Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Local Soldier Gets Ralph Wilsoned in a Case of Mistaken Identity

When Mark Twain got older, he became a bit of a recluse. Rumors became rampant that he had died and he issued a now famous statement updating his status (so to speak), "I can assure you that the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated", he said.

The family of 26 year old Jesse Jasper received a call from the military telling them he had been killed in Afghanistan. Messages of condolence started appearing on his Facebook page. This was news to his girlfriend who had just spoken to him and said he was very much alive. Oops. Looks like a classic case of mistaken identity.

This story would be funny if it wasn't for the fact that 23 year old Tyler Judan of Kansas was in fact killed in Afghanistan. Just imagine how both their families felt when they received the news. I definitely support our troops but this story made me think of this famous anti war song sung at Woodstock by "country" Joe McDonald. Just substitute Iraq or Afghanistan every time he uses the word Vietnam and remember that those of us who don't learn from history are condemned to repeat it.



Soldier’s parents get worst news —then best*

2 comments:

  1. I do not believe the Jasper family was told Jesse had died. I have seen 3 videos of the father explaining what happened, and his story has changed EVERY time! I think he just heard a soldier had been killed and assumed the worst. My Love and prayers go out to the Judan family!

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  2. Thank you for the clarification. Yes. Either way, it's a very sad story.

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