Two multimedia projects highlight war vets and law enforcement

Two interesting Web-based multimedia reporting projects recently came to my attention and both are worth a look. Coincidently they both involved Iraqi and/or Afghan veterans involved with law enforcement, from both sides.

NPR used images and map animations to tell the dramatic story of a North Dakota veteran apparently suffering from PTSD who takes the state highway patrol on a winding chase. It culminates in a showdown where it appears he wants to be shot and killed. It's very well done, watch it here.

UW-Oshkosh journalism students created a very nice Web site accompanying a book and photo exhibit called "War Through Their Eyes" profiling more than a dozen Oshkosh students and alum who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. It is particularly relevant this week as one featured vet is Craig Birkholz, the Fond du Lac police officer recently killed in the line of duty. His account of close calls and dangerous times is made all the more poignant knowing the tragedy that found him at home.

The generation that makes up most of those fighting these wars for us has been called the 'digital generation' and it's interesting to see their stories being told in new and compelling ways.