The beginning of the war in Iraq last March gave UNM's campus a politically charged atmosphere. Sidewalks and bulletin boards were covered with war messages, and protests near the bookstore were a frequent occurrence.
Now, more than a year later, many UNM community members have friends, family, husbands and wives still fighting in Iraq.
Freshman Chewy White grew up with a friend who has been in Iraq since January. White said the friends have known each other "since diapers." When his friend joined the service, he said he was told he could chose where he was stationed. But right after boot camp and a brief visit home, he was sent to Iraq.
"He's ready to come home," White said. "All he does is patrol around, and they've been taking hostages. He's afraid of getting taken hostage."
Other students said the soldiers are there for the right reasons. Junior Lionel Valdez' childhood friend, David Williams, enlisted in the Army in January 2001 and has re-enlisted. He has been in Iraq for about eight months. Valdez said though he worries about his friend's safety, Williams' position in Iraq is justified.
"It is unfortunate that he has to be away from his family and friends," Valdez said. "I worry about his safety, but there is not too much you can do except say your prayers."
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Senior Trey Smith has several friends serving overseas, all of whom don't want to remain in Iraq, he said.
"I believe they are stationed in an area where the majority of the population wishes harm to them," he said. "My friends in the service are carrying out orders from their officers. However, it is our duty at home to convince our leaders that they should be sent home."
White said his friend and others stationed in Iraq are unsure of what the future holds for them and do not know when they are coming home.
"If Bush gets re-elected, we could be there a long time," White said. "There is no reason I know that we are there. They are scared and want to come home."
Junior Jennifer Barreras' former boyfriend was stationed in Iraq for a little more than a year, and he has returned home safely.
"It is nerve-racking knowing that someone you care about is out there putting their life on the line for the well being of everyone over here," she said. "But there are so many more issues that need to be confronted and taken care of."
According to casualty reports from the Defense Department, 725 Americans have died to date.
However, Barreras said she thinks most students aren't concerned if they don't know someone there.
"When someone you know is out there, every bit of information you can get your hands on becomes a necessity," she said. "Every time you hear that a soldier has died, in the back of your mind, you think it's someone you know."
