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Iraq war vet stirs crowd at Capitol

May-31-2005 » Filed Under: 1/25 SBCT

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BY KATHERINE TAM, THE OLYMPIAN

DJ Skelton carries the battle scars of Iraq on his body.

He lost his left eye, upper palate and partial use of his left arm, but he's refusing to leave the Army without a fight. He's working to prove he can still perform so he can keep his active-duty status. He'll know this summer whether he's successful.

He spoke Monday before a crowd of about 200 inside the Capitol dome of the patriotism that drives men and women to enlist in the military, even though war is unforgiving.

Memorial Day means a day off work or school for many, but "our soldiers do not enjoy such a privilege," he said.

Audience members, some moved to tears, made their way through the crowd at the end of Skelton's speech to offer a hug and express their gratitude.

Most were strangers, but Skelton said, "This is family. Family doesn't define itself by blood." [...]

Norma Melo has found her own way of honoring her husband, Julian S. Melo, who was killed in a December mess hall bombing in Mosul, Iraq.

He loved being a soldier and traveling to different places, Norma Melo said. He was a fan of music that ranged from reggae to country. He had a soft spot for stray animals and children.

On Monday at the Capitol service, Norma Melo recounted her last conversation with her husband. The day before he died, he told her the children of Mosul were dancing in the streets after listening to music from his MP3 player.

After he died, the family established a memorial fund to benefit the children of Iraq. They delivered the first check for $10,000 to the Iraqi embassy Saturday for a children's music program.

"I can't think of a better way to honor him," she said.

You can learn more about Norma's project in this previous entry from January.


Comments For "Iraq war vet stirs crowd at Capitol":

What a beautiful living tribute.....music for the children. The freedom to be able to dance in the streets.......and one day without fear. Awesome goal...one I pray we will see soon.

Posted by: Sindet | May 31, 2005 3:44 PM

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