Today the Greensboro News and Record is reporting a story we’ve been aware of since Monday. Their lead item on page A1 this morning concerns the death of a soldier in Afghanistan who is from Alamance County. A reporter here has pursued this story for the past couple of days.
We actually had a story ready to go Monday night that was at least as documented as the current one by the News and Record. By Tuesday night we had a lot of information the N&R didn’t have — including the rank and base where the young man was stationed.
But what we didn’t have was military confirmation and as an editor who worked in a military town that presents a problem for me. In addition, a military casuality officer had yet to visit the family by Tuesday night — which is unusual based on my experience.
From our perspective the News and Record story with only two sources, no military rank, no base is way too skimpy to publish. Newspapers have been burned by printing information too early for years. And once it’s published it can’t be taken back. Channel 2 also has the story up on its web site but is only using the News and Record as a source.
Maybe I play things too safe. But with something as important as the death of a soldier I’d rather err on the side of caution.
Hopefully our readers will understand. I had a phone call already from one who did not.
Because the News and Record has a story on its Web site about this incident and Channel 2 does as well, I’ve decided to post ours so readers will at least have more information. N&R editor John Robinson posted a blog about their decision and ours. He’s right that it’s a tough call and I understand why they made the decision to publish.
I just wish I felt more comfortable with the whole thing.
As a member of Glen Hope Baptist Church, and a friend of Linda Kearney and Pruitt Rainey, I would like to thank you for holding this story until now. When my husband and I learned the news Sunday night we were in shock, and we too are waiting for the Department of Defense release of the names. I understand why you held the story, and also why you have posted it online now.
I would also like to thank Keren Rivas for the story that is online. It captures who Pruitt was, and we are grieving the loss of a very special young man who truly loved his Grandmother, and made friends wherever he went. We don’t understand “Why” but trust in a God who has the answers that we don’t see.
Your decision to hold the story until you received appropriate confirmation was very responsible , and respectful of the family.