Everybody said, 'Why are you going back into the military to fight for this cause that most liberals wouldn't be for?' But he had a bleeding heart for all those Iraqi and Afghani people, and he felt passionately that many people don't see the human side of why we're there.
    — Laurie Hutchison, niece

    Hutchison was killed when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle in Al Farr, Iraq. He was the oldest member of the U.S. military to die of combat-related wounds in Iraq or Afghanistan. Hutchison had served two tours of duty in Vietnam and voluntarily rejoined the Army under its retiree recall program.
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    Six memories of Steven Hutchison

    Such an outstanding and compassionate gentleman and soldier. God Bless Him at His Side, Maj. Steven Hutchinson!

    — Celia M. Pugliese
    August 13, 2009 at 2:02 p.m.

    A man is never is discharged from the military of the country he loves.....it's in the blood of a true patriot warrior. If it's peace time your mind is at ease, but, when your country is in the thick of it, your mind "locks-on" to the issue at hand. The spirit of a warrior never dies and his legacy guarantees eternal vigilance o'er the land of the free.

    — Lone Arrow
    August 16, 2009 at 1:35 p.m.

    A tough man with a soft heart for a four-legged princess. God bless you.

    — Red Rabbit
    August 16, 2009 at 6:26 p.m.

    The compassion, dedication and love of his country and man's best friend (his dog) is a wonderful inspiration to his fellow Soldiers whom serve this country.
    In my hurt, I honor him as a fellow Soldier who was dedicated to the mission and love for being in the Army.

    God Bless you and the love you had for your fellow mate whom you left behind and saved (your companion Laia) that day you were at the wrong place at the wrong time.

    — Ms. Holmes
    August 16, 2009 at 9:03 p.m.

    Mr. Hutchison was one of my Psychology teachers at Cal State Long Beach in the early 1990's. I really enjoyed his classes and was so sad to hear that he was another victim of war. Such a nice guy!

    — M. Reilley
    June 26, 2011 at 12:11 a.m.

    Wow,

    RESPECT

    But also, what a pity :(

    R I P Major

    On the eternal hunting fields we say in the Netherlands

    A Dutch submarine vet

    Chris

    — Chris
    August 31, 2011 at 4:40 p.m.

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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 736 California servicemembers and 490 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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