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Idaho Guardsman gives window into life in Iraq

Sandy Miller, Times News:

Army Spc. David Walden says he's seen the best, and the worst, in Iraq.

Walden and other soldiers of the 116th Brigade Combat Team have been in-country since December, and now they're on the home stretch of a one-year tour. They're hoping to be home by Christmas.

Walden said he's seen new schools and power stations go up and fresh water lines go in. But he's also seen flag-draped caskets being loaded into the backs of C-130s.

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Walden is now stationed at a forward operating base in the northern city of Kirkuk. He said soldiers live in threes in small, air-conditioned metal buildings called "chews," which have Internet access and satellite TV. If soldiers want a fast-food fix, there's a Burger King and a Pizza Hut on the base. There's also a PX and a place to drop off laundry.

Walden said troops didn't have all of the armored vehicles they needed at first, but now all the vehicles are up-armored, which he called "a relief."

Walden is a newlywed. He married wife, Stephanie, on Nov. 18 when he was on leave before heading to Iraq. Stephanie's days are busy working at the Twin Falls Care Center and taking nursing classes at the College of Southern Idaho. She said her husband calls her most every morning.

"I'll be glad when it's over, but I'm glad he's over there serving his country," Stephanie said. "He's doing his job."

Stephanie said she gets lots of support from family and friends. Her mother knows what she's going through. Stephanie's father, a former Army medic, was sent to Germany during Operation Desert Storm when her mother was six months pregnant with her little brother.

"My mom helps me out a lot," Stephanie said.

Walden said although many cities in Iraq now have power and fresh water, much work remains to be done.

"The towns are worn down and there's garbage in the streets," Walden said.

Another interesting story by Miller. You just do not get stories like that sitting in a hotel in Baghdad, but somehow she manages to provide a picture of life for the troops while working in Idaho.