A mother's courage

Just months after Staff Sgt. Richard Blakley was killed in Iraq, his half brother is preparing to head overseas

Sometimes, she remembers how friends and neighbors supported her when her son, National Guard Staff Sgt. Richard Blakley, was killed that day in Iraq. Other times, she laments what could have been for the 34-year-old father of two.

Now, Schauwecker is steeling herself for even more emotional swings when her other son, 20-year-old Nathan, ships off for Iraq later this month.

"I don't like the idea that he is going into harm's way," Schauwecker said. "But it is his decision, and it is his job. I'm scared and worried but proud."

Nathan Schauwecker, a U.S. Army specialist based at Fort Riley in Kansas, will say goodbye to his mother during a deployment ceremony at the base Friday. Nathan just returned to camp after an 18-day leave in Avon.

His unit, the 1st Engineer Battalion, will search out and destroy roadside bombs.
"It's what they want and what they love," she said of her sons. "I can only be totally supportive of their decisions."

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