Welcome HomeThe war in Iraq is now entering the second year. In the last 12 months, the forces of the United States military secured a quick victory over the Iraqi military, and have since settled in to a long battle with the insurgency of hardcore loyalists and foreign fighters. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world, high-level terrorist leaders have been captured or killed. Most of the famous "deck of 52" most wanted in Iraq have been taken care of. Many other important events have happened during the last year.First, we must take notice that many of our local Guardsmen have returned from six months active duty service in England. A great appreciation should be shown for those who left their spouses, children, families and friends to serve their country. Through their sacrifice they made their personal contribution to the greater War on Terror. Thank-you and welcome home.As other soldiers have returned from Iraq, there seems to be a very distinct difference between what you see on the news and what they speak of. Most of them have spoken of the good that is going on in Iraq, to include the projects that have refurbished hospitals and reopened schools. It seems, from their accounts, that the insurgency is limited to a small percentage of the population. That is not to say that we have not suffered too many dead and wounded in this war. One serviceman dying for his country is one too many, and many of the wounded will carry their scars and pain for the rest of their lives. But it seems to me, as in past wars, that the feeling is the same in the ranks. Most of them believe that what they are doing is vital to the security of our nation and honorable.On the day of the anniversary of the beginning of the war there were again protests. If you watched the news, they received more press in one day than any of our servicemen’s good work has in an entire year. That is a sad reflection on our society. Earlier this month, Spain was attacked by terrorists who sought to undermine the upcoming election. It worked. The Socialist party took control of the government and it was made apparent that their support of the war was over and they would be cuddling up to France. I think now any election in any country can be the catalyst for terror attacks. The Spanish people did a great disservice to many other countries with their knee jerk reaction.There are many varied opinions on the importance of this war and what it means to the next generation of kids leaving our small towns for larger cities. In the matter of our servicemen and women, I would hope that we could all put our politics aside and make sure that they do not end up receiving the same treatment as those returning home 30 years ago did.Curtis HendelAdrian
