For Yuma, war is close to home

Ten years ago this month, the Iraq war began. That and the fighting in Afghanistan reminded Yumans that war on the other side of the planet is not merely someone else's concern or problem.

Yuma-area residents bid goodbye as loved ones went overseas to fight, either as members of Marine squadrons and units stationed here, or as members of other branches of the military.

And more than a few residents would not be able to see their loved ones come back home.

Employees of Yuma Proving Ground worked overtime in testing programs aimed at providing troops with the best possible equipment and weaponry for the fighting.

I didn't live here during Vietnam, and the wars prior to that one happened before my time. Still, I can't imagine the Yuma area having had a more personal connection to war as during the wars of the 21st century.