Marilyn Johnson said she gets frustrated watching the news because it never shows the progress the soldiers are making. Her sons reported that progress in their letters, but the picture on the news is different, she said.

People don't see the service of the soldiers, she said, like an effort called Operation Caring Hands that sends food and supplies for soldiers to give to natives. The Johnsons have sent huge loads of such items to Chris in Afghanistan.

"I feel like the news is skewed," said Jeri, Doug Kinsman's wife and the Johnsons' only daughter. "I feel like they're not doing the American public any favors by being so negative. It's like they're mocking our sacrifice."

Jeri Kinsman will continue that sacrifice as she watches another plane take her husband back to Iraq after his leave of absence. Until he returns, she will take care of their six kids and wait for the day when he won't be flying away again.

The family doesn't think their service is any big deal.

"We've all come back. What about those families who have sons that haven't? How can we say we've sacrificed more than them?" Doug Kinsman said.

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E-mail: estewart@desnews.com