for both the state department and the pentagon. a retired u.s. admiral. john, this has become a major issue now for the president. is there a set protocol as far as you know for a president to follow when contacting the family of a fallen u.s. soldier, sailor, air man or marine. >> i don't think there's a set protocol. pre president handles this differently. obviously it looks like president trump has chosen he's going to make the phone calls and write letters. that's what a commander in chief should do is find a way to reach out to the families of fallen when and where he or she can. there's no set pro cocal fotoe >> when it comes to your background, 30 years in the navy, when you hear this political bickering going on about phone calls and letters to the families of the fallen, what goes through your mind? >> it breaks my heart, wolf. this whole sad situation just breaks my heart.