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March is the month that Minnesota National Guard members from the 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division were originally scheduled to return from their tour of duty in Iraq. 

In January their deployment was extended until July or August of this year, which means families who were counting the days toward a reunion are still waiting for a homecoming.  

Mary Vincent Franco is one of many in this situation. Her husband, Capt. Fernando Franco,  is currently in Camp Anaconda in Bahlad, 15  miles north of Baghdad. She says the burden on families is greater than many people realize.

"While I don't want people's pity -- and I highly doubt that any Guard families do -- I do want to emphasize the fact that the burden of this war (in terms of the U.S. -- the Iraqi and Afghani people are paying a huge price) is being carried squarely on the shoulders of military families," says Franco. 

"The only other group that I can think of that I'd put in that group are small businesses whose owners or employees are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan," she says. "Everyone else simply goes about their daily business, and occasionally catches snippets about the war in the media."
 
Franco says her husband's extended time in Iraq has been very difficult on their children.  MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Franco. 


Gallery

Families of Minnesota soldiers serving in Iraq say they're carrying a heavy burden while their loved ones are away.  MPR's Cathy Wurzer talks with the wife of one Minnesota National Guard soldier.

Soldiers' families speak

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