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The Independent Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary's V.OLUME 38: ISSUE 110 • MONDAY, MARCH 22,2004 NDSMCOBSERVER.COM IRAQ: ONE YEAR LATER Relatives Students cope with family in Iraq deployed Editor's note: This is the first in a five-part series examining worldwide issues in the war in Iraq.

By MAUREEN REYNOLDS By MAUREEN REYNOLDS Associate News Editor Associate News Editor During times of war, it's easy to For most, the war in Iraq concentrate only on the so-called over the past year has been "hot spots," the areas of the distant. only on television and world where the fighting is in the newspapers. But for occurring and American lives are some, the fighting has hit too being lost in seemingly rapid close to home. numbers. Those with family members But there are other places - in the military who have been places American soldiers live and deployed to Iraq deal with work, away from their families uncertainty and frightening and friends - that must also news reports every day, but draw attention. somehow, they keep optimistic South Korea, for example, is knowing that their loved ones temporarily home to many are where they are needed. American military personnel, like "I think it brings more of a sophomore Gretchen Ryan's personal investment," said older brother Nicholas. Erica Kane, a member of 1st. Lt. Nicholas Ryan graduat­ Notre Dame's Army ROTC, ed from the West Point Military whose brother, Christopher, is Academy in 2002 and then spent a first lieutenant stationed in time in Alabama attending heli­ Baghdad. "When you watch copter flight school before being the news or read the paper, MATIHEW SMEDBERG!The Observer assigned to South Korea in it's not just something that is Erica Kane's brother, Army 1st. Lt. Christopher Kane, Is stationed In Baghdad. Kane, a mem­ December. Nicholas Ryan is in far away. It's close to home." ber of Army ROTC at Notre Dame, said her faith helps her cope with her brother's absence. charge of distributing supplies to Christopher Kane graduated different units. according to his from Edinboro University of sister. and continues his pilot's Pennsylvania in the summer that she tries to cope with her tary does." "I was worried for his safety, training. of 2002, after serving in the step-father, Lt. Col. David Convoy is working in Basra, but glad that we're doing When the war broke out in ROTC program. Now, accord­ Convoy, a Notre Dame and Iraq in a civilian capacity as what we're doing and glad to Iraq last year, Gretchen Ryan ing to Erica Kane, he is an Army ROTC graduate, being part of the Army Corps of be a part of what was going said she was relieved knowing armor officer, in command of overseas by focusing on the Engineers. on," she said. ''I'm definitely her brother had not completed a platoon of four tanks and 16 positive aspects. McMahon said that when proud of him for volunteering his training and could not be soldiers and has been in Iraq "He loves doing what ·he she found out her stepfather and taking his responsibility shipped out. since May. does," McMahon said. "He was leaving, she was upset, well. But I'm still very scared "I knew he was still in training, Sarah McMahon, also a really believes in what the but remained grateful for his member of Army ROTC, said army does and what the mili- and others' sacrifices. see FAMILY/page 4 see DEPLOYED/page 4

Disability week aims Grad student plans documentary to educate students Film to examine twin cities St. Joseph, Benton Harbor at 3:26 on 3/26 Runkle, the Disability ByK.MRON By AMANDA MICHAELS Awareness Week Coordinator News Writer VANOOSTERHOUT at the Center for Social News Writer For senior Laura Hoffman, Concerns, Hoffman has the efforts made during helped put together four days On March 26 at 3:26 p.m., Disability Awareness Week to of programs aitr.ed at cele­ life in the twin cities of St. enlighten the campus about brating the value of those Joseph and Benton Harbor, the realities of those with dis­ with disabilities and educat­ Mich., will be occurring as abilities generate very