American bombs stopped falling on Kosovo a year ago, but U-S “peacekeeping” troops –including an Iowan– are still based in that troubled nation. Des Moines native and Army Private First Class Aaron Martinez says many Kosovars returned to find rubble where their homes, jobs and lives had been. He says the luckier ones have a roof over their heads, but many are living in houses with no windows and no power. Martinez says there are still occasional bombings and gunfights.Martinez has been stationed in Kosovo since November and says he enjoys his job as a peacekeeper — but he’ll be glad to return stateside. He thinks the natives are glad the U-S stepped in to end the “ethnic cleansing,” although he says not everyone welcomes the American troops. He says many people way and appreciate the help.For now, he’s able to keep in touch with his wife & family in Des Moines through occasional phone calls and frequent e-mail. Radio Iowa talked with Martinez via a satellite-phone link-up as part of Armed Forces Week.
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