As a new generation of veterans returns from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, they take their place alongside veterans of other American wars. We’re bringing you stories of some veterans, from World War II to today in our series, After the Wars.

Today, Thomas and Anna Ware tell the story of their son, Albert. Albert was an Army sergeant who died in Afghanistan in 2009. Ware joined the Army National Guard in 2004 and deployed twice to serve tours in Afghanistan. Ware died on December 18, 2009, in Afghanistan’s Arghandab River Valley when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle. He was 27 years old and left behind three children, his wife, sister, and parents.

Music Button:  The Album Leaf, “Fear of Flying”, from the CD Green Tour, (Self Released)