Iraq anniversary is a sad reminder for some families

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

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Andrew Aviles was one of the youngest to die in Iraq. (Slideshow)

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Five years ago today bombs went off in Iraq, marking the start of the U.S.-led invasion into the country.

But for the parents of Andrew Aviles, today's anniversary is a reminder of the death of their son.

"He was funny, he was smart, he had a glow about him," Aviles mother said.

"He enjoyed life," Aviles father said. "He lived life to its fullest. Whatever he wanted to do, he did."

What Aviles wanted to do was serve his country.

He signed up as a Marine reservist in June 2002, 10 months later he became one of the youngest U.S. soldiers killed.

He was one of the first to die in a war that has seen almost 4,000 military casualties to date.

A war many American's have learned to accept, but not necessarily agree with.

"The last four years or, whatever, the last three years it has just been in the back pages, now I think it will come to the forefront again," said Aviles father.

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Chevrolet dealership owner Tom Castriota said that although the U.S. has shown military strength in Iraq, there have been shortfalls.

Last year Castriota volunteered for 7 months to train Iraqi security forces.

"I think history will show that we are tactically and strategically a very strong military," he said. "Our young men and women do a great job. They were not prepared to run a government."

Today in Iraq there are indications of more stability, such as an organized government. But it's clear there is still a long way to go.

Next month Gen. David Petreaus is expected to appear before members of Congress, like he did last year, with an update on progress made since the troop surge.

President Bush will mark the anniversary with a speech at the Pentagon today.

Anti-war protests are taking place nationwide.

MacDill Air Force Base is home to Central Command, which has been playing a big role in Middle East operations and the war in Iraq.

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