May 15 2009
Vietnam Veteran Dies Serving In Iraq
After September 11, 2001 many veterans felt the same way. They wanted to make those who attacked us pay. One of those who decided to return to service was Steven Hutchison, a psychology professor at Claremont College in California.
Major Hutchison served two tours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division during 1968-1970.
He completed a year tour of duty in Afghanistan. But his deployment to Iraq ended in tragedy on Sunday when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle in Basra.
Major Hutchison, who would have turned 61 on June 5, signed up through a military Retiree Recall programme that allows older, experienced warriors to return to action.
‘He’d been a soldier all his life, and that’s what he wanted to do,’ said his brother, Richard. (Source: Daily Mail)
Major Hutchison entered the service under a program that allows prior servicemen to return to active duty. He would have had to retire permanently at age 62. But he felt compelled to serve and did not hesitate to answer the call when his country needed him again.
His brother, Richard plans on meeting him at Dover AFB. Richard talks of a brother who was not only a warrior, but also a very caring person.
The last communication the brothers had was a routine e-mail Steven Hutchison sent from Iraq about two weeks ago. He rarely wrote about his experiences in Iraq, Richard Hutchison said.
However, there was one matter on the ground that the soldier involved his brother in.
“When he was in Iraq, they found a dog and were taking care of it. He sent me an e-mail asking me to send some dog food and dog supplies,” Hutchison said. The Army made Hutchison’s team give up the dog, but they left it in good hands, his brother said.
“He had a big heart.” (Source: CNN)
Major Stevens now has the distinction of being the oldest veteran killed in the war against terror. RIP sir and thank you for your service.
