Los Angeles Times photojournalist Luis Sinco documented the marines assault on Fallouja in November, 2004. While capturing the ferocity of the conflict, he made a photograph of Marine Lance Corporal James Blake Miller.
Miller, weary from the battle, lit a cigarette, and Sinco's photograph of that moment became an icon of the Iraq War. But the connection between Sinco and Miller runs deeper. After returning from Iraq, Miller tried to return to his previous life but found his nights haunted by images of war and his life fractured by depression.
This is the story of how Miller struggles to heal his scars of war. But it is also a story of how two disparate lives became connected on a rooftop in Fallouja, and how they both continue to struggle with what happened.
Los Angeles Times photojournalist Luis Sinco's photograph of Marine Lance Corporal James Blake Miller became an icon of the Iraq War. This is the story of how Miller tries to heal the scars of war and how two lives became connected by a photograph.
Note: Not all comments will be posted due to space and time constraints.
Wayne R. -- FrenchLick, Indiana USA
Apr 22, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I was touched very deeply by this story, and you the sad part of it is that this is just one story being told. Think of all the stories that are not told and probaly are very much the as this one. Another thaught that comes to me , just think about the stories that can not be told of the men and women that have died, "and for what" I'm not sure. And most likely are men and women don't no either, but they do what they have to do for our Country and Us ALL. I will pray for them all. "Please bring them home"!!!
Gayla -- Topeka, KS USA
Apr 5, 2008 at 7:06 PM
I was married to a vet who did commit suicide and so this has touched me in a way few things do. There is another story here, the story of the woman who loves him. My heart hurts for both of them but if he does kill himself, he will miss so much. My Jimmy missed our kids growing up and missed all the important milestones like graduations, weddings and now grandbabies. I have remarried and have had so much joy in my life that he could have shared with me but he made his choices just as this yoiung man is making. Instead of asking God why he survived, he should ask himself why he shouldn't have survived. I know that with all he has seen and done he thinks of himself as a man but from where I stand he is still a boy finding his way in life. He's way too young to throw away the gift of life. Since those long ago times when my James threw his life away I have known so many who have died wishing they had just one day more with those who love them. Suicide is such a cruel hoax. He thinks he will not have to think but he's so wrong. He will be in a place where his hell will be hearing his children cry for him. He will have to watch them struggle through life w/o the guidance a dad should have been there to give them. He will have to watch as his widow lays in the arms of another man and wishes it was him. And how, 42 years later, he will have to see the tears tears like I'm shedding as I wish I could hold this young James in my arms and tell him that it will get better, that life is worth living and that God loves him enough to forgive him for the things he isn't able to forgive himself for. He has already thrown away the woman who loves him. Please tell him not to throw away anything else he can't replace.
Mike -- Fort Wayne, Indiana
Feb 19, 2008 at 3:38 PM
I think using the word "troops" to describe or talk about our soldiers makes them seem a little further away and not as personal to all of us. It makes them sound more of a machine than a collective of individual Americans. I think we should go back to calling them our soldiers. It seems like it would keep them a little closer to us in our hearts and not so easy to forget or marginalize what they are doing or going through. I think they all should be brought home NOW. This illegal and misled war is insane! My nephew, AJ, just shipped out to Iraq last week. He is a soldier in the US Army.
cathy -- miami, fl
Feb 14, 2008 at 7:39 PM
I am an addict. THANK YOU FOR THAT EXPERIENCE. HAPPY V-DAY TO ALL OF US HUMAN BEINGS. I lOVE US.
Will Robinson -- Denver, CO
Feb 8, 2008 at 1:55 PM
First, I would like to recongnize the tremendous effort of those involved with the creation of this piece. Personal battles are so often forgotten in the big picture, this is something that we as a country are starting to recognize. Second, for PFC Graver I would like to say that I applaud your conviction and your esprit de corp. I also would like to warn you against the assumption that because of these you are immune to the realities of the world in which you live. When you enter this war you will be faced with that you can only imagine and it is at that point your being will be tested, as will your conviction. There is no self loathing in Miller's story, just the conflict between a good man, a righteous man and the unavoidable regret that comes with ending a persons' existence. I have my opinioins about the war and I will keep those to myself, once you have entered it I imagine yours may shift. I have served this country and have my own demons. I believe in our ability to do right as a country and hope we excercise it with thoughtful consideration, because in the future I will still be in the fight. Cpl. Robinson U.S.M.C. 97-05
Gilberto Garcia (Combat PSG) -- Colorado City, CO. Pueblo county
Feb 6, 2008 at 11:07 PM
We all come out of war with guilt and remorse, why me? How can I foreget? I was sopose to die there too! Why did I servive and not some of those good men that died? The one that I lievewith is even worst: Why did I have the power of life and death over all those good men? being a senor NCO does not make meerror proof, some died following my orders, was I right? did I make a mistake, why didn't I have some one ordering me to give the order? The only consolation I have is that the enemy killed my men not me, But , I put them where they died. the blame should go to the Democrets that held our trigger fingers.We had the men power, we had the will, we had the resorses to win all we were lecking was our Washington Politicians not having the will to win nor to quit.
