AVON – Harlie Haines is feeling better now that the war in Iraq is winding down.

His son Luke, 21, is aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a troop carrier overseas in the war.

The last time the family heard from him was in late March when they received an e-mail with just a few words stating he was OK. He is still in the Gulf, Haines said.

Haines and his wife, Julie, had invited local people to display photos of their loved ones in their Phillips True Value Hardware Store last month.

So far, they have about a dozen to 15 photos up with a lot of people stopping by and showing interest, he said.

-Donna M. Perry
Kingfield:

Keeping track

of grandson harder

KINGFIELD – Ray Meldrum said the family hasn’t heard from his grandson Pvt. Jerry Norton since mid March.

Norton, 20, is with the U.S. Army 3-7 Cavalry, which was last known to be south of Baghdad in Iraq.

Ever since the April 6 death of NBC News correspondent David Bloom, who died from a pulmonary embolism while covering the war from the Iraqi desert,

Meldrum said it has been difficult to keep track of the Cavalry.

Norton’s grandmother and Ray’s wife, Pat Meldrum, has created a shrine with their grandson’s picture in it and yellow ribbons at their home to welcome Jerry home.

Jerry drives a Bradley tank with the Cavalry, which was known to be about 25 miles south of Baghdad on April 6.

Meldrum said he didn’t consider it unusual not hearing from his grandson due to soldiers not having access to outside mail or telephones.

-Donna M. Perry