U.S. Troops Still Face Gulf Dangers

As the nation celebrates a homecoming for Desert Storm troops, I am writing “thank yous” to friends for condolences I received on my Marine nephew’s death in northern Iraq on May 3.

He was the first fatality among allied forces involved in Provide Comfort, the relief operation for Kurdish refugees. He was 21 years old and died in an accidental shooting near Kakho just three days before the birth of his baby.

The young Marine who accompanied his body home to Ft. Myers, Fla. had much to say about this present military effort: There are constant skirmishes between Iraqis and Kurds. Our kids live in constant fear and do not have the kind of protection that was afforded in Desert Shield. And worst of all, they are finding very little gratitude from the starving Kurds. My nephew’s last letter home asked: “Does anyone back in the States even know we are here?” Please don’t forget them. The war is not over.

JUDY KRAUSE

Newport Beach