Answering the call

Larry Ferrell didn't have to go to Iraq. An assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District in Cape Girardeau for the past 14 years, Ferrell volunteered to be one of eight prosecutors chosen to go to Baghdad. There, before the Iraqi High Tribunal, they will help Iraqi prosecutors try the former Baathist leaders who were in league with Saddam Hussein.

Ferrell left for Iraq Monday. Before leaving, he and the other prosecutors underwent two weeks of training for the assignment in Arlington, Va. They learned the basics of the Arabic language, cultural sensitivity, how to recognize improvised explosives and how to survive as a hostage.

The prosecutor will be in Iraq at least six months, living and working in the green zone protected by U.S. troops. He will carry a 9 mm pistol when not in the courtroom.

Nobody is denying this work will be dangerous. Ferrell said his three children completely support his decision to go. "I've always tried to teach my children to be flag bearers and not flag wavers," he said.

He believes that the rebuilding of Iraq hinges on giving fair trials to Saddam and others responsible for heinous crimes against their countrymen. Believing is one thing. Acting is a brave thing.