The year 2002 marked a significant milestone in the life of Ray Hartgrave as the end of the season brought about his retirement.

Karen Mooney, DeWitt Office:

I come from a long line of military people, all the way back to the Civil War. My father served, as did his father before him, and his father before him. I have uncles, cousins, and very close friends, too many to name, all currently serving in some capacity. Over the years I have learned that our country’s leaders don’t put young men and women in harm’s way just for grins and giggles. The public is not privy to the same information that our decision makers have, and I believe we all sleep better not knowing what they know.

Our service men and women were all recruited, not drafted, and they believe in their cause. Whether we like it or not, they are doing their jobs. Without knowing what our leaders know, we are left only with our faith that they know what they are doing, that they aren’t risking American lives unnecessarily, and that the cause is just.

We are free to question whether our faith is justified because thousands of people have died throughout history defending our right to question our leadership. Whether you feel the war is right or wrong, you have the right to express your opinion, respectfully.

Joyce Lacina, Montour Quarry:

I have a 1st cousin in the army, SSG Kim Banes. Last I've heard is that she is stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas. Her husband and 3 kids live in Vining, IA. Between the Army and the National Guard, she has served our country for 20 years. She was hoping to retire this year.

Jackie Behounek, Garrison Quarry:

Sgt. Jessica Gibson was called to active duty on March 15, 2003 with Charlie Company 234th Signal Battalion out of Marshalltown, IA.

Jessica is the wife of Mathew (Tom) Gibson employed by Manatts in Brooklyn, IA. She is the daughter of Anthony and Jackie Behounek of Vinton, IA (Jackie is the scalehouse operator at Wendling Quarries’ Garrison Quarry) and Patty McPatridge of Tama, IA.

Jessica is now stationed at Fort Riley Kansas waiting for deployment overseas. She leaves behind four children: Nicole 8, Bailey 3, Kaitlin 2, and a step-daughter Lilly 8 of San Antonio, TX.