Casey were friends, Jan said, and were killed just six days apart.
“The day Casey died, Justin called and told me he had just lost a good friend. Justin cried on the phone,” she said.
Joe talked about Justin recently at Camp Taji, a sprawling base northwest of Baghdad. He chain-smoked Marlboro Lights, tipping his ashes into a strawberry red Fanta soda can. His language had grown saltier. He was back in the military again, back to old habits.
Joe’s side of the two-man trailer was Spartan. He had arrived just 17 days before and hadn’t unpacked all his gear or hung up any family photos. He wore the standard desert camouflage uniform. He was so fresh his unit hadn’t given him one of the newer, mint-green uniforms that 48th Brigade soldiers wear.
Joe guards civil affairs missions outside the wire, when soldiers hand out school supplies and help rebuild the country’s infrastructure. He carries a rifle and occasionally mans a machine gun on a Humvee, just as his son did. His unit operates in an area just a short drive from where Justin died.
Friends and relatives tell him he shouldn’t be here, that he should be home with his family.
“They think I’m over here strictly for revenge,” Joe said. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.”
But as he walks the trash-strewn streets of Husseiniya and other nearby villages, Joe finds it somewhat unsettling.
“It feels kind of weird to see the things that [Justin] may have seen and experience the same, minus the combat, you know, that he experienced,” he said.
Joe sometimes wonders what he would have done had he been here when his son was killed.
“I might have just run outside the wire and started shooting. I don’t know,” he said.
Revenge is a powerful motivation for Joe, but not the only one. He is learning Arabic on his own so he can communicate with Iraqis. A thick stack of homemade Arabic flash cards sits by his bed. Among the phrases he has learned: “We are here to help you.”
Jan believes the Iraqi children have helped Joe regain much of his former self. On their mission trips to Ecuador he was always partial to the children.
“I think this has become more of a mission trip for him,” she said. “It kind of replaced Ecuador.”
Joe said most Iraqis he had met expressed their thanks for the Americans’ being there.
“The kids are very appreciative of everything we give them, the candy, the school supplies. And that is another reason why I’m here, for the kids.”
Joe concedes his decision may not have been the best one for his family. But now that he’s here, he feels he’s doing something worthwhile.
“As Christians, we need to stay and help [the Iraqis],” he said. “I hope I can help them while I’m here.”
Meanwhile, a painful process is starting over again. Joshua is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. Joe said he offered Joshua a deal: He would give up on Iraq if his son would not go to Afghanistan.
“He wouldn’t deal with me,” Joe said regretfully.
“You can’t spend too much time with your kids,” he added emphatically. “It’s just not possible.”
Joe has one other regret. He doesn’t recall ever telling Justin how proud he was of him. When Joshua was promoted to sergeant in August, Joe got on the phone.
“He called to congratulate him,” Jan said. “And he told him how proud he was of him.”
Staff writer Jeremy Redmon’s e-mail address jredmon@ajc.com; Ron Martz’s address is rmartz@ajc.com.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Tammy
October 12, 2005 12:38 AM | Link to this
Sgt Joe Johnson, I hope you find the acceptance and peace you are looking for. It sounds like you are. God bless you, and your son Joshua as you serve, and your wife Jan. I think your son Justin made a difference. You and your whole family are. I am sure you have and will continue to touch lives in ways you will never even realize. God is faithful to take our tragedies and make something beautiful of them. I think that is the highest honor you could pay your son. Even in the midst of the ugliest of war and death,Your Family is pressing on. God Bless and keep You in His care, all of you. Thank you for sharing. I think your words of honesty and faith will have a healing touch on many wounded hearts. God bless all of our soldiers and their families.
By Brian Anthony
October 12, 2005 02:15 AM | Link to this
What can I say it was a touching artical. I hope he finds the answer he is looking for and the closer needed. I think about Justin every day still remembering the explosion and the trama of seeing that. I don’t wright because im scared of the memories of me and justin hanging out in fort hood.
By Dragon 7(r)
October 12, 2005 04:43 AM | Link to this
Wow, Jeremy That is one strong article, thank you for this one. keep up this type of article and get us more pic’s of our soldiers outside the wire doing their job.
By sher mullins
October 12, 2005 06:00 AM | Link to this
ROCK ON DAD! PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR HARD WORK. KNOW THAT YOUR SON IS IN GOD’S HANDS NOW! MOM-KEEP PRAYING! GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR SOLDIERS, AND THEIR FAMILIES! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL! I WEAR MY FLAG EVERYDAY ON MY SHIRT WITH PRIDE!…
By Tom Briggs
October 12, 2005 07:12 AM | Link to this
Jeremy: thank you for telling the story. Joe: thank you for your service. Not only are you helping Iraqi children establish a new way of life, but you are protecting our children’s way of life here in the US. Keep the faith!
