Dom Giordano: The Biggest Lie In Baltimore
By Dom Giordano
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Probably the most insulting and offensive statement coming out of the Baltimore riots was CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin telling the nation that she was told that the Baltimore Police Department had an influx of military vets returning from Afghanistan and Iraq and they were itching for battles. She linked this alleged factoid to the injuries that resulted in the death of Freddie Gray, the man whose death triggered the Baltimore riots.
This nonsense struck a nerve with me due to my upcoming event with Taya Kyle, the widow of Chris Kyle. Taya not only had to deal with Chris' four tours of duty in Iraq but also the issues he brought home with him and his murder at the hands of a fellow vet who allegedly suffered from issues related to his time in the military.
I've been reviewing the notes sent to me by Taya's representative to get ready for the event and they are very emotionally charged. They talk about the sacrifices during Chris' four tours of duty, the challenges the couple faced when he returned home and the manner in which her faith sustains her throughout all these challenges.
I've just gotten done watching 20/20's presentation of inside the personal life of the Kyles. The four keywords in Taya's new book are love, war, faith and renewal. Taya, remarkably, emphasized the gentleness and substance of Chris Kyle. This is an insight that I think fleshes out a much fuller portrait.
I was pretty much unaware of the deep friendship that Kyle had with Marcus Luttrell, the real-life hero of "Lone Survivor." I will ask Taya Kyle about this on Wednesday, May 6th.
My hope is that I can get Taya to share the pain and the joys of being a supporter on the home front for our military who are protecting us around the world. This event, for me, is my chance, our chance, to put on our radar screen the pressures, the strains, and the strength to carry on.
The 20/20 first visit back to the shooting range where Chris was shot to death by a fellow soldier was particularly painful. It underlined, for me, that story is not just a high-profile military story but, at its heart, a love story.
I'm prepping hard to do this the justice it deserves. Come join me this Wednesday and be inspired. Go to www.CBSPhilly.com/Speakerseries for tickets.