William White

I have just finished watching this 2018 movie, “God Bless the Broken Road” that is set in 2014 with the War in Afghanistan/Global War on Terrorism that I found complete with a good message of the reality of facing the loss, grief and anger, confusion and challenges that faced many military families who lost a loved one in war. There is an uncommon message of love and sacrifice that our military members have for those with whom they share the duty of service. Many in full-measure. As one of those who wore the cloth of our nation as a US Marine from 1983 until 2006, I have had the honor to share the hope I found in my faith with others who were willing and interested in the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Always with the due respect for those who were not interested, our witness is then in how we live our life. As to the issue of the CACO notification it was supposed to have been made at the loss of the soldier, a US Army Staff Sergeant. This could have been presented in a better way that would have put the Army in a better light in the public view. Such as would have been done with the minister of their church, in private. The Casualty Assistance Counseling Officers are well trained and prepared to stand beside the surviving family to ensure the family has all the help and support to protect from such issues as paying the mortgage, utilities, food, etc. SGLI is life insurance of $400,000.00 in addition to other resources, such as dependent ID for survivors and many VA benefits for survivors. The Army soldier at the grocery store was wearing the rank of a Sergeant Major, the senior enlisted ranking member of the military unit, who also has the access to resources to help. The major responsibility of a sergeant major is troop and family welfare. The bank would have been required to discuss the law about the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act and other resources to protect from foreclosure. I would like to see such a movie that tells the story with technical and military advisors to ensure accuracy, such as wearing body armor, military tactics, communications, etc. There was no radio contact reported of the dismount location or enemy contact/injuries. This is important to show as an accurate depiction, otherwise it portrays our military as untrained, undisciplined and inept. Our soldiers and Marines are better trained and led. The grieving mother in law had previously acted as a wife of a Army Major General in a long running series, she portrayed in that role a more accurate depiction of Family Readiness that better cares for our military families, especially in a loss. I wonder if this movie producer had asked for an Army Technical Advisor. Please make more such movies, but try to be accurate. Our brave military warriors and their courageous families deserve better representation. Semper Fidelis