Provide help to families of deployed troops

On Aug. 7, I had the privilege and honor to attend the send-off of the 2/34th HHC Brigade Special Troops Battalion, B Company and C Company. On Aug. 8, I attended the send-off of Detachment 1 Company A and Detachment 2 Company B.

I am not a politician. Yet, after witnessing the children's gut-wrenching pleas to their parents to stay home, I am giving this 20 years of war serious evaluation.

I am not an educator or school official. However, after witnessing the children clinging to their parents and sobbing, tears rolled down my face.

School starts soon. If I had a class, the first day I would ask the children, “How many of you have parents deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan?” I would then take down their names and wrap these children and their families with the best education, clergy and social service programs Linn County could provide.

If you have a loved one deployed, Linn County Veterans Affairs is here to help. Call (319) 892-5160.

Serve veterans. Remember their service. Understand their needs.

Donald Tyne,

Director

Linn County

Veteran Affairs