The Impact of War

Over the next few months, an estimated 4,000 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will prepare for duty in Iraq—the members of the 56th Stryker Brigade. Their mission is likely to last at least a year. It will profoundly affect their lives and those of their families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

In cooperation with National Public Radio and other Pennsylvania public radio stations, WPSU will bring you special coverage, through a project called "Impact of War," to examine how the deployment affects our region and its people.

"Impact of War" coverage will focus on the emotional toll the deployment has on the families of service men and women... and how the community gears up to cope with their absence.

July 31, 2008
Impact of War: Keeping the Faith

Listen to story

When soldiers head off to war, a chaplain goes with them. Another chaplain stays home, to help military families with everything from childcare to funeral arrangements.

Our ongoing series called "Impact of War" follows the members of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade as they prepare to deploy to Iraq. Today, meet a man who's both a chaplain and a young soldier's father. From member station WHYY, Susan Phillips reports.

Links:

Sniper
Sniper

July 24, 2008
Impact of War: Sniper Training

Listen to story

Snipers face unique risks. They work time in hostile territory. And they bear a heavy responsibility for the safety of other soldiers. As the Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade prepares to deploy to Iraq, snipers are going through intense training. Scott Detrow of member station WITF reports.


Links:

Adjutant Gen. Jessica Wright
Adjutant Gen. Jessica Wright

July 11, 2008
Impact of War: Adjutant General Jessica Wright

Listen to story

In America's international war on terror, the Pennsylvania National Guard plays an important role: Nearly one-quarter of the Guard's 20- thousand members have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now the Pennsylvania National Guard is preparing for another deployment . . . The 56th Stryker Brigade has been ordered to Iraq.

As part of our ongoing series, "Impact of War," WVIA's Pamela Varkony talked with General Jessica Wright about what it's like to lead one of America's largest and most sophisticated National Guard units.

Links:


July 2, 2008
Impact of War: National Military Family Association

Listen to story

If a year in Iraq is tough on the troops, it's also hard on those left behind. To understand how deployment affects family members and employers, Pamela Talbot from member station WVIA in Wilkes-Barre interviewed Kathy Moakler, director of the National Military Family Association.


Links:

Support WPSU! Pledge Online Now!

Radio Icon What's On Now...

Story Archive