Tom Briggs
By Sylvia Savage
October 12, 2005 07:43 AM | Link to this
Reading of the sacrifices of your family and all the other thousands of families is so overpowering that one can not imagine carrying on with life when a loved one is taken. I feel that my anger would just overpower me. You must truely have God in your lives. Only God could give you the peace and keep love in your heart. I pray that you and yours continue to have his blessings and that both you and your son return home safely to your family.
By Stacey
October 12, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this
This is one of the best story’s written and it certainly shows all of the layers of this conflict. All I can say is I am very sorry for your loss and that you will be in my prayers. I know it has to be very nerve wracking to have lost one child and have another child plus husband over there. May God protect and keep them. All of your family is very brave, and thanks to all of you for your service.
By jenmom
October 12, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for a great, honest, heartfelt feature article. What a journey we all are on. God bless this family!
By Dean Watts
October 12, 2005 08:29 AM | Link to this
Powerful story! Shows the true heart of our military. They are there for the future of the people of Iraq and ours. Good luck to Dad and Son, may you both return home safely. Mom, we will keep you and your family in our prayers.
By big wally
October 12, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this
I want to tell Cpl Johnson that the real “revenge” took place in the hearts and souls of those little children he showed real Christian love to. He needs to know that by reaching out to these children in person he has planted the seed of love and good will. He has helped to win the war not by killing but by loving. It’ll take longer time to bring the results of peace and good will,but it will help healing his wounds, and these children now know Americans are not those violent, no moral, no discipline, money hungery,drug addicted Holywood projections. It is this America that people from all over the world appreciates. You see, I was one of those poor, hungery kids who followed American soldiers during the Korean War in the Far East. I still have vivid memories of running after some GI,screaming “give me a piece of bread”and eventually got a bag of toasted soybeans. I experienced Americans who gave help during our needest hours and, as a result, I worked hard and was able to become a proud American. There is no doubt in my mind that I will defend this nation to death. I absolutely urge for more positive stories and pictures to show the war in a more balanced way and to show the true spirit of Americans. God bless America.
By Sheila
October 12, 2005 09:05 AM | Link to this
Joe, Though you went to Iraq with one agenda, God has called you there for another. You and your family bear witness to the inner strength He gives us in times of distress. I pray for your son Joshua and you and that God keep you both out of harms way and return you safely to your family, if it is God’s will. His ways are not our ways. May God continue to bless you and all the soldiers fighting for our freedom.
By KB
October 12, 2005 09:09 AM | Link to this
My heart really goes out to the Johnson family. I am a former Marine who has served his country honorably for eight years. His family has given so much for a war that we really should have not been involved in at that time. May Mr. Johnson continue to see the truly helpless victims - the kids and the adults who suffered the most under a madman’s dictatorship - are the one he is there to help. I hope in the near future that Mr. Johnson and his other son will go home soon with their bodies in one piece. The Iraqi people need to solve their own problems by themselves, not with United States or any other country in their country hindering that process…
By Stanton Lore
October 12, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this
I was a Marine in Vietnam in 1968. To this day my mother says the worst 2 days of her life were (1) the day I came home and announced I’d joined the Marines and (2) the day I left for Vietnam. I was injured after a few months in country and spent the next 10 months recovering in a naval hospital. When my mother got the notice that I’d suffered a serious injury she was glad!!! At least I was coming home alive. This article brings up so many feelings for me, but mostly trying to imagine what this mother and wife has suffered through and is going through each day. The article is amazing as is the transformation of the father from stark revenge to returning Christian values and need to help the Iraqis. This is indeed a true American Family in every sense of the phrase, risking all for a cause. The horrors of combat and death already took a son and brother and two members are still in harms way. Mostly, I am thankful for the mother’s faith in God as a Christian. Without that faith in Him - well, I just can’t imagine her staying sane.
By Barbara
October 12, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this
God Bless You Joe and your family
By Janicia
October 12, 2005 09:23 AM | Link to this
Beautifully written. This is an article with heart. Probably the best I have read since the 48th deployed. Keep it up..
By Alexandria
October 12, 2005 09:47 AM | Link to this
God bless you, Johnson family. The prayers of this military family are with each of you. After twenty years as a Navy wife, I now find myself a Marine mom — so I’m walking in those same moccasins. I’m grateful to and proud of you all, and all of our troops and the families who wait at home. May all be safe home soon.
