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- Death of a Soldier: The Iraq Debate
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- Lorne Matalon
21-year-old Kevin Jones was awarded a Purple Heart at the start of his second tour in Iraq. Months later, he was killed by a roadside bomb. He refused to wear it claiming he didn't deserve it merely for having sustained an injury while others were being killed.
He came from a small North Carolina town, learning his values as a member of a most accomplished family. His father is a NASA engineer, hos mother a registered nurse, his sister a physician.
This story catalogues Jones' death as seen through the prism of ongoing debate over US operations in Iraq. On leave between tours, he wrote the editor of the local newspaper decrying mounting anti-war protests at home. He equated them with a misunderstanding of what he believed was the justification of the the US mission in Iraq.
His friends, family and former high school Jr. ROTC instructor remember him, but this story is as much about Jones, the man and soldier, as it is about the way his death is a touchstone in his hometown for a look, in some cases a reconsideration, of the Iraqi mission.
After his death, Jones was awarded a Bronze Star and a 2nd Purple Heart.
The story aired on North Carolina Public Radio, and a shorter version aired on Morning Edition nationally. The piece here on PRX is the complete version.
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Piece Description
21-year-old Kevin Jones was awarded a Purple Heart at the start of his second tour in Iraq. Months later, he was killed by a roadside bomb. He refused to wear it claiming he didn't deserve it merely for having sustained an injury while others were being killed. He came from a small North Carolina town, learning his values as a member of a most accomplished family. His father is a NASA engineer, hos mother a registered nurse, his sister a physician. This story catalogues Jones' death as seen through the prism of ongoing debate over US operations in Iraq. On leave between tours, he wrote the editor of the local newspaper decrying mounting anti-war protests at home. He equated them with a misunderstanding of what he believed was the justification of the the US mission in Iraq. His friends, family and former high school Jr. ROTC instructor remember him, but this story is as much about Jones, the man and soldier, as it is about the way his death is a touchstone in his hometown for a look, in some cases a reconsideration, of the Iraqi mission. After his death, Jones was awarded a Bronze Star and a 2nd Purple Heart. The story aired on North Carolina Public Radio, and a shorter version aired on Morning Edition nationally. The piece here on PRX is the complete version.
Broadcast History
Oct. 20, 2005 on NPR's Morning Edition
Oct. 13, 2005 on North Carolina Public Radio WUNC
Timing and Cues
5:11
The coastal town of Washington, North Carolina is mourning the death of Army Specialist Kevin Jones. The 21-year-old was killed in Late September on his 2nd tour in Iraq when a roadside bomb exploded beside his Army vehicle. Now, friends and family are recalling him as a sensitive man and thoughtful soldier who was distraught over anti-war protests across the country.
