JULY 6 - JULY 12, 2005
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
7
Mike Berry watches as his brother, Mali'k Berry, 3, enjoys a good book with his mom, Dara Jackson. Dara said she is both excited and nervous about Mike going to Iraq.
this time."
news she
expe- come ksion t and earless
Berry said that when he found out he was going to Iraq he was upset because he wanted to finish school before he went over. He said even though he wished he could finish the three semesters of school he had left, he wanted to honor his obligation. He said it would give him the experience he needed to be a good leader for the soldiers he would be in charge of if he chose to stay in the army.
Berry said he was more anxious than scared about going to Iraq.
"I probably won't be scared until I get on the plane to go over there," Berry said. "I don't really know how to feel because I don't know what to expect."
Berry said he considered his future in Iraq a challenge.
"I like challenges because I think after you conquer a challenge it makes you stronger and better," Berry said. "This will be a challenge and hopefully it will make me a more mature person and appreciate life more."
Moving back and forth his entire childhood from San Jose, Calif., to Lawrence, he finally settled in 9th grade at Free State High School. After graduating from high school in 2000, Berry took one semester off before attending the University of Kansas in the spring 2001 semester. In the summer of 2001 he joined the army, attending basic training in Fort Knox, Ky.
He said one of the biggest challenges of all, though, has been maintaining a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend, Susan Massey, also a junior at the University. Massey has been in Iraq since November 2004. The two met in a black leadership class, not knowing that the other was in the army, Berry said. Massey is in the National Guard and Berry is in the Reserves.
Berry stands in full army fatigues by the familiar ornament studded tree in his mother's front yard. Mike leaves for training July 14 and will be sent to Iraq following the completion of his training.
"She's been gone almost eight months and we've been together for a year and two months," Berry said. "It sucks that a lot of our relationship has been spent with her in Iraq and it will be another year while I'm over there."
Berry will likely leave for Iraq right around the time that Massey finishes up her year of service and returns home. Berry said.
Berry works full-time at Wal-Mart and tries to stay in shape by doing sit-ups and push-ups, swimming and playing basketball whenever he can.
— Edited by Erin M. Droste
"I am just ready to get it over with, go and come back as fast as I can," Berry said.
amenities
- Indoor fitness center
- Outdoor basketball court
- Swimming pool
- Computer center
- Rock Chalk Cafe
- On KU bus route
- On-site laundry facilities
- Paid utilities
- Fully-furnished
- 24-hour study lounge
- Convenient on-site parking ...
- Unlimited meal plan included.
- Complimentary Housekeeping