Our View: Condolences to Montana soldier's family

We are saddened all the time when hear of U.S. soldiers being killed or injured in Afghanistan.

The seemingly endless war has taken its toll on our nation’s finances and our nation’s psyche. But when it takes a toll on our military personnel, it hurts everyone of us.

The news is especially hard when the death comes close to home, as it did last week.

Saturday, Chief Warrant Officer James Williamson, 44, a native of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation right here on the Hi-Line, gave his life in Afghanistan.

A career soldier, Williamson served with the Special Forces and was a senior adviser with the Defense Department.

“We are honored to have such a fine man serving our country,” the tribe said in a press release, expressing the emotions of most Montanans.

Williamson follows a long tradition of U.S. military personnel who have put support for their country above their own good. He is also in a long line of Native warriors who have given so much for our country, though not always getting enough credit.

We offer our condolences to Williamson’s family and his extended Blackfeet family.