Soldier wanted to be policeman

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Iraq is still a very dangerous place. Our region received a tragic reminder of that fact this week with news of the death of Army Spc. Tony Jerold Gonzales, who was killed in the blast of an improvised explosive device near his Humvee.

Gonzales grew up in Newman, the youngest of four children in a family that was justifiably proud of his service and understandably excited that he was due to come home in just two weeks. The family's Christmas decorations were still up because they planned a late holiday celebration with Tony, whom many called "T.J."

Our area has lost 25 men and women in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fifteen of the casualties were, like Gonzales, in their 20s, and it's easy to imagine that they would have returned from their military duties and done much good in their communities. Tony Gonzales had talked about becoming a police officer, like his father. There's every reason to believe he would have been a good one.

The Iraq war has been prolonged and controversial, but we and most Americans have nothing but the highest regard for the U.S. troops who have served their country there.

The death of Tony Gonzales reminds us that we must continue to support our military personnel, even as the war winds down and troops are withdrawn.

Our sincerest sympathy to the Gonzales family and to Tony's many friends.