Many joined the Guard for a six-year stint. Before they were called to active duty, many began as reservists. Their occupations ranged from working as police, nurses, pilots, and even students. Lydia Chen who we'll talk about later was in her third year at UIC when she was deployed to active duty. Some signed up for patriotic reasons, others to learn new skills. Whatever the individual motives, they now occupy one of the world's hottest hotspots, and with it comes a newfound appreciation for the freedoms we here may sometimes take for granted.

There are several missions, as outlined by WGN-TV reporter Tom Negovan, (click here) who spent several weeks with the 33rd Combat Brigade in Camp Phoenix, outside the country's capital, Kabul. One of the Guard's purposes is training ordinary Afghans to become competent police officers. Many of these citizens are illiterate, so it's quite a task. Other missions involve delivering humanitarian aid, such as making sure medical supplies get to hospitals, or bringing books to schools so the students can get the education every child deserves.

And yes, there's combat. One doesn't go into a war zone without properly knowing how to survive, and that means not being afraid to defend their lives and their comrades. For the Guard, it's been a mixture of what I've mentioned and more. From emailing and talking to soldiers there, my understanding of the mission is to equip Afghans with the tools they need to control the fate of their country. After decades of war, the mission could take a long, long time.

Recent reports indicate the violence in Afghanistan is escalating. A fact not lost on the Illinois National Guard. Two members were recently killed there, and the latest two casualties are back, pending funeral service. Even so, talking to Sgt. Jamie Stroh who recently returned here for two weeks, the morale of the troops is astounding. I've had the privilege of knowing him, first through emails, telephone calls, and now enjoying a short furlough, to meet him in person. He represents those who haven't talked to the media. He has a hundred stories, some he can talk about, others untold because of security risks.

No matter what one's view of our involvement in Afghanistan is, the effort displayed by all the troops serving our country is inspiring. I'm sorry I haven't been able to obtain the pictures of Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton, 26, of Germantown and Sgt. Paul Smith 43, of East Peoria. They died when their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar. I'll be highlighting in the next couple days the story of Staff Sgt. Lydia Chen. She's with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a contingent of the Illinois National Guard. Her story is unique in that she gained her United State's citizenship while guarding the base 750 troops call home.

Pat Curry

By Pat Curry

Mike, the oldest of my  two brothers, passed away one week ago Sunday sometime during the night. Those of you who know such passings may understand. Those who don't I encourage you to read anyway. There may be something for all of us.

Along with my other brother, Russ, I grew up with  awe and admiration for both of them.  No one is closer to those guys than to me, and I hope everyone can feel the same way about our siblings. or at least find some truths about one another that are positive.   My brothers and I didn't have love sit-ins;  we did our share of fighting and arguing, but in the end we were brothers and supported one another, minus the usual brother teasing.

So it's no surprise I think of Mike, and a zillion guys like him. They're the  ones  out  there  busting  their butts along with their loved ones getting things done--- to build not a shelter but a home and provide the best they can for their children.  It's not just about putting food on the table,although unfortunately many are preoccupied because of situations out of their control. We all want to pass our history along. To me, Mike was a real  patriot . He didn't  demonstrate in public or defect to Canada when his draft card was close to being picked, but he had an innate sense of what was going on out there. You could say he read and heard many views about events, and somehow fit them into a world view he could understand and express.  Between commuting, working, and commuting, as Mike did, how many of us have time to dissect the stream of information rushing at us?

My brother is important  to this story because  he  could be your  brother.  The  one  whose  job  it is to keep  you in line, honest,  and transparent. Believe me, for all the times we had our disagreements we made up just as quick, and no one had to lose face.  He's also the brother who kept an eye on me and on the news media.  He didn't let me forget what my duty was, and I couldn't always disagree with his opinions.

When I saw Mike, it didn't take long for a conversation about global warming, immigration, crime, and government to come up. Mike did a lot of reading and came prepared. So what if I work at the news station, does it mean I know more than anyone else ?  Journalism in many ways reports facts; truth is something the viewer must decide for themselves. Mike did that, and with all the sides presented, and complexities described, was able to know where he stood.  Amen!

Mike had an innate sense of right and wrong that runs strong in my family. Perhaps that's why I see a lot of things in black and white in many situations.  Crime, abuse, corruption, bigotry, etc, are all things I tend to have biases against, but gray has to be a factor in stories, and in life. Nothing is as simple as it seems. It's part of growing up.

I dedicate this to Mike, because he wasn't afraid of free speech, whether he said, "Blagoevich", or, "Bag--a-chips". Okay, never heard him say that, but close enough. The point is he wanted to know what was happening here, there, and everywhere.  And like him, making our job tougher is your job, just like Mike made mine. But what is tough when truth is at stake?

Yes, I dedicate this space to Mike, his wife, Cindy, daughter Stefanie, and son, Michael--who all continue to astound me with their humanity....and for delivering real news I can use.