6/30/09 Bend
 
by Ariel Wesler
 
It's been a year and a half since the McBride family of Bend lost their son, Zachary, in Iraq.  He and four others were killed by an explosive device while searching a house.  His parents proudly display this glass cabinet--honoring his life and service.  They're glad to see the progress.
 
"What Zach was a part of made a difference.  I'm glad to see the Iraqis stepping up and anxious to be in control of their country," said Laurie McBride, Zach's mom.
 
 
Still Tuesday's headlines prove the conflict is not over yet.  The celebration was diminished by a terrorist attack in the the iraqi city of Kirkuk as a car bomb tore through the marketplace.
 
"I hope it's not too soon because I want them to succeed.  I would hat to see things start to get worse again and then have to turn around again and get more involved," Laurie said.
 
 
More than 130,000 U.S. servicemen and women are still in the country, providing backup for the 650,000 Iraqi troops.  The security agreement, which put the transfer into motion, was signed during the Bush administration.  While acknowledging more challenges ahead, President Obama remained optomistic.
 
"I'm confident that those forces will fail.  The future belongs to those who build, not those who destroy," said President Barack Obama.
 
". . .the insurgents are waiting and as soon as they get an opportunity, they will begin to launch more attacks.  I hope that's not the case," said former Vice President Dick Cheney.
 
For the McBrides, they hope other families can see their sons and daughters can return safely.
 
All U.S. troops are expected to be out of Iraq by 2011.  For now, the military will continue to provide intelligence, air power, medical and logistical assistance.