By Mark
October 12, 2005 09:48 AM | Link to this
Jeremy, thatnks for sharing that story. Joe, I know that I know that it was hard losing Justin. My deepest and sincerest condolencess to you and Jan. We are all here for a purpose and Justin graciously served his. If there is any comfort know this; he could have wasted his life in drugs or any other wasteful manner but he chose to give his life in service so that others would be free. As a father know that you succeeded because you did not raise selfish children but ones who have made significant contribution to the cause of freedom. We all know that freedom is not free and the enemies of freedom are relentless so the sacrifice to achieve freedom has to be made. I applaud you dear sir and may you find the peace that passes understanding.
By Mike
October 12, 2005 09:59 AM | Link to this
I want to thank you and your family for your service, sacrafice,and suport of our country. I pray that God will use you and your family peace during your service. God has a special mission for you that will have such an impact that you may never realize or see. God bless.
By Shane
October 12, 2005 10:25 AM | Link to this
Any sensible, decent human being mourns the loss of Justin, and anyone else like him that has the courage to sacrifice everything for their country and what they believe in. That said, I find some aspects of this article, as well as some of the things I believe it is supposed to appeal to in people, absolutely appaling.
“I think this has become more of a mission trip for him�
If that is how Cpl. Joe Johnson actually feels, I find it deeply disturbing. Not one Iraqi citizen, child or adult, ever wished for the United States to come into their country as a missionary for a Christian god, armed with weapons provided by a government that is funded by millions of people who do not believe in that god.
By Oconee
October 12, 2005 10:35 AM | Link to this
…. This is a story of a real American family that can make all of us proud of. This tells a real life sacrifices of one’s love ones and how they are overcoming the heart break that I know they have. I can only say “Thank Youâ€? for giving us a family like the Johnsons. I know I have been fast to put down some of the prior articles but this is one I will print and frame and add to my collection of my own years in the military. I have been there, have done it and I think I understand what is going on in the mind of this great Dad and his family. God bless you Sgt Johnson and may he keep you and your other son safe and bring you both back home when you have completed your missions.
By Phyllis Kassum
October 12, 2005 10:37 AM | Link to this
THANK YOU TO THE JOHNSON FAMILY FOR ALL OF YOUR SACRIFICE BUT MOST OF ALL THANK YOU FOR SETTING THE EXAMPLE THAT SO MANY OF US AMERICANS HAVE FORGOTTEN. IT IS NOT ABOUT “US” OR OUR COMFORTS, IT IS ABOUT THE CHILDREN OF WAR. JAN, THANK YOU FOR THE EXAMPLE OF A COURAGOUS WIFE AND MOTHER THAT YOU HAVE SET FOR ME. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES AT THIS TIME.
By Dean
October 12, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this
Good stuff, Jeremy.
By Marc
October 12, 2005 11:04 AM | Link to this
Disturbing story, but very POWERFUL. Hate and anger have a way of directing our thoughts and emotions. Only with the HELP of God will we learn to show LOVE, empathy, compassion, and understanding. Ironically, it is the compassion and empathy toward the Iraq children that has shown Joe to ease his hate. I sympathize with his plite. Vengence is the Lord’s not ours. As a Christian, we believe this. However, when tragedy strikes, loss of a son, our FAITH is really TESTED. I hope and pray that Joe passes his test. Tomorrow is not promised to no one. Irregardless of race, creed, nationality, or color. Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Pakistan remind us of this. We are all our brother’s keeper. Having been in the military myself, I know what it is like to defend my country. I disagree with this war. Defend is the key word. What are we defending? Terrorism is still alive in other countries and growing. If we are under attack again, will we then deploy troops from Iraq to defend our country? Will it ever end? God only knows. Pray, praise him, and pray often.
By WarOpposer
October 12, 2005 11:28 AM | Link to this
This article is very interesting.
I hope that God continues to work on this guy’s heart as he deals with his grief. I know the Devil tries to tear at people when they’re at their weakest.
I will say that it doesn’t suprise me one bit that someone would go over there with that kinda mentality. To me this war is predicated on vengence and a misguided sense of patriotism/nationalism. So if he is able to make “lemonade outta lemons” by treating innoncent Iraqis/Muslims humanely - more power to him.
By matt penn
October 12, 2005 11:37 AM | Link to this
great article. and that shane guy must feel like an idiot for being the only one talking bad about this whole thing. God bless the guy for wanting revenge, i know i would if i was him. it doesn’t matter why he is over there, it’s the fact that above all else he loves his family and country more then anything, and i wish everyone was like that.
By Adrianna
October 12, 2005 11:50 AM | Link to this
I am sorry to hear about the death of your son. We have no idea how to react when we lose a dead loved one to death. One day in the near future you may be able to see your son again, right here on earth. Please take time to read john 5: 28 and 29. One day death will be no more.
