The Collins family was in touch with Cantwell’s office in the capital Thursday, and was told Cantwell’s staffers were looking into the mistake.

Dad served for a whole lot of years to get that rank. Son served more than a few years to get his E-6/7.
I forgive Cantwell's office for the typo. Sh!t happens, but as Barry said, "the buck stops here". If a Lt. Colonel make an error, does he say "I'm looking into it"?

Simple apologies from Cantwell and Barry fixes this. My guess is that they will throw blame elsewhere instead. Make the damned call. We lose a few soldiers each day. The least we can do as a country is to at least get that right and not fawk it up. Mistakes happen. How you correct them shows your true character.

Calling on behalf of a felon instead of a mother? You'll defend that? (I know it was a staffer puke who answered that phone, and not Barry, but hopefully they will use this as a training tool.) Talk about pandering.

I have two boys, one of whom is interested in joining .MIL at this point in time. I would hope they get our name right, MESOJEDNIK, and that they apologize if they don't, should one of my boys lose his life after being sent somewhere by .GOV.

Not only is this a US citizen, but this young man grew up in our area. He is one of ours, and he deserves respect, and the best of treatment in recognition of his sacrifice for our country. I cannot imagine the horror his family feels for his loss. I hope I never know.