Rob is the first person that I know to participate in Operation Enduring Freedom. This morning the Haughty Haulers of the National Guard's 1450th Transportation Company gathered in the Ashe County High School gymnasium for their activation ceremony. They will be in Iraq for a year or more. I have known Rob for years. He is my cubbie neighbor at the day job. He is a graphic artist. He leaves a wife and 2 sons stateside. The ceremony was highly charged and emotionally it was a tough one for me to cover. On Sept. 11, Rob and I stood side by side watching the Trade Towers collapse. I can only hope and pray that he ( and everyone else involved ) comes back home safe and sound.