Our Hometown
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Newark Marines in Kuwait Four Newark families have sons in the Marines, in tents and bunkers in Kuwait. Operation Iraqi Freedom started at 9:41 p.m. Wednesday (5:40 a.m. Thursday in Iraq) with 36 precision-guided Tomahawk missile launches from Navy ships and submarines. In the following hours there were many air raids, with sirens wailing in Kuwait City. Both sides launched missiles - Scuds from Iraq and Patriot missiles from the U.S. President Bush said, 'Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, but we will accept no outcome but victory.' He says the military assault is intended to disarm Iraq and free its people. With the Marines in Kuwait are four young men, all 2000 high school graduates: Brad DeVelder, son of Carol and Ken; Brad Heidrick, son of Karen and Norm; Ryan Kuperus, son of Darla and Henry; Brian Archunde, son of Carol and Herm. Archunde graduated from DeSales, and the other three from Newark. During the last week in February, all four went to Kuwait. Gas masks are part of their required uniform. Heidrick told his parents the troops must clean their rifles and gas masks twice a day because of the sand. They frequently wear goggles and bandanas to cover their faces. Earlier this week there were reports of 90-degree weather and fierce sandstorms in Kuwait. At times the visibility was just three feet due to the blowing sand. The Marines ask for powdered Gatorade, travel packs of baby wipes or wet towels, sanitizing soap, deodorant, shampoo, toilet paper, hard candy, snacks that won't melt or perish. Anyone wishing to write or send packages may do so. The parents say they will appreciate prayers for the safety and health of their sons and all the troops. The addresses: Cpl. Brad DeVelder, 2nd BN, 6 Mar Fox Co. 2nd PH. DETA, Unit 76253, FPO AE 09509-6253 Cpl. Ryan Kuperus or LCpl. Brian Archunde, 2nd BN, 6 Mar Golf Co. DETA, Unit 76253, FPO AE 09509-6253 LCpl. Bradley Heidrick, 2nd Maint. BN, Elmaco DETA, Unit 75057, FPO AE 09509-5057 To read more and see photographs, pick up tomorrow's print edition of the Courier-Gazette.
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