Called to duty

For three Cape Girardeau firefighters, the war in Iraq is more than daily news reports.

It is a call to duty that everyone in the armed forces pledges to fulfill.

Firefighter Sam Welker has already spent some time in Iraq.

Fire marshal Mike Morgan has been to the Middle East twice, in 1991 and again in 2003.

Morgan and master firefighter Larry Hagan are leaving for duty in Iraq. Both are members of the U.S. Navy Reserve construction battalion known as the Seabees.

Morgan and Hagan hope to used their training and skills to further the rebuild Iraq's infrastructure, which Morgan has seen firsthand.

It is the commitment of men and women like these firefighters who keep our military strong and provide essential services in times of strife.

They and their families are to be commended for their willingness to serve.

And those who fill the gaps while two members of the city's fire department are overseas also deserve special commendation. They will continue to provide crucial services at home while these two firefighters complete their military duties.

We wish them Godspeed and a safe return.