| Copyright 2007 Colorado Veterans Alliance |
| Our Mission: To ensure the enactment of policies that properly provide for our Troops and Veterans, keep our military strong, and guarantee our national security for the purpose of a stronger America. CVA uniquely empowers Veterans to use their credibility and experiences to speak truth to power, shape public opinion, and place a priority on these issues. |
| COLORADO VETERANS ALLIANCE |
| "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive how the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." - George Washington |
| Colorado Military Families: Tom and Kara McConnel |
Corporal Tom McConnel served as a
gunner in Iraq with the 17th Combat
Logistics Battalion. He has been to
Iraq twice.
Tom and Kara were married in august
of 2005 between deployments.
Currently residing in Littleton, CO, Tom
works as a personal trainer and Kara
divides her time between studying for
her BA in English and working at a
local bank.
Tom and Kara sat down with CVA to
discuss their life, military service and
post military plans.
gunner in Iraq with the 17th Combat
Logistics Battalion. He has been to
Iraq twice.
Tom and Kara were married in august
of 2005 between deployments.
Currently residing in Littleton, CO, Tom
works as a personal trainer and Kara
divides her time between studying for
her BA in English and working at a
local bank.
Tom and Kara sat down with CVA to
discuss their life, military service and
post military plans.
CVA: How did you two meet?
Tom: We were both getting our oil changed and started talking while we were
waiting for them to finish with our cars. We started talking and things just sort of
went from there.
Kara: I thought he was kind of cute because he had a sunburn and I felt bad for
him because he looked uncomfortable sitting there.
CVA: Tom, what was your most memorable moment in Iraq?
Tom: The first time we were in combat. I remember sitting there and telling
myself "This is it. What you've been waiting for." I heard gunfire and saw people
running. I just remember hoping that we could do what we came to do and get
home as soon as possible.
CVA: Kara, what is your strongest memory about Tom being in Iraq?
Kara: When President Bush made the Mission Accomplished speech I thought
that he would be coming home soon. I did not know that he would have to go
back again. I was one of the lucky ones. Some wives don't get their Marines or
soldiers back. Thats the price of this war and hardly anyone notices anymore.
CVA: Tom, you were injured in Iraq by a sniper bullet that shattered your left
shoulder. How is that for you?
Tom: I've been in physical therapy for a while now and its getting better. After a
couple of surgeries, I have a lot more movement then I used to. There are vets
that are so much worse off and I want to get the word out about the VA and how
it needs more money and mental health staff.
Tom: We were both getting our oil changed and started talking while we were
waiting for them to finish with our cars. We started talking and things just sort of
went from there.
Kara: I thought he was kind of cute because he had a sunburn and I felt bad for
him because he looked uncomfortable sitting there.
CVA: Tom, what was your most memorable moment in Iraq?
Tom: The first time we were in combat. I remember sitting there and telling
myself "This is it. What you've been waiting for." I heard gunfire and saw people
running. I just remember hoping that we could do what we came to do and get
home as soon as possible.
CVA: Kara, what is your strongest memory about Tom being in Iraq?
Kara: When President Bush made the Mission Accomplished speech I thought
that he would be coming home soon. I did not know that he would have to go
back again. I was one of the lucky ones. Some wives don't get their Marines or
soldiers back. Thats the price of this war and hardly anyone notices anymore.
CVA: Tom, you were injured in Iraq by a sniper bullet that shattered your left
shoulder. How is that for you?
Tom: I've been in physical therapy for a while now and its getting better. After a
couple of surgeries, I have a lot more movement then I used to. There are vets
that are so much worse off and I want to get the word out about the VA and how
it needs more money and mental health staff.
Kara: There are so many guys coming back from
Iraq and committing suicide. I think the VA and the
next president should make that a priority issue.
CVA: What are your post military life plans?
Kara: I want to finish my degree, and teach, maybe
eventually become a college professor.
Tom: Same for me. I want to go to school with the
new GI Bill and maybe get my degree in business
or journalism.
CVA: Thanks to both of you for your time and service.
Iraq and committing suicide. I think the VA and the
next president should make that a priority issue.
CVA: What are your post military life plans?
Kara: I want to finish my degree, and teach, maybe
eventually become a college professor.
Tom: Same for me. I want to go to school with the
new GI Bill and maybe get my degree in business
or journalism.
CVA: Thanks to both of you for your time and service.