Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 4/24/03 Section: Features

Lynn Thompson and boyfriend Jeremy Haworth together before Gulf War II.

For two Lakeland students, Lynn Thompson and Jennifer Killingbeck, this year hasn't been easy since President Bush called their boyfriends to war in Iraq. Thompson, a senior biology major, and Killingbeck, a freshman criminal justice and poli-sci major, shared their feelings on the war.

Jeremy Haworth is Thompson's boyfriend. "I would rather have him back...though he works in safer place... working with planes away from the battlefield," said Thompson. When they met he had already decided to go to war and she had no chance to argue with him. Now that he's gone she supports the war, though her sister is against it.

Killingbeck's boyfriend is Luke A. Harris, an officer. "I'm really happy, since [the war] has begun; he has been in dry dock with his submarine, the USS Hartford." Harris left for the war a few days before the start of fall term and returned to the United States around Valentine's Day. She added that fighting Iraq, which has a narrow sea outlet, would keep his involvement to a minimum and safe.

"I do feel touched for everyone who has a loved one in Iraq, and I daily pray for their safe return," she said. She believes the best thing Americans can do for their loved ones in service, whether in reserves, in active duty in Iraq, or at sea, is to show them that they are loved, admired, and respected because of their sacrifices. Some are also missing their birthdays, anniversaries, important holidays, or even funerals of their beloved ones back home.

Thompson, who regards Haworth not only as her boyfriend but also an affectionate friend, said she misses him since they saw each other for only a week before they parted again-after her long study-abroad trip in Australia.

Killingbeck and Harris shared a similar fate, but she doesn't fear that he will be harmed in any way while in Iraq. She said Harris swears to be a strong model to his mother, father, and sister.

Haworth's absence may affect his and Thompson's plans for marriage. When he returns, she said it may take a while to over come post-war trauma, if any, before they could marry.

As for Killingbeck, "The war will not be traumatic. I think he is going to experience some major emotional times after his six-month deployment. Being on a submarine causes some big emotional roller coaster rides." Harris and Killingbeck plan to marry on July 5, 2005.

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