Kentucky brothers serving in Iraq

Associated Press

June 12, 2006 10:37 am

— MIDDLESBORO — Kevin Wallen wanted to give his brother Brandon something special for his 21st birthday.
The brothers from Middlesboro — who are both serving in Iraq — hadn’t seen each other in a year.
Kevin, 27, is a captain in the Army’s 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment based in of Fort Campbell. Brandon, 21, is a specialist in the National Guard’s Delta Company 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry.
Though they had stayed in touch by e-mail, their duties in Iraq prevented them from visiting. However, when Brandon’s birthday rolled around recently, Kevin decided to surprise his younger brother by hitching a helicopter ride from Samarra to Ramadi.
It wasn’t easy. The trip was risky. Ramadi is one of the most dangerous cities in Iraq. The journey took two days, including a night when Kevin had to camp out in the desert.
Joan Wallen said her sons talked when they were together. They went to the mess hall and even went on a mission during Kevin’s two-day visit.
The war isn’t the first time the brothers have been separated. Though Kevin and Brandon were at the same post during their basic training, they could not see each for months.
Joan said the entire family is proud of what her sons are doing, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t worry. Having both of her sons thousands of miles away fighting in a war that continues to drag on is difficult.
“I am proud of what they’re doing,” said Joan, “but I wouldn’t have them both over there at the same time. It is a lot of worry.
Given the opportunity, Joan said she would fly her sons home if she could. As a result, she tries not to watch the news because it can give her ideas.
The family stays in contact through e-mail. Joan said Kevin and Brandon are expected to be home for the summer.
Kevin, who has already graduated from college, is engaged. Brandon plans to attend college after his tour is over.
Brandon graduated from Infantry Basic Training at Fort Benning, Ga. His duties in Iraq vary from a machine gunner, driver or conducting patrols of the area.
Before deployment, he did odd jobs around the area after high school, hoping the National Guard would pay for college.
Until they return, Joan said she will try to stay busy at home while continuing to pray for her sons.
“You have to take it a day at a time,” she said. “That’s all you can do.”