Gunner -- New Hampshire, USA
Feb 6, 2008 at 3:55 AM
Hang in there, Jarhead. FTW...
PFC Jeff Graver, 68W (combat medic) -- Raleigh, NC
Jan 27, 2008 at 8:37 PM
I feel for the guy, really I do, but the video is a lot of self pity/self-loathing. I believe you need to go into any war before hand knowing what you are doing and knowing you feel justified. Our country was not founded upon "woa is me" stories, it was founded upon people who were willing to give their life and didn't want people to feel sorry for them. The sacrifice was well worth the cost, and they knew that. People do not realise that today, which is very sad. They were preserving freedom, which is what we are doing now. See, he feels guilty and he feels like, "what have I done" but God called so many people in the old testament into war and they didnt have self pity and self-loathing that I think weakens this great nation. I have the Lord and the Holy spirit in my life so going into this war will be completely different for me. I know what is at stake, and I know questions like "why did God let me live" will not be on my mind if my buddies around me die. And I would hope that self-loathing would not be on the minds of my fellow battle buddies if I were to pass. They need to realise that I realised before I joined that the risk and sacrifice was well worth the cost, and I believe that today. If I have to die so my kids/wife/relatives can be free, I will do it gladly. Besides, the other side (heaven) will be great! It is a win, win! If God so chooses to let me live, praise be to Him! If God allows me to pass, then so be it. A marine asking why he was chosen to live is like asking why God alows sin in the world. You know? So although many people may like the movie, and again, I do feel for the guy, it isnt the best representation I think of people in that situation. I hope you dont think this was an arrogant opinion. I just want you to consider it.
chris leslie -- Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Jan 31, 2008 at 5:11 AM
In response to Jeff Graver's thoughts ...dont wrap yourself up in the idea that you or James were defending your freedom in anyway by fighting in Iraq. James is clearly messed up because he realises his time and his colleagues deaths mean't nothing in the end. If Iraq was hellbent on invading the US and stealing its resources then perhaps you and he would have some justification and peace. James story is important as is this piece of work as its not just about one man and 'self pity/self loathing' as you call it - his story is that of thousands of service men and women across the US and other countries who return home to a life they struggle to lead. You have your beliefs in God which gets you through life, but some people dont, so remember that, but most importantly remember that invading Iraq was never about yours or anybody else's freedom.....
william davis -- LR., AR
Jan 28, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Great msg, Mr. Miller isn't the only one out there. It's no differant than the vetenam war.You fight the enemy and you fight the gov't. If the gov't isn't on the vet's side, who's side is the gov't on. Do they (the gov't) become just another enemy?
yoheee -- Hong Kong
Jan 26, 2008 at 1:56 PM
"a picture tells a thousand words", simply stunning.
Dave Campbell -- Currituck, NC USA
Jan 22, 2008 at 9:55 PM
My Brother, Daniel, Four tours Vietnam, Agent orange contributed to is early death ar age 54, at his funeral they read his , record, He had served his country and comrades well. Yet he never spoke of any of it. I am sure he took lives and i am also sure that he saved many, That is war, He never spoke ill of his country . would not even ask for help, and the war eventually killed him. No name on the WALL.But killed in action.
