"I hope there is going to be an end in sight," he said. At the same, he says it could take generations for democracy to take hold. "You just can't give them freedom and send them on their way. But I think anything is better than what they had."

And should the U.S. troops continue to maintain a presence in Iraq, McBride could do a second tour of duty. There are only four medical logistics units like the 172nd that support the front lines. McBride has already received word to get his affairs in order. The call could come next March or April.

McBride thinks it will be more difficult the second time because of the roadside bombs and suicide bombers. It's harder to tell the good guys from the bad guys, he said.

Still, he says it's only fair he go back because his counterparts in other units need a breather.

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Sgt. Kevin McBride

Rank: Sergeant

Unit: 172nd Medical Logistics Battalion

Tour: Iraq, March-September 2003

Residence: Newton, Cache County

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E-mail: romboy@desnews.com