By Park
October 12, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this
I can only imagine the loss that has taken place in this family, as it seems so unnatural to lose a child. I only hope that this father has found solace within himself, and isn’t still on a mission of vengeance. You cant replace loss with hatred.
Lets try and do what is right by these people and help restart a country that shows prinicples so dear the American spirit, such as equality and justice. Just keep in mind that these people are not Americans however, and may want to live by there own right.
Thank you for your service sir, but even more thanks for dropping your personal goals for those of the common good.
Bring ‘em home.
By James
October 12, 2005 12:02 PM | Link to this
This is not so much of a story about war as it is about a fathers love for his son. You don’t have to support the war to be able to see that this man is guided by how he feels, and afterall it is his son he lost and his family that I am sure he misses every day. I hope we get to read about a happy ending to this. Just as I hope that we get to read that someday soon all the great men and women who wear the uniform of the United States military gets to home to the people who love them and miss them. Rememeber, support for out troops is NOT supporting the war. Good luck Joe.
By Steve Shelton
October 12, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this
What a great article. For a minute I had forgotten that I was reading the AlJazeera Constitution. More articles like this and I might read other than the want adds and buisness sections. As for joe and his family, words don’t do them justice. Look up “True Americans” in the dictionary and the Johnson family will be there.
By TB
October 12, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this
Families like the Johnsons are what makes this country the greatest country in the world. I’m so proud to be an American, and it’s because of people like the Johnsons that makes me even prouder. The Sheehan family in California needs to take a lesson from this wonderful family. God Bless each one of you and all of our soldiers serving our country. I would also like to thank all of our veterans that have so proudly and bravely served this great nation. God Bless you all.
This is the best article that I’ve ever read in the AJC. Thanks.
By CPT Tom Noble
October 12, 2005 12:22 PM | Link to this
God Bless you CPL Johnson and the work you are doing for your country and your son.
By nPerry
October 12, 2005 12:34 PM | Link to this
Very disturbing story and even more disturbing that AJC strove to make this guy a “hero.” We’ve to disabuse ourselves of the notion that by killing a few guys over there, we’re protecting our children at home here. Since when did Iraqis become a threat to our children here in the US? Come on, people understand the situation clearly and not just engage in artificial partriotism.
By ANNITA HALL
October 12, 2005 12:40 PM | Link to this
What a great story. I am in the Blue Star Mothers of Ga. with the Johnson family. One can plainly see the hurt that was in Joe’s heart with the loss of their son because the one time I met him it showed through his eyes. Jan you are the ROCK that holds things together and what a wonderful person you are. This family shows love everywhere they go to everyone they meets them . I sat with Jan, Joleen , and the beautiful grandkids at our last picnic to send care packages to our troops and Jan was a blessing to me. My son was deployed at the time. Jan and Joe thanks for being you’ll! Joe thanks for what you do to keep us safe. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY!!!
By Greg
October 12, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this
The story of a father’s revenge in Iraq is very odd since he who is exacting revenge on “insurgents” claims to be a Christian. I don’t think Jesus would say, “kill to make yourself feel better.” He may say don’t make war, however.
What is the point of killing and war in the first place? Iraq was no threat to the United States (as later revealed to US). Being the case, it appears that many Christians have supplanted the God of Peace and Love (Jesus) with the god of war and nationalism, putting aside Christian teachings and the Commandent “Have no God before me”.
I am very sorry for the death of his son and I could not imagine how I would feel if my son were to perish. Unfortunately, it is likely that each person the “revenger” kills takes a father or son away from a family and only spreads death and hatred to mankind.
I hope that the mother finds peace.
Regards,
Greg
Mableton, GA
By Ann
October 12, 2005 01:05 PM | Link to this
Thank you for the Johnson Family story. My daughter will be going to Iraq on her second tour in two weeks. Her feelings are; this is her job, what she was trained to do and she will do it to the best of her ability. We also have a nephew and great nephew that will be going later this year. My husband and I are very proud of our daughter and tell her so everytime we talk on the phone. I hope our country is proud of all our men & women in the armed forces who are fighting all over the world for our safety and peace. And I hope we all pray for their safe return home. MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL.
By Ibn Stanford
October 12, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this
As long as non-believers are on Muslim soil uninvited, they will never be seen as anything but invaders and occupiers, and their presence will be resisted until they leave. Until they accept this reality, they cannot be seen as helpers. Those Muslims who appear to accept them are only pretending or putting up with their presense until they have no more use for them.
By Jennifer Cook
October 12, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this
God be with you and comfort you and guide you until you are ALL together again! God Bless….