victor -- roseville calif united states
Jan 22, 2008 at 2:55 PM
Blake please hold on for your sake and for your family no matter where you are just remember as a fellow Marine we are brothers and we all feel the pain nomatter when where or how we feel your pain . As time comes and go it will ease somewhat but that pain will be there and we will share pain with you my brother in arms. Sgt Victor Vonzell Camp U.S.M.C 1978-1986 SEMPER FI (Always Faithful)
Jeff Engel -- Branson, MO USA
Jan 19, 2008 at 2:35 PM
When people are confronted with the realities in which a lot of individuals live thier daily lives, it is brought to us in a way that draws out judgement instead of compassion. It has been presented without a sense of a real human connection. I lived in that world of addiction for 15 years. I applaud the authenticity and path you provided for the others to connect with people that exist in our world and need our help not our condemnation
Eric Schmid -- Zurich, Switzerland
Jan 16, 2008 at 7:26 AM
Very impressive story! There should be more photographers out there who tell a different story about world events like the Iraq war. I know, I am European, we do see this war in a completely different light, not attached to poor guys like Miller, and also not so much manipulated by an US Covernemt and Pentagon. Mediastorm is doing a great job teaching the American People, that what you hear day in day out in the national news is far removed from reality. It is a good way to show all the lies who have let to this absolutely injust war. Luis, keep up your brilliant photography, i am an advertising photographer, but really been touched by your work and Millers story. good luck!
Travis -- Stockton, Ca. USA
Jan 12, 2008 at 12:21 AM
This short documentry is spot on to what we go through, I didn't have the combat engagements this young man had. However I'm fresh from the combat zone (1month) and to say the least I know exactly what he is going through. Its like the hammer hitting the nail when he talks about the depression. Damit what have we gained versis what we have lost is the hardest hitting point that chokes me up.
Rebecca Drobis -- Washington DC USA
Jan 10, 2008 at 6:27 PM
This is the most powerful and memorable piece of journalism I have seen yet.
francis r. malasig -- philippines
Dec 17, 2007 at 12:56 AM
AMEN......
Frederic Belge -- Bangkok, Thailand
Dec 13, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Great piece of photojournalism.Great job Luis and nice editing .. congrat for the team of Mediastorm. I'll check your other works but i'm already amazed by this one.. Congratulation again, that's journalism as we wish to see more.Long life to all of you..Good luck to all veteran of all wars.. Wars sucks.
Jim Berkes -- Frankfort, KY, United States of America
Dec 11, 2007 at 7:24 PM
Good job on documenting what is helping to bring down this once great nation. And no it's not apathy, or social injustice ...it's simply self pity and cowardice.
This piece is absolutely amazing and should be broadcast for all to see and hear. The insight to the stuggles and pain that haunt veterans should be shouted from coast to coast. Touching to the core.
Roland Van Deusen -- Clayton, NY, USA
Nov 24, 2007 at 1:05 PM
There are 4000 nationwide free, anonymous support groups that can also help w/PTSD at www.celebraterecovery.com. I told VA headquarters about this six months ago and they ignored me, probably because it came from Veterans For Peace. See the current SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE, p. 45.
John A Signorelli -- Olmsted Falls, Ohio, USA
Nov 23, 2007 at 8:53 PM
I am 66 years old and a Viet Nam Vet. Once A GI always a GI. I didn't have it anywhere near as bad as Cpl Miller, but after 40 years the memories are still there. There are still men from Nam languishig. I cried when I read this article today in The Plain Dealer, and I hope and pray that this press will ignite the national conciousness that these men and women have a great problem that must be dealt with without the politicians screwing it up.
Noreen Cuglewski -- Seven Hills, OH USA
Nov 23, 2007 at 8:50 AM
Thank you for this wonderful story of this one solldier. In our busy lives we sometimes forget what they are going thru in Iraq and at home. This story brought me to tears. Thank you James we care about you please take care of yourself. Thank you Luis Sinco for sharing these pictures and story with America. Hope to hear more from you.
Lauren Grabelle -- NJ, USA
Nov 17, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Watching the pain of Marine Lance Corporal James Blake Miller, I kept thinking that it would be wonderful if he could find a way to distract himself from his pain, busy himself with life, his life now. Then I noticed his credit at the end and I know that he can. If the music was his, he has found his therapy that can be completed while at home in the hills of Kentucky and can ease him forward in his meaningful life.
Thomas Pickard -- Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Nov 16, 2007 at 5:48 PM
It is because of multimedia pieces like this, that the world needs an organisation like MediaStorm.
Paula Lerner -- Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
Nov 16, 2007 at 12:53 PM
This is a moving, thought provoking story, beautifully executed with excellent photography, great audio, and high quality editing. I'm glad I took the time to view it. I hope James Blake Miller is finding his way.My compliments to all who put this feature together. It inspires me to view and produce more packages like this one. And my heart goes out to all the James Blake Millers of the world.
