WAr isn't a joke

This past week we started reading graphic novels in class. I came upon a book which really drew me in: To Afghanistan and Back. Any how, as I started reading the book, I really lost interest. The book starts off by stating all the problems and story of the war between U.S. and Iraq. The first 30 or so pages included lots of dull text and few photos. 

Around page 35, the book took an unexpected turn. The dull and boring text became a mocking and amusing "comic", until I read this specific part: 

This image left me in shock. Here, the author is trying to appeal as a well-informed person committed to his job (by searching for news) when in reality he is being rude and shallow. 

"I should be there! ... Now I was MISSING Afghanistan, and it was killing me". MISSING? I don't believe you can miss a war like you can miss your daily TV-show. 
I find hard to believe how the author states his grief not for the 9-11 victims/war victims, but feels sorry for himself  by not being able to be there when both happened. 

This instantaneously made me drop the book, and here I am, writing against this specific section of the book because what if he were a victim?