By Greg
October 12, 2005 01:35 PM | Link to this
Shane,
I’m afraid you missed the point with your comment, “Not one Iraqi citizen, child or adult, ever wished for the United States to come into their country as a missionary for a Christian god, armed with weapons provided by a government that is funded by millions of people who do not believe in that god.”
What about the hundred’s of thousands of innocent people killed by Hussein’s regime? Think they ever wished for ANYONE to come into their country and save them and their families from this homicidal maniac?
By Noone Important
October 12, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this
It’s narrow-sighted articles like this that keep our children in Iraq and continue getting them killed. As long as there are enough people who support this war, then our troops will be involved in it, and our troops will continue being killed.
So far, Iraq is still in worse shape than when Saddam was in power. If you are truly worried about Iraqi children, then you should regret the war happening. If we had gone in with enough troops to secure the country, and if we had gone with the support of the world, then Iraq wouldn’t have become a hotbed for terrorists.
Support our troops by bringing them home.
By Dennis
October 12, 2005 02:51 PM | Link to this
What an inspiring story. The “cindy shehans” of the world would do well to follow your example.
By Mark Holmberg
October 12, 2005 02:54 PM | Link to this
Fabulous story, beautifully told. I, for one, am proud of the soldiers in the story, but also the Iraq-reporter who brought it to us. Redmon, one of your former colleagues salutes you.
By George P. Burdell
October 12, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this
Shane said “Not one Iraqi citizen, child or adult, ever wished for the United States to come into their country as a missionary for a Christian god, armed with weapons provided by a government that is funded by millions of people who do not believe in that god.”
1) Who are you to make such an outlandish claim? 2) If you were in their place, would you really care what god your liberators personally believed in?
3)Your “funded by millions of people who do not believe in that god” line is quite poor. According to the 2000 U.S. census, 159,000,000 people called themselves Christians. Almost 8 out of 10 Americans identified themselves with some major religion. You are part of the 2 out of 10 minority. This country has got to stop trending towards a ‘minority rules’ mentality. Just because you don’t like something is not a good enough reason to not allow it to happen.
Whether the War on Terror effort was misguided entering Iraq or not, there is no denying the people of Iraq are better off. Regardless of what CNN or ABC tell you, every letter home from a soldier gives the real story, and that is that the Iraqis overwhelmingly welcome our troops and the help they’ve provided.
Thank you, Johnson family, and may God bless you.
By SAMANTHA
October 12, 2005 03:23 PM | Link to this
I think a lot of people have forgotten who GOd is. The Bible talks against all of this. We went over there killing a lot of people and in the process a lot of our people were killed also. This is a very said situation and whats sadder is parents happy to send their children into harm’s way. Saddam could not steal our rights. Saddam did not write the Patriot Act. Please if you people are really Christian then you would not be supporting this madness in IRaq
By Jenni
October 12, 2005 03:38 PM | Link to this
How dare you comment that this article is narrow-minded. Someone has had a death in their family! I think that this article is a good representation of peoples feelings..and it made it clear that he felt one way and it sounds as though he is changing his mind. If you don’t feel we should be at war then why are you even bothering to read these articles? Yes, we all want them home, but Iraq is NOT in worse shape and our wonderful men and women ARE making a difference. Have you talked to someone who has made a difference or have you been to Iraq yourself? If you have been to Iraq and dont think you made a difference I am surprised. If you just know people there, I would say that the people you are talking to dont want to see the positive. We are doing GREAT things with children there! The children are the ones that we need to plant the seed into, to let them know that Americans are kind and that we want to help. The father in the article is doing just that. To the father in this article, God bless you & your entire family. Praise God there are people over there to help!
By Derek
October 12, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this
I feel that there is nothing wrong with the actions of Joe, at least he cared and loved his son so much that he would try to seek revenge, or avenge his son’s death. Some us should try putting ourselves in Joe’s shoes sometime for those who think and speak negatively of his action and see how they would react. God bless America.
By Tammy
October 12, 2005 05:48 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, I don’t see how how one could describe this story as narrow minded. It shows the reality of a Christian man struggling with human emotions. But in the end, it is “He that is greater in him, than he who is in the world” that wins. Grief takes us through many stages. In a believer the final one is acceptance. In acceptance lies peace. Sgt Johnson’s true spirit comes out in his care for these Iraqi children. His son is honored, and most important his God is honored. For every time there is a season- a time for war, a time for peace. We are in a time of war. Our soldiers are there to bring about a change. Each one in their own way contributes to that every day they are there. Some people may not be able to see that. That is their lose. To those who do see it-Guard your heart.
