ORG XMIT: JG 41090 VETSMENTALHEALTH 11/9/2 11/11/11 8:02:04 PM -- Tulsa, OK, U.S.A -- WARWIDOW -- Jane Horton, 26, standing with the American flag which draped the coffin of her husband Army Specialist Christopher Horton, 26, who was killed in Afghanistan in September 2011, outside of her home near Tulsa, OK . Military leaders worry that after 10 years of war, there is a growing disconnect between the tiny minority of Americans on the battle lines and the vast majority who lives their lives in peace. Surveys have confirmed this disconnect. And Jane Horton is living right in the middle of it. The young war widow is a member of a venerable group that no one recognizes any more -- Gold Star war widows. In previous wars, they were known, appreciated and venerated for their sacrifices. Today, when Jane walks through events with her Gold Star pin on her blouse, no one recognizes it. No one asks her about it. No one can see that she gave up her husband several weeks before to a war winding down in Afghanistan. -- Photo by Jack Gruber, USA TODAY staff [Via MerlinFTP Drop]
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