Families provide strong support for troops

Southeast Missouri is proud to have so many fighting men and women representing the area in the war on Iraq. These soldiers risk their lives daily to secure the freedom of an oppressed nation and, ultimately, protect America from the threat of a homeland attack.

But we're also proud of the military families left behind and the sacrifices they're making as their husbands and wives, fathers and mothers serve overseas. It can be a lonely existence at best, running a home and raising children alone, dealing with the strains of everyday life without the person you've relied upon for assistance.

For most, communication is infrequent at best. Letters can take weeks to arrive. Families here gather up care packages and lots of love and keep sending them in hopes they brighten a soldier's day.

The worst is worrying about the daily attacks on American troops and knowing that the victims are someone else's beloved relatives.

But local families are finding ways to cope. One family refuses to watch television news reports about the war. A mother associates with her blood relatives and in-laws as much as possible to ease the loneliness. Still others form and attend support groups.

As much as the soldiers need our support, so do the families they left behind. We should be ready as a community to help them in any way they need.