Staff Writer
Being away from home, especially serving overseas, can be difficult, but having folks who care back home can make the stay more bearable. Such is the case for Specialist David Sanipass, of Presque Isle, who is currently deployed in Iraq.
“As quiet as it may seem in Iraq, David has certainly experienced a lot of activity, close calls and fallen comrades. Thankfully, he doesn’t share a lot of his experiences (with loved ones), as he knows it is difficult to hear it on this end. But you wonder, ‘How are they dealing with it?’” said Janet Barnes, Sanipass’s mother.
Barnes said the soldiers are kept very busy night and day, with limited time for keeping in touch with those back home.
“Our only contact is when he calls, as he doesn’t have much time to get on the Internet. We have no way to call him,” said Barnes. “You don’t realize how difficult this is until you live it.”
Before Sanipass left for Iraq, Barnes said she could only imagine what other families were going through but now she is experiencing it firsthand.
“This has become a reality for us and, many times, you just don’t want to listen to the news. You just wait for the next call,” she said.
Those serving their country spend each day looking forward to contact from friends and family, whether it’s a brief phone call, an e-mail or the much-anticipated package from home.
“I know the soldiers really appreciate the gifts of goodies and the notes of appreciation. When David received a Christmas package from my fellow co-workers (at MMG), all the guys gathered around and rallied as each item came out and was tossed around — a Nerf football, a poker game, a movie or a pack of gum,” said Barnes.
“It was nice to know they had some fun and maybe let go of the everyday stress they face, even if just for a few minutes,” added Barnes.
Sanipass received another package this spring, courtesy of the Mane Eventers 4H Group.
“The Mane Eventers 4H Group put together a gift box for David. The club decided to reach out to a local soldier who is away from home as part of a service project,” said Tracy Kinney.
According to Kinney, each member brought a few items to put in the box, which was mailed to Sanipass in hopes that it would provide him with some “nice surprises and reminders from home in northern Maine.”
Sanipass’ mother was excited to hear of the club’s efforts to make her son’s deployment less stressful.
“It’s a long time away from home and any communication surely lifts their spirits,” said Barnes.
Sanipass, a graduate of Presque Isle High School, will remain in Iraq until around September. He’s expected to return to his post in Alaska in October.
Photo courtesy of Tracy Kinney
MEMBERS OF THE MANE Eventers 4H Group put together gift boxes this spring for Specialist David Sanipass, of Presque Isle, who is stationed in Iraq. The girls did the boxes as part of a service project. Pictured, front, from left: Melissa McKenney, Sydney Smith, Anna Robinson, Meg Gagnon and Mariah Cyr. Back row: Alyssa Kilcollins, Kori Kinney, Sarah Tompkins, Paige Gagnon, Morgan Bartlett, Sarah Tompkins and McKenzie Clavette. Club leaders not photographed are Jane Kilcollins and Tracy Kinney.
Photo courtesy of Janet Barnes
SPECIALIST DAVID SANIPASS, of Presque Isle, who is stationed in Iraq, recently received gift boxes from home.
Photo courtesy of Tracy Kinney
KORI KINNEY AND ALYSSA KILCOLLINS, members of the Mane Eventers 4H Group, worked on items this spring for gift boxes prepared for Specialist David Sanipass, of Presque Isle, who is currently deployed in Iraq.
