WAR CAN TEST SPIRIT OF FAMILIES THOSE LEFT BEHIND FACE THEIR OWN BATTLES.

War is hell both on the battlefield and back home -- where families go about their daily routines knowing their son, daughter, sister, brother, husband or wife might be in harm's way. Like their loved ones in the line of fire, family members must also deal with the inherent danger and uncertainty that comes with war.

Surmounting the worry and pain of long separations and getting on with the job at hand -- whether on the streets of Baghdad or raising the kids back home -- is a testament to the courage, spirit and determination we celebrate this Independence Day.

Lionel John Campeau has been a member of the California Air National Guard, a reservist component of the U.S. Air Force, since 1986 and has served in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Afghanistan, among other places. Before that, Campeau, a master sergeant with the Guard and member of the Canoga Park chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, served in the Vietnam War.

Each time he goes away creates unique challenges for his wife, Ilena, daughter, Christina, and son, Daniel.

``I think it's harder on the people left behind than those deployed,'' Campeau said.

Complete story on Page 8

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

(color) Canoga Park VFW member Lionel ``John'' Campeau, right, with son, Daniel and wife, Ilena, appreciates fully what his family must endure each time the 20-year Air Force Reserve veteran is called into action.

Rick Coca/Valley News