Army families split on Iraq

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Families of U.S. servicemen and women fighting insurgents in Iraq want the troops to come home, but they differ in their support of President Bush's course of action in that country.

A dozen military families, some of whom lost loved ones in Iraq, protested the continued occupation in Iraq yesterday and urged Mr. Bush to withdraw U.S. troops before any more soldiers are killed.

Other families interviewed by The Washington Times said this week that although they want the soldiers to come home, they support Mr. Bush and his course of action in Iraq.

"As a father, I don't want him there," said Maj. Brian E. Philpot of his son, Pfc. Brian J. Philpot, 19, who is in Mosul, Iraq. "I don't want anybody there. That doesn't mean they don't need to be there."

Pfc. Philpot serves in Iraq as part of the 276th Engineer Battalion. Both father and son are part of the Virginia Army National Guard.

Other parents disagree with Maj. Philpot.

Larry Syverson, of Richmond, was one of the 18 protesters who attended yesterday's press conference and rally at the National Press Club. The event was sponsored by Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) and United for Peace and Justice.

Holding a sign that said, "Bring my son home now," Mr. Syverson said one of his sons, Sgt. Bryce Syverson is near Baghdad with the Army's 1st Armored Division and his 11-month tour was extended by four months today.

Mr. Syverson said Sgt. Syverson, 25, and his other son, Staff Sgt. Branden Syverson, 32, who took part in the invasion of Iraq and served 11 months with the Army's 4th Infantry Division, both support the "right as an American citizen to voice my opinion."