In Iowa, we live in a far-off world, away and disconnected from the trouble in the world. For the most part, we all are perfectly content in our happy little American lives. Well, most of us are, anyway.

Don’t get me wrong — I love Iowa and everything it has to offer and not offer. I love the rural towns, the fresh air and closeness to nature. After spending the weekend in D.C., I’m glad Iowa doesn’t have traffic jams. Ever.

But unfortunately, it’s not a normal and happy time in the world. We are a country at war. A war that many argue is unjust.

This war, which was waged on a ruthless leader whom everyone was happy to see go, caused the casualties of children, parents, brothers and sisters. The many examples of similar wars like the two world wars, Sudan and Palestine/Israel are all examples of war where the people were killed and maimed while the political battle was being fought.

Some say this is collateral damage; I say it’s bullshit. Iraq is now one of those examples. Everyday we hear the news: “35 killed in car bomb,” “American hostage beheaded,” and “bomb, bomb, killing and bombs.”

For the most part, this conflict doesn’t affect us here in Iowa. Iraq, being on the other side of the world, is practically a whole world away from Iowa, and other than the news reports and presidential mudslinging, we don’t have to think about it.

Yeah, right! Just recently, more Iowa National Guard reserves were called up to serve in Iraq. Our brothers and sisters, moms, dads, and friends in the 224th Engineer Battalion will go on active duty in October for 18 months of active duty. The last time they were activated was during Desert Storm in 1991.

According to the Iowa National Guard Web site, Iowa has nearly 1,316 Army and Marine Corps reservists and National Guardsmen who are on active duty or preparing for active duty. At one point last year, Iowa had the most troops serving than any other state proportionate to its population.

The approximately 500 soldiers in the 224th Engineer Battalion are becoming the most recent victims of the war in Iraq. They are being sent to a country that is completely unstable to perform such duties as removing physical obstacles, identifying and reducing minefields and erecting barriers and constructing protective positions.

All of a sudden this war in Iraq is a lot closer to home to some families in the Mount Pleasant area. At Iowa State, we have had numerous soldiers sent over to Iraq instead of fulfilling their academic aspirations. I’ve spoken with a few student soldiers, and they have been proud to serve their country but wish they could simply graduate.

For most of us, the war in Iraq is far away and doesn’t affect us. But when 500 reservists are activated and sent to war, we have to stop and think. The death count is rising. And we have to face the reality of the situation that there is a good chance some of these soldiers will not come home.

This fact breaks my heart. It hurts even more when I know that the decision to send my fellow Cyclones, Iowans and Americans to fight in Iraq came from a man that hasn’t served in the military and can keep his own family from serving overseas.

Fifteen Iowans have died while serving in Iraq. That is 15 of my fellow citizens whom we will miss dearly in Iowa. Take a look around yourself right now. Whether you are in the library or reading the paper while you’re supposed to be paying attention to a lecture, stop and take a look around you and count.

One, two, all the way to 15. Count 15 fellow students and imagine that they weren’t here because of a political decision. All of a sudden, this far-off conflict takes a new spin. It becomes a reality; the news of dying strikes a fear in our hearts, and we secretly hope that it wasn’t our friend who was killed.

War is real, humans die, and soldiers and civilians are changed forever. Yes, Iraq is far from Iowa, but the effects are close to our hearts.