ON THE COVER: Photographed for Texas Monthly by Craig Cutler (with apologies to the creators of Full Metal Jacket).
March 2006
Table of Contents
Features
Heartbreak HighIf the war is an unpleasant abstraction in the rest of the country, it’s omnipresent at Killeen Shoemaker, where many of the children of the enlisted men and women of Fort Hood are enrolled—and pray for peace every single day. TomorrowlandAs a captain in the 451st Civil Affairs Battalion, all I think about is the future of Iraq. Here’s what my world looks like. Casualty Of WarA real-life G.I. Joe, Master Sergeant James Coons hardly seemed like a candidate for post-traumatic stress disorder. But when his demons got the best of him, there was nothing anyone could do—not that anyone really tried. |
Would You Buy What This Man Is Selling?With the military stretched thinner than ever, Staff Sergeant Christopher Schwope’s skill as an Army recruiter is undeniably important. And it’s a thing to behold. The BelieverLike Cindy Sheehan, Gary Qualls lost a son in Iraq. Unlike her, he doesn’t oppose the war. The ProtestersThe weekend after Thanksgiving, demonstrators gathered in Crawford and made their feelings about the war quite clear. |
Columns
Behind the LinesDuty CallsHow Rick and Melissa Noriega served their country—and their constituents. |
Back PageNo Direction HomeAfter four years in Afghanistan and Iraq, I’m finally a civilian again. I thought that was what I wanted. |
Reporter
ReporterWar.comThousands of miles from my hometown of Castroville, I’m conducting incredibly dangerous house-to-house searches in Baghdad—and blogging about it when I get back to the base. Book ReviewLipshitz Six, or Two Angry BlondesBook ReviewSinners WelcomeBook ReviewAre You Happy? |
Music ReviewThe BelieverMusic ReviewSleep Inside This WheelMusic ReviewThe Truth Will Set You Free |
The Filter
Pat’s PickBice |
Web Exclusives
The Unseen EnemyExecutive editor Skip Hollandsworth talks about Master Sergeant James Coons and the soldier’s battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. Tough Times at Shoemaker HighExecutive editor Mimi Swartz on talking to high schoolers in Killeen about losing a parent during wartime. War ZoneEditorial director Christopher Keyes talks about this month’s special issue on the Iraq war. Speaking OutSenior editor Pamela Colloff on spending a day in Crawford and talking to war protesters. Children Left BehindContributing photographer Peter Yang talks about Killeen, his first impression of Shoemaker High School, and the students who have lost a parent during wartime. |
From the FieldPhotographer Thomas Dworzak talks about going to Iraq, spending a typical day with Captain Jonathan Moss, and photographing war. Happy TrailsEastland is the perfect place for a day of leisurely sight-seeing and fact-finding. Texas History 101The Lipan Apaches were a strong presence in Texas—until the Comanches arrived. Texas TidbitsIn Texas, springtime equals blue—and lots of it. Chili From the Southwest: Fixin’s, Flavors, and FolkloreA review of Chili From the Southwest: Fixin’s, Flavors, and Folklore. |
Recipes
Beef Carpaccio With Black Summer TruffleA recipe from Bice, Houston. |
Savory Rainbow Chard TartRecipe from La Mora’s. |




