Casualties of War: Video Series

Casualties of War

In a series of exclusive reports you will find only on KATU, we bring you the stories of local soldiers who were injured in Iraq and who are now taking their next steps in life as amputees.

This unique series is brought to you by Reporter Anna Song and Photographer Chris Wilkinson, who spent time with amputee soldiers at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Introduction To The Series
lives that have been forever changed by war
Anna Song explains what motivated her to work on the series and we hear from the two Oregon soldiers who are featured in the stories. Watch the story

The Stories

Part 1: Rehabilitating the veterans of the Iraq war
Many soldiers have lost their lives in Iraq, but what about the ones who were left with serious injuries they will have for the rest of their lives? Watch the story


Part 2: Meet Sgt. Lucas Wilson
"There were days when I'd wake up and I just wouldn't get out of bed," Wilson says about his mental state after he lost his leg in Iraq. Watch the story


Part 3: Meet Sgt. Mike Buyas
"My ultimate goal is to put pants on and go out to a public place and just walk regular," Buyas says from the Walter Reed Medical Center . Watch the story


Part 4: Meet Maj. Tammy Duckworth
As one of the few female combat pilots, Duckworth stands out. "I don't think of myself as a female soldier, I think of myself as just a soldier." Watch the story

Part 5: How technology is helping amputee soldiers
At Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., amputee soldiers are benefiting from the latest in high-tech devices. Watch the story

Part 6: Vietnam veteran gives back to today's amputees
As a young man, Jack Farley found himself halfway around the world in the jungles of Vietnam, witnessing the horror of war. Watch the story


Followup To The Series

Three local soldiers united by war
It has been said that in war boys become men and three Oregon soldiers made that transition together after coming under attack in Iraq. Watch the story

'Always look at the brighter side of life'
"One of the main things you need to do is always keep a good attitude," says Spc. Matthew Braddock, who became an amputee. Watch the story