By MICHAEL GILBERT, Tacoma News Tribune

TACOMA, Wash. -- It took Sgt. Michael Espejo Jr. a moment to realize that the injured Afghan policeman he was dragging away from a burning truck was no policeman at all.He had one of the man's arms draped over his shoulder and felt an odd bulk under his Afghan National Police shirt. Some new body armor, maybe?

TACOMA, Wash. -- A group of mental health care providers in Washington is offering free help to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families who either can't or don't want to go through traditional channels for care.

Master Sgt. Jonathan Holmes says civilian audiences usually express polite interest in the array of elbow- and knee-pads, ballistic eye wear and other soldier protective gear that he's got on display. But what they really want to know about -- especially if they've got someone in the Army -- is the body armor.

They don't have anything against a game of volleyball or basketball. It's good exercise, builds teamwork and camaraderie. But as far as senior commanders at Fort Lewis, Wash., are concerned, it's just not right for "PT."