Photograph lets soldier?s fianc?e know he?s alive

[thedrifter]

March 27, 2003

Photograph lets soldier?s fianc?e know he?s alive

Associated Press


JONESBORO, Ark. ? A Jonesboro woman whose fianc? is with the troops fighting in Iraq knows that he is safe because she and many other people around the world have seen his picture.
Sgt. Steven Brussel, a Jonesboro native and graduate of Valley View High School, was the subject of an AP Photo that moved Wednesday, for use in newspapers that are members of The Associated Press.

The picture shows Brussel covering his face as he seeks protection from a sand storm in the Iraqi desert.

Russell is a member of Task Force 4-64 of the Army?s 3rd Infantry Division.

?He would trade anything for these guys, his own life if need be,? said Brussel?s fianc?e, Lasha Simpkins.

She said seeing his picture provided ?a sense of relief, because I knew where he was and he was OK.?

But Simpkins said Brussel?s reaction would be quite different if he knew he could be seen all over the world.

?He would be embarrassed, probably,? she said.

Brussel?s older brother, Mike, said his sibling has nothing to be embarrassed about, though.

?Not everybody gets to be a part of history the way he is,? Mike Brussel said. ?That?s quite an accomplishment. (It is) something he can tell his kids in the future.?

The younger Brussel joined the military to further his life, according to friends and family, a decision he made with his mother, herself a former member of the military.

In three years with the Army, he?s climbed ranks and received several medals for his service with U.S. forces doing United Nations peacekeeping work in Kosovo.

?He?s always been very patriotic, he?s a leader definitely,? Mike Brussel said.

He and Simpkins said they?ve been glued to the coverage of the war on television.

?To make sure everything?s going well for him and the troops and general,? Simpkins said.

But they say they?re reassured by words that Brussel left with them.

?He told me he?s too stubborn to let anything happen to him,? Simpkins said.




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Copyright 2003 The Associated Press


Sempers,

Roger