The national debate surrounding America's involvement in Iraq is complex and confusing. While it has been full of vitriol and invective, it has been notably lacking in balance, perspective and texture. In the middle of this national debate are the American warrior and an immediate group of family and supporters. More often than not, these fully committed participants remain quiet while listening to the raging war of words, or watching it on television sets in Iraq. The national debate is divisive, and at times, the American warrior is wounded by the words and the emotion that animate it. This project is designed to bring historical perspective and comparative statistics to the debate over American foreign policy in Iraq, thus facilitating a more informed national discussion on a question of major importance.