Our Troops in Iraq: When Are They Coming Home?

By Sarah Novak and Gresa Shala

From issue 3 winter 2006

Many families in the United States are concerned whether or not the troops are coming home soon. The troops, which include the Army, have been in Iraq since 2003. That’s three long years of suffering bombings and other dangerous threats. Families of the nation’s troops really hope their loved ones get home soon. One very lucky state, Vermont, received the best gift yet for the holidays. Their troops came home from Iraq.We decided to interview a person who is in this situation. We interviewed a family friend, Zbigniew Krysiak whose son just came back from Iraq. Zbigniew is 51 years old and works as a security guard in New Jersey. He has two other children who are in high school in Staten Island. Zbigniew told us that his son, Sebastian, who is 23, was in Iraq from December 2004 until December 2005.Why, we asked, did his son join the Army?“He wanted to serve his country,” Zbigniew said. Zbigniew told us that he and his son communicated regularly by phone and e-mail. Zbigniew’s son had a dangerous job while in Iraq.“He stayed in the area of the famous prison, Abu Grab,” Zbigniew said. “He served as a medic. He also operated a machine gun to protect ambulances. Many times he was in life threatening situations.”We asked if Sebastian received any honors or awards for his bravery. “Yes. He received nine medals,” Sebastian’s father said. “One of them was the American Warrior Medal which is given to soldiers who serve in extremely dangerous conditions. He received another medal for saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. When they were having lunch, he spotted a gunman and killed the man to save his friends.” Zbigniew said that his son feels that fighting the war is his job.“He feels the war is his duty and he is not afraid to fight,” Zbigniew said. Everybody hopes the troops come back from war. All of them are trying their best to defend their country and fight for what is right. We all hope they come back…. and soon.