By Howard Wilkinson
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Sunday morning, as word of Saddam Hussein's capture spread, joy sat side by side with the anxiety that has accompanied area families waiting for their loved ones to return from military service in Iraq.
At Fort Hood, Texas, headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division, which captured Saddam Hussein, Aurora Elliott wondered if her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Elliott of Clermont County's Union Township, was there when the former dictator was pulled out of a hole in the ground.
"He has said all along that when the day came that they found Saddam, he'd find a way to be there," Mrs. Elliott said. "He's a determined guy."
Mrs. Elliott, who lives near the base with their two children, got the news about 5 a.m. Sunday, when her sister-in-law, Mia Supe of Summerside, called.
She and her 12-year-old son were glued to the TV as the phone rang constantly with calls from other 4th Infantry Division wives.
"My son turned to me and said, 'I bet Dad's there,' " Mrs. Elliott said. "I told him I'd bet he's right."
Fear, anxiety remain
The same mixture of joy and apprehension hung over the home of Pat and Vicki Schmalle of Cleves.
Two blue stars for two military sons hang in the Schmalles' front window: One for son Patrick, a private first class in the 4th Infantry Division, the other for Michael, a private first class in the 1st Armored Division.
Patrick Schmalle is back at the 4th Infantry Division's headquarters, having returned from a tour of duty in Iraq with his 13th Corps Support Command, the division's logistics arm. Soon, he will be headed back to Kuwait.
Michael Schmalle is stationed for the time being at the Baghdad International Airport. Experts said Sunday that they believed that was where Hussein was being interrogated by U.S. officials.
Vick and Pat Schmalle were awakened early Sunday by a call from one of Michael's friends, telling them to turn on their TVs.
"The phone has been ringing off the hook all morning," Vicki Schmalle said. "Everybody's overjoyed that this guy has been found, at long last."
SADDAM CAPTURED
Tyrant now a prisoner
Interrogators focus on planned attacks
Image of feared icon crumbles with arrest
Searchers knew only that 'it's someone big'
Someone 'close to him' talked
In Tikrit, U.S. soldiers celebrate unit's success
Trial likely to be held in Iraq, judge says
Iraqi rulers want to put Saddam up for tribunal
News shocks visiting Iraqis
Arrest a relief to leaders globally
Tristate lawmakers triumphant over news
Local reaction to capture
Church leaders pray, praise capture
Local soldiers' families relieved
ENQUIRER COLUMNS
Chabot joins vote against own projects
Firefighters collect for kids
LOCAL HEADLINES
Troops rally around Lill despite loss
'You never give up,' contestant says
Amberley residents oppose housing
Elderly wait for in-home care
Anthem now will pay for FluMist vaccine
Flu shots to be available today
College raising funds for tech center
Mailbags will be bulging today
Zoo checks animal gift list
Westwood man accused of rape at his home
Columbus residents still afraid of shooter
EDUCATION HEADLINES
Class has pen pal in Iraq
Fewer resources hurt black kids' test scores
CPS seeks tutors to help students learn English
NEIGHBORHOOD HEADLINES
Volunteer lends hand at grandchildren's school
Land use guide discussed
Clermont asks ODOT for reduced speed limit
Neighborhood news briefs
LIVES REMEMBERED
Joseph H. Sandler, 94, WWII veteran
Ed Kelly was buoyed by faith, friendships
