Straight from the horse's mouth.

That's what Bonner County residents have a chance to hear when Brig. Gen. Allan Gayhart of the Idaho Army National Guard comes to town on Wednesday. Gayhart will be speaking at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 1325 Pine St., Sandpoint.

Want to know more about the role of the Idaho Army National Guard's 116th Brigade Combat Team during its recent deployment to Iraq?

Brig. Gen. Gayhart your man.

At Wednesday's meeting, you'll have a chance to hear about the mission, successes and role of the operation in Iraq — directly from Gayhart. He will answer questions and talk about the future of the military in Iraq. He will also talk about the role of the Idaho National Guard in the state's communities — and its commitment to North Idaho residents.

Gayhart assumed the duties as the deputy commanding general for the Idaho National Guard in December 2005. He's the man who is responsible for the strength, training, readiness, and management of the Idaho National Guard.

About 4,500 of the state's sons, daughters, fathers, mothers and loved ones serve in the Idaho National Guard. A third of those folks just completed their 18-month deployment, including 10 months in Iraq.

It doesn't matter how you feel about the war in Iraq, whether troops should be brought home by year's end or more troops sent. What does matter is whether you take the time to learn, to find out the facts. Gayhart's visit to Bonner County gives us all that chance.

Mark your calendar today and we'll see you there.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.