Military challenged by vocal families of fallen soldiers

[maddezmom]

Fort Hood, Texas - One of the first sights greeting visitors to Fort Hood is a day-care center's playground, brightly colored evidence of the Army's commitment to be family-friendly.

A few blocks away is a more poignant symbol: an office building recently converted into a first-of-its-kind support center for women and children whose husbands and fathers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. From Fort Hood alone, the toll has passed 365.

"It's our sanctuary," said Ursula Pirtle, whose daughter frequents a playroom at the center. Katie, 3, never met her father, Heath. He was killed in Iraq in 2003.


Over the past 15 years, America's armed forces have taken huge strides to retain married service members - improving schools, health programs and child care. But now, as never be fore, the military is struggling with the toughest home-front problem of all: Doing right by the often outspoken and ever-growing ranks of the bereaved.

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