By Carol Dzurenko
October 12, 2005 06:28 PM | Link to this
Thank you Jeremy and Ron for a very touching article. I’m glad to see someone writing about the real truth of how it is to be a military family. Jan and Joe, I pray for you every day. I’m grateful for your families sacrifices. Jan your boys and husband are true heros. I think Joe and Joshua are even more amazing because they choose to continue doing the tough work even though they don’t have to be there. I pray for peace of mind for all of you. God bless you.
By Disturbed
October 12, 2005 06:42 PM | Link to this
I must admit to agreeing with Shane and the few others who expressed concern about the ideas presented in this argument. It is not the job of the US Military to bring religious ideas into other countries. Furthermore, I am shocked that the US Army allowed a man with obvious revenge fantasies to serve in this war. Do we have no psychological testing anymore? Or are all the military psychiatrists busy thinking up torments for US Military prisoners?
By Julie H
October 12, 2005 06:44 PM | Link to this
What a beautiful story and such a wonderful family. What a shame that those angry with a war that had to happen, resent the faith and strength the Johnson’s love of God has given them. It is their sacrifice that will hopefully keep Americans from the devastation of more Terrorism on our shore. For those that have “bought the notion” from their politicians that this war was unnecessary, I am sorry for you. This war on Terrorism isn’t just Iraq, it is is for a generation and probably more. This is the war the Terrorist want. It is the war they are getting. Get used to it, or you will be weak. We need strength now, like the Johnson Family. Not your knees of jelly or the flowers in your hair. This is not the sixties…It is Terror, and it is for our lives.
By darrell bowman
October 12, 2005 08:23 PM | Link to this
I am sorry for the loss of their son and I for one do not hold anything against this dad.I served in the Marines from ‘82-‘86 and I say give em hell dad. Shane … you could learn from this guy.Semper Fi
By just wondering
October 12, 2005 09:51 PM | Link to this
Samantha…read your old testament…Let’s see..what did God have Israel do to their enemies? I do not even think you have read any of your bible..just the fluff in your “mind.” Fluff is not what my God is made of, and one day you also will bow the knee to Him and you too will see.
By Jan Johnson
October 12, 2005 10:07 PM | Link to this
This is to everyone who has written in about this article so far….and to those who will write in later….my son, Justin, died believing in FREEDOM for EVERYONE, including you. My husband and other son serve so you can sit at home and make your judgements about my family and our beliefs. We do love this country and believe everyone in this world should be able to have the freedoms we enjoy in this country, even to the point of putting down others and their beliefs.
By Anthony
October 12, 2005 11:13 PM | Link to this
I would like to say personally that I know The Johnsons and go to church with them. We were there when tragedy struck this family and they are to be commended for the way they are continuing to carry on. People all have opinions on whether this war is right or not. But let’s face it WE ALL ARE IN IT. We’re Americans living in America. We need to stay strong TOGETHER. By the way for you all who have problems with so called “Christians”. You don’t have a problem spending money with “In God We Trust” on it. That’s what this country was founded on. Where did we go wrong?
By What are you thinking?
October 12, 2005 11:48 PM | Link to this
Samantha dear, have you ever really read the bible? Wars have been going on from the beginning. There are some of the most gruesome acts of war and terror from before and after Christ. Please get a bible, open it up to the following…Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to Kill and a time to Heal, a time to tear down and a time to rebuild, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for WAR and a time for PEACE.
Please do not tell me what you think a Christian is, as my soldier and I are devout Christians. He is also a soldier doing the duty he was told to do. Please read your bible and know there are “specific” passages on war. No one wants war, I am sure we all wish the whole world was in peace, however, that is not happening. You are not going to try and shame these soldiers that have had to kill or be killed to survive. You worry about your own Christianity, and everyone else will make their own choices whether they are christians, jewish, muslim etc.
By Ronda Roaderick
October 13, 2005 12:24 AM | Link to this
THANK YOU.. for this TRIBUTE to BOTH FATHER AND SON!. My husband is in IRAQ right now. I live in SUMMERVILLE, GA. I have seen this PT cruiser in town. When I read the name on the article… I recognized it…. that was because of the LOVING TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN. I now have a FACE to put with the name .. and the PT Cruiser!. GOD BLESS HIS MOM AND DAD….. YOU’VE DONE HIM PROUD!…Lyerly. is very close to me here. You are in our HEARTS! I worry every day. Please know…. WE DON’T FORGET! JUSTIN HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN!!!!
By Jenny
October 13, 2005 12:25 AM | Link to this
This was a very powerful article, and it shows that you can “grow no matter where you’re planted.” May God bless the Johnson family, and those whose lives they all touch. Life is precious, but so is freedom.
