Thanks for all the comments, phone calls and e-mails. The response to this continues to amaze.. The voice-mails alone are tough to keep up with!
Every one of your thoughts -whatever your views on the war- adds to the dialogue that we should be having at a time like this.. This trip and these stories were always a small part of a much bigger picture; not about politics or the war or one branch of service, but about the people who serve-- whether in the National Guard (like the troops I spent so much time with), the Army, Air Force, Marines, 3-letter agencies.. I even ran into folks from the Navy over there!
I'll be talking more about some of them on our news at 5:30 tonight.
At 9- a story I really think our viewers will appreciate. It's very rare that a reporter ever gets unrestricted access to a war zone. The result is complete access for the folks here at home to what's going on over there. I hope you'll check it out.
Hi Tom,
My brother, Patrick O'Grady, was on tonight's June 11th news segment. He wasn't being interviewed but he was in the background of part of it. My Mom, Dad, and I went crazy! It was so great to see him! He is due to return home in the next month and we cannot wait.
Would it be possible to get a copy of tonight's segment from you on CD? Or am I able to save the piece from a WGN link to a CD on my computer?
Thank you for representing our brave soldiers on the hometown news!
Dear Mr. Negovan; You're absolutley right, this war isn't about the political differences betwween our three major parties. I know this because when my son was told to get ready to leave for Afganistan he wasn't asked who he voted for. When I met his commanding officer at his deployment ceremony, I wasn't asked either. In times of war we are Americans who serve; whether we leave or stay home & support those who do leave. If we as Americans didn't learn that lesson after the Vietnam war,I despair that we ever will. My son William is going to be home in early September, and may God help the unfortunate citizen who pays him any disrespect in front of me.we owe all those who serve a debt we can never pay; past, present, and future. Thank you for providing this forum, and forgive me my fervor. Like all service moms, I just miss my boy. Julia Dahlstrom
Hi Tom,
I had to chuckle when I saw your comment. I had a friend who was in Afganistan last year. Yes, he was in the Navy. I have to admit I wondered what a Navy man was doing in the middle of the desert! I have another friend there now. It's his second tour, the first was in Iraq. I honestly have no idea what branch of the service he is in, but you know what? It just doesn't matter. He, and his buds, deserve our support. I, fortunately, have more disposable income then most and have been making it a point to send them whatever I can/they need. The gratitude is enough to make one feel embarassed! To me I'm doing something that is ok, hey, let me send you guys some boxes of supplies. To them, it is not only a touch of home but an incredible show of support. I'm often humbled by their expressions of thanks. And it can be something as simple as a card signed by friends.
I have been fixated on your reports. I know I won't see my friend Al there, but seeing the people you have been speaking with allows me to understand more of what he is currently going thru. I give you (and your lovely wife) all the credit in the world for taking on this task and showing those of us with friends/relatives there what they're going thru!!
hi,tom would like to know ,how i can get a dvd of all week report on afghanistan, my son dominic martinez was on thursday report.maybe more,because i miss the first two days.please e- mail at buffalo1954@yahoo.com or call me at 847-845-0980 thank you for the all week report .you made lots of mother and father happy .god bless you,mr martinez
TOM, THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE SEGMENTS YOU BROUGHT HOME FOR US TO SEE. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE MY DAUGHTER CASEY AND ALL THE OTHER SOLIDERS WORKING SO HARD FOR US. I PRAY FOR SAFETY AND LOOK FORWARD FOR THEIR HOMECOMING. THANK-YOU AGAIN. CAROL.
Dear Mr. Negovan,
We just saw your most recent Afghanistan pictures and found our son, Sgt Drew Redenius, in one of the group photos. What a moment!
He is a member of the "War Hogs" and proud of it. Even in our brief conversations with him, letting us know that he is ok, his mind is on his mission. Thank you so much for spending time with all of our soldiers and telling their stories thru your commentaries and photos...a picture telling what cannot be put into words sometimes. God Bless You AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Sincerely, Lucinda and Mark Redenius
your series was great and informative. good to see hometown soldiers and what they are doing and how they live. thanks for doing this series and keeping us informed - excellent reporting - thanks