Ghosts of Abu Gharib

Photo: Santos A. Cardona, 34, who was a contractor in Afghanistan, died Saturday in a roadside bombing. (Family Photo)

Abu Ghraib MP Slain In Bid for Redemption -- Washington Post

Ex-Soldier Hoped to Boost Afghan War Effort.

Santos A. Cardona, an Army dog handler involved in the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib, was determined to continue fighting in America's overseas battles to erase the stain of his assault conviction, his family members said.

Those closest to him said his passion for doing what he loved in the service of his country led him to try to return to Iraq in 2006, but the military brought him home after his planned deployment was publicized. Late last year, Cardona, 34, got his chance to rejoin the fight.

He traveled to Afghanistan as a government contractor, using a German shepherd to search for improvised explosive devices and weapons stockpiles. On Saturday, Cardona and his dog, Zomie, were killed when his military convoy hit a roadside bomb, according to Cardona's employer and his family.

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My Comment: Stories like this one always makes me stop .... and ponder what this soldier must have gone through during his trial and subsequent treatment.

He clearly had a "big chip" after his discharge, and he had something to not only prove to those who were important to him, but to himself. It is also clear that he knew that the work that he was doing was important, and that someone had to do it. The fact that it was him .... he accepted and soldiered on.

Men like him will always be missed.