I always marveled that the commanding officers of Abu Ghraib were not held accountable. As far as I can tell, we didn't really learn anything new as humans. What I noticed is that some of the really guilty were protected. As usual. But that's not all.

I also noticed that the usual opportunists came in like tornadoes to make their case for their cause using the visual remains of the victims. They dissolved into a feeding frenzy and took us all along for the feast.

How many pictures of all the humane and suitable treatment the prisoners of AG received before and since the infamous events?

Yeah, those don't sell so well, do they. But since I don't trust anything my MSM tells me, haven't for a very long time, they could thrust all kinds of stuff at me about back then and I'd throw it right back. I'll go look around on my own for whatever I need to know.

I ended up feeling sorry for every soldier who may ever have to say out loud to someone "I used to work there" or the like. Not because it meant he or she was guilty of something, but because some humans will demonize them the moment they just hear the term.

I know there are lots of people who want to keep the horrid transgressions of a few at that facility fresh in our memories so we can all feel guilty yet again, to keep that wound wide open.

I'm not going to be their audience.

Instead, I will focus on the other victims of the fallout, some of whom are those such as this man and his K9 brother in harm's way.

I will re-focus on the image of Cardona and Zomie, for a change. They are just as much a reality of AG.

The Baghdad Central Prison is a different place. Some of the people directly and indirectly involved are different people. Some for the better.

Remember that too, please.

Let me ask this of everyone that says these horrible things about SGT Cardona, how he deserved what he got and how heƒ??s a disgrace. Do you wear red, white and blue? Do you put your hand over your heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance? I thought so! How dare you, as an American, think that it is ok for you to come on here and bash ONE of the very MANY people that were over there defending you? It is very amazing to me that you are casting judgment when you donƒ??t even have a clue! I, as several other people here have had the GREAT privilege of having this GREAT man in our lives. If only you could have been so blessed. Know that there are always two sides to the story. The ƒ??higher upsƒ? tell you to do something and if you donƒ??t you get in trouble. You do what they tell you to do and you get what happened to SGT Cardona. He couldnƒ??t win for loosing. But, what happed to the ones in command? Nothing. The time that I had spent with him I stood by him and believed in him and I will continue to do so now! Santos you will be missed and NEVER forgotten!

A great friend, patriot and soldier. I'll see you again in a place much better than this. May you rest in peace my friend and may God watch over your family.

Santos went through a lot of hardship and hurt when people claimed "abuse" at Abu. He loved the military! Those who truly knew him know the ones who talked crap about him and ABU were wrong! He was an awesome person....

He will be deeply missed :cry::

Bridgette

Santos was my student when he was a skinny, little very active student. I loved his energy and his spirit. I knew a lot about what he was going through and we made a connection that continued. We stayed in touch over the years and I am so proud of the man he was becoming. He loved his little girl so much and wanted everything to be good for her. He loved his country and loved the military. I believe he and others were scapegoated. We would meet up once a year for lunch or dinner and catch up. When I heard the news of his death, my heart broke. I still cannot delete his emails. He was a good person with a good heart. He struggled and grew over the years. I will always honor him on Veteran's Day. He was a soldier who loved his daughter and her mother.