Ten years ago today, bombs started falling on Baghdad and American troops crossed the border from Kuwait to Iraq. Marines from Southern California were there on the first day and were crucial to the war effort and even the capture of Saddam Hussein. Now, more young veterans live here than any place else in the country. We hear about their service — and problems with the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Why does it take two years in Los Angeles to get the best medical care in the world? Also, an Iraqi refugee who came to Southern California along with his family. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, how a deceptive rationale, poor planning and worse execution turned Americans against the war in Iraq.
Banner image: Octavio Sanchez (L) and Aaron Mankin are medically retired Marines who have had multiple surgeries through Operation Mend, which provides plastic reconstructive surgeries to disfigured service members. Official US Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ethan E. Rocke