4 Years Later: Family Values

Our troops and their families willingly bear any burden and pay any price, but haven't they sacrificed enough?

The strain of war has worn down families, many of whom were unprepared for the isolation and demands of such a long conflict. Though many wives said they still believe in the mission and support their husbands, they acknowledge that they have sacrificed more than they bargained for. For this article, the Tribune interviewed only infantry soldiers. While there are many women serving in Iraq, only men serve in combat infantry units.

Divorce rates soared in 2004, the year after the war began. Among married Army officers, divorces rose 78 percent from 2003, while divorces among enlisted personnel rose 28 percent, according to the Army. Army officials credited counseling and other programs with a substantial decrease in officer divorces in 2005. Divorce rates for enlisted soldiers, however, have remained about the same.

Some couples that seemed the most committed when the war began were among those to divorce. Others continue the fight to hold their families together while battling financial woes, alcoholism, infidelity, emotional problems and injuries. Some welcomed new babies into the family. Now, women are stepping up again to take care of children alone as dad heads off to war.

Support family values. End this war. Bring our troops home.

4 Years Later: Family Values