Region's soldiers deserve community's backing

I faithfully read the Bee every day, and there are few stories more important than a local man going off to Iraq … at least in my opinion. While there has been coverage of our local men and women going off to war, I haven't seen any follow up on their families and how they are managing. Given the tense situation in Iraq now with local elections coming up, it is a dangerous time to be arriving in Iraq.

You can treat this as a letter or do your own follow up as a story of importance. I have gotten permission from Molly Forsmann and Aaron Hunt to briefly tell you about them.

Sgt. Aaron John Hunt left yesterday, Jan. 22, 2005, from Hunter AAF Base in Georgia. He is off to Iraq.

Aaron is the son of Molly and Jim Forsmann of Sagle, Idaho. Aaron was born in Sandpoint in 1973 and raised in Sandpoint and Lewiston. He spent a few semesters at Sandpoint High School and worked locally at Yokes, Safeway and Litehouse. Aaron has two sons, James Dylan Hunt, 10, and Taylor Brooks Hunt, 8.

Aaron joined the Army in 1998 and recently served for a year in South Korea at Camp Humpreys. He has been stationed in Hinesville, Georgia since returning from Korea.

Aaron's great-great-great-grandfather Hunt was the owner of the local brickyard that provided much of the beautiful brick seen in downtown Sandpoint. His family roots reach far back into Sandpoint history.

Molly Forsmann can be seen every day at the East Bonner County Library where she works at the information desk assisting patrons and mending the wonderful book collection.

These are local folks who dearly love their son and their community. Aaron will be in Iraq for 18 months and a mother is worrying about her son and two young boys are crying at having to say good bye to their dad.

They need all of the support this community is known for giving as do all of the other local men and women serving our country.

Rosemary Lucas-Olsen

Sandpoint