Soldiers' families live with fear and grief

My son joined the National Guard at 18 and went to Iraq. Everyone I ran into asked me how I coped.

Well, I just tried to put it aside in my mind. However, the dread of uniformed officers knocking at your door saying you should sit down never left.

Thankfully, he came home in one piece. I have a large photo of his troop, with all their signatures on the back. 

One young man, one of our own, did not make it. He was a young man with a promising career waiting for him. We all grieve for him and all of those who have fallen. My son has a memento of his fallen friend that he will never part with. I know my son will never forget. Neither will the rest of us.

Anita Whisler

Ephrata