The moral counseling and coaching then begin. Did the soldier cut down an enemy in a firefight or spill innocent blood? If the latter, did it happen accidentally — combat can be chaotic — or intentionally, with malice?
These are not easy conversations for Whitmore. But he’s talked military men and women through them numerous times and usually is able to help.
He knows them. He has rejoiced with them. He has mourned with them (and their loved ones). He has prayed for them, worshipped with them and ministered to them — whether they belong to his Mormon faith or not.