Last week the House was asked to welcome Army Sgt. Richard Fredericks, 24, of Jay, who recently served in Iraq.

When they turned and saw the young man in the chamber, wearing his dress Army greens, members sprang from their chairs and enthusiastically applauded Fredericks, who was standing next to his wife, Becky, and their 3-year-old daughter, Mackeynzee.

Wearing a grin, Fredericks said he hadn’t been to the State House since the fourth grade, and was surprised by the greeting.

He was told he’d be meeting with Gov. John Baldacci and other leaders. “I said OK, that’s pretty neat.” He didn’t expect to be treated like that. “I was just expecting them to say so-and-so is here.’ Then everyone stood up. It was nice to see that recognition for the armed forces.”

Fredericks’ wife is the niece of Rep. Ray Pineau, D-Jay, a Vietnam combat veteran, who requested the House recognition.

“It’s a tremendous sacrifice,” Pineau said. “Everyone returning is a casualty.” Even if a soldier escapes physical changes, war takes a toll. “It ages you.”

He knows. Like two of his brothers, Pineau did combat duty in Vietnam. “I was 21, the oldest guy in my unit. People were dying all around me who were too young to vote.”

Pineau doesn’t agree with the decision to send American troops to Iraq.

Before the war he was among those who voted for a resolution condemning the war. Now the troops have to be there.

“We’ve created a quagmire,” Pineau said.

After 10 days at home, Fredericks will be stationed in Texas. When asked if he would have to go back to Iraq, he said he didn’t know, but if he does, he’ll be fine. “I’ve changed my job.” Instead of being on the front line, he’ll be working in a hospital.

“I’d be in a safer position than where I was, which is good, especially for my family,” he said looking at his wife and daughter.

Not everyone returning from Iraq visits the State House, but several have.

The reception from legislators is the same, with respect and gratitude.

Seeing men and women in uniform, knowing where they’ve been, pulls heartstrings.

Returning soldiers who don’t personally visit are also being honored. For instance, last week four from Auburn – Capt. Phillip Trevino of the 1-152nd Field Artillery Forward; Spc. Joshua Adam Douglass, Staff Sgt. Jerry Roland Ouellette, and Sgt. Wesley Alton Peaslee, all with the 619th Transportation Reserve Unit – were recognized in the daily House and Senate calendar for their recent duty in Iraq.

Omitted bill

After the tragedy of Robert Levesque of Wales dying after being struck by a snowmobiler on Sabattus Pond two years ago, Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth, said she was approached by those on both sides requesting new laws. “They’re all my constituents,” she said.

Levesque’s family asked to make leaving the scene of a snowmobile accident a serious crime, as it is in motor vehicle laws. The man who hit Levesque, and his brother-in-law, asked for a law mandating that walkers at night wear reflectors, Smith said.

She considered the requests, but did not submit a bill mandating pedestrians wear reflectors.

“I thought that was inappropriate. That’s not getting at the problem.” The problem is speed, “and overdriving your headlights,” Smith said.

Quote of the week:

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch, except at the State House.”

– Rep. Chris Barstow, D-Gorham, who with other legislators were enjoying lunch courtesy of bankers on Bankers Day.

– Bonnie Washuk is a Sun Journal State House reporter.