By CPL Joe Johnson
October 13, 2005 02:17 AM | Link to this
I appreciate the article Jeremy. The only thing I would change in it is that I did come over here for revenge, but not just for Justin. It was for 911, USS Cole, Beruit Marine Barracks Bombing, etc… To the guy that said that christians should not get revenge, I say to you; I am a Christian and I am still working on turning the other cheek, bear with me. Thanks to every one who placed comments and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
By my name is faith
October 13, 2005 03:16 AM | Link to this
It is what it is. Would you have done any different if you had the choice. Take yourself away from the words in the article, and place yourself in Joe’s shoes. Picture that for a moment.
Really do it.
What is your opinon now?
By Dragon 7(r)
October 13, 2005 05:00 AM | Link to this
To Mr Ibn Stanford, your comments are of the utmost importance, you are 100% correct. Folks should pay closer attention to what the real agenda is here and there and be prepared. the real war is coming soon I fear. What are the only three things that the Koran allow Muslims to do with non believers. convert them, subjugate them, or Kill them, PERIOD.
To Shane……At ease and get over it
To Jeremy, Again outstanding article
To The Johnson Family, stay strong
Dragon 7(r)…Out
By Joleen Gladney
October 13, 2005 09:37 AM | Link to this
Cpl Joe Johnson is my father. People talk about not liking this war, well I do not like this war either. But I know this war has to happen. If we do not stand up for our country then we will have anoher 9/11 happen. And for all of you who have wrote in and put my family down, I would really hate to see how you were raised and what kind of family you came from that you do not beleive in fighting for our freedom and freedom for others in this world. You are not a true American. If you do not love this country and what this country stands for then move somewhere else. I am proud of all of the soldiers that are fighting for us right now. I am glad that this article came out. Now people can really see what is going on in Irac, and what the soldiers and their families have to go through.
By Tracie
October 13, 2005 11:34 AM | Link to this
In reference to the comment by nPerry stating that there is no threat to our children over here, I would like to remind you of 9-11.
I am from Lyerly also. I would like to tell the Johnson family how much we appreciate everything that their family has had to sacrifice for our freedom. Your family will always have a special place in my heart.
Tracie
By Sara
October 13, 2005 12:04 PM | Link to this
Revenge never works, who are you killing Joe? Why add another layer of burden on your wife by being away from her, has she not suffered enough? Go home to her, hold her, comfort her, love her. Find peace with your family. May God bless you.
By Sean
October 13, 2005 03:13 PM | Link to this
No person should ever go to a war zone with revenge on their mind, it will consume and destroy them. Father Johnson opened up his heart to what what was truly going on over there and looked in the the eyes and heart of the children and has a major change of heart. There are many places in the world that the same ternary goes on, but we don’t invade full force like in Iraq, why is that? The most disturbing thing to me is how as a people we were mislead causeof three lil letters, W-M-D, can you show me one?
I understand the comment I saw about the Koran, but there are fanatics in ever religion, people killing people in the name of God, Allah, Jehovah, Buddha, etc, etc. It is sad how men will manipulate things to fit their needs. How many died during the Crusades? There is now and always will be killing in the name of God, and most of them chanting it, really don’t have clue to what is truly right way to serve their God.
I have been in the Air Force 15 yrs now, did Desert Storm I from the beginning of my career and saw quite bit of action over my career. I know a lot of people who make comments too have never severed in any branch of the military, now that truly bothers me. Until you have walked in another man’s shoes, please don’t judge. Everyone has different beliefs that get them by and thru each day. Those of you who feel the elder Johnson has done something wrong, ask yourself have you ever been in his position?
By Disturbed
October 13, 2005 03:32 PM | Link to this
Did any of you who continue to reference 9/11 even bother to read the 9/11 Commission’s report? THERE WAS NO CONNECTION BETWEEN IRAQ AND 9/11. There was no evidence of Al Queda in Iraq until AFTER we began a war there. There were no weapons of mass destruction (and if the Bush administration bothered to read any of the UN Weapon’s Inspectors reports they would have known that). There was no credible attempt by Saddam Hussein to construct a nuclear weapon. In short, there was absolutely no reason for over 1500 American troops to die in Iraq. That includes Cpl. Johnson’s son. Is it a good thing Hussein is no longer in power? Sure. But it would have been a better thing to use diplomatic means to remove him from power, rather than waging an under-staffed and poorly planned war that has left us responsible for a bankrupt country on the verge of civil war.
