Our military is comprised of some of the most noble and selfless people I’ve ever met. They come from all walks of life, all nationalities, all colors, all religions, and every state within the nation. Some aren’t even citizens.

It’s a sad day when a Soldier dies on the fields of combat, regardless of the circumstances or history of that individual. But, every now and then that tragedy has a special meaning that requires additional coverage.

My Vietnam brothers and sisters were treated horribly when they came home in the 70′s. They came home to a citizenry that scorned them and a government that ignored them. Our nation has learned some hard and valuable lessons in the past few decades in the proper manner of welcoming our troops home from the corners of the earth to which our country sends them. They don’t ask for opportunities to kill or be killed. Quite the contrary, we hope and pray that our elected officials can prevent such acts of violence before a shot needs to be fired.

A week ago tomorrow, we lost another brave warrior in Iraq. His name is Major Steven Hutchison. Next month, he would have turned 61 years old. He was a psychology professor at several colleges. Most importantly, he served two tours in Vietnam. He even served a tour in Afghanistan. His decorations included the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medals.

MAJ Hutchison rejoined the Army a few years ago because he wanted to contribute to efforts to bring freedom and prosperity to the Middle East while destroying the elements of extremist Islam that threaten this country and the world. He was already retired from the military and had a desire to do more.

On May 10th, MAJ Hutchison was killed with an IED exploded next to his truck outside Al Farr, Iraq. He holds the unfortunate distinction of being the oldest member of the military killed in the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. He was part of the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan.

God bless the family of MAJ Hutchison as well as the families of all our fallen troops.