By Sara
October 13, 2005 03:41 PM | Link to this
Joleen, in America we have the right to say how we feel, even it offends some. The freedom to do this is what this country was founded on. The right to speak our minds should not expel us from this country. The freedom of speech is much bigger than you, your father or your deceased brother. Your brother, as you say, died fighting for the freedom for the people of Iraq but in the same breath you deny Amercians freedom. We can oppose this war if we want to, if we feel this way in our hearts and you cannot take this away fromus nor can you make me leave this great country I love very much. You are not the only family hurting, trust me. If you think the people of Iraq are better off today, enjoy the bliss of ignorance. Democratic contries became that way from within, not from the force of an outside army. If your father really loves his family, he should be home with you all, especially his wife who I feel has suffered enough. Revenge is a bitter pill, best left not taken. Peace to you and may God bless.
By Michael Patrick
October 13, 2005 11:13 PM | Link to this
God bless you and your family. I am thankful there are people willing to serve our country.
By Anthony
October 14, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this
He sees human beings as targets for revenge. Are we really supposed to feel sorry for these people? I felt dirty reading this article it is almost pornographic how you diefy this individual and his thirst for vengence.
He talks of killing people and then he claims to be a christian man. This blind hypocrisy is the problem with Americans and why the world dispises us.
By just wondering
October 14, 2005 02:09 PM | Link to this
Dear Disturbed…just wondering why Clinton also said that Hussain did have weapons of mass distruction…why do you seem to think it is just a “Bush” thing???…Your President (Clinton) did say the same thing …he just did nothing …sat back and just let 9/11 happen…(Personally) I think our current President did the right thing to protect our nation…And perhaps you really are disturbed to not remember the others who said the same thing….
By Jan
October 14, 2005 08:52 PM | Link to this
To Anthony, I suggest you re-read the article…it seems like all you got out of it was Joe’s original idea of revenge…all it took was a few days of being there and he realized what he had felt was wrong…he is there to help now, not seek revenge….you judge not knowing the true man he actually is…I judge knowing the inner most thoughts of this man…
By SPC Howington
October 16, 2005 08:04 PM | Link to this
As one soldier and combat veteran to another, my heart is with you and your family and I pray that you find peace. I served a year in Afghanistan with the 25th ID, believe in what we’re doing over there, and believe that we did the right thing. War is hell, but without it, there can be no peace. I salute you, your son, and mourn the loss of a fallen comrade. Sincerely, SPC Holly L. Howington
By cpl joe johnson
October 17, 2005 02:51 AM | Link to this
I would just like to say to the ones that say the Iraqi people are no better off now than when Saddam was in power.You dont know what you are talking about.Ive seen the living conditions here,have you?Before we came here most of these people had no running water,no electricity,no vehicle,no sewage,medical treatment,enough food,etc.Things are still bad here but most are a lot better off now.And this is for the ones who want to judge me,it matters little to me because I know who the ultimate judge is,do you?
By S. Thornsberry
October 21, 2005 09:15 PM | Link to this
God bless you, we pray for you every day.
By ANNITA HALL
October 21, 2005 11:22 PM | Link to this
THANKS TO YOU’LL AGAIN JAN AND JOE. TONIGHT WHEN I GO TO BED I KNOW THAT YOU, JAN HAVE HAD ANOTHER TOUGH DAY WITH JOE BEING GONE. I HOPE THAT SOMEWHERE THERE IS A SMALL SPACE WHERE THINGS CAN BE PEACEFUL FOR BOTH OF YOU. LET ME TELL ONE ABOUT 9/11 AND MY CHILD. HE WAS ON A DESTROYER IN NORFOLK, VA WHEN ALL THIS STARTED AND I DIDN’T GET A WORD FOR ANYONE UNTIL THE END OF NOV. NOW I KNOW THAT MY CHILD LIKE JOE CHOSE TO DEFEND YOU’LL SO YOU’LL CAN HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH BUT I AM A AMERICAN MOTHER AND I STILL HAVE THE NEED TO KNOW WHERE MY KID IS AND THAT HE IS OKAY. THE GOVT WOULD NOT TELL US ANYTHING EXCEPT THAT WE WOULD BE HEARING BUT NO TIME FRAME. NOW FOR SOME OF YOU’LL TAKE THE ARTICLE FOR WHAT IT IS. A FAMILY THAT LOST THEIR SON AND THE GUTS OF A FATHER TO STAND UP FOR HIS FAMILY ONLY TO REALIZE THAT HE HAS ALOT MORE TO OFFER THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ. A LITTLE BIT OF KINDNESS GOES ALONG WAY .JOE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND JAN KEEP YOUR CHIN UP. JAN AND JOE PEOPLE HAVE A LOT TO SAY WHEN THEY HAVEN’T WALKED IN YOUR SHOE. GOD BLESS THE WHOLE FAMILY!!!!!!