History took place halfway around the world with the capture of Saddam Hussein, and Clarkston High School graduate Michael Shelswell was right in the middle of it.
Shelswell placed a phone call to mother Muriel at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
‘He had a very low voice and he said ‘Mom, did you hear the news??? Muriel said.
The news, of course, was one of the world’s most wanted fugitives was in United States control.
‘He couldn’t tell us a whole lot. He did say that you could tell when you looked into his eyes that it was Saddam,? Muriel said.
U.S. Army Spc. Michael Shelswell is assigned to the perimeter guard of the 4th Infantry Division. He has been stationed in Tikrit since March and has orders to stay until April.
‘They are all very happy that they were able to get Hussein. They are really pleased with themselves,? Muriel said. ‘They seem in high spirits.?
The 21-year-old keeps in contact with his family through telephone calls and the Internet.
‘We talk a lot through the Internet and Instant Messaging,? Muriel said.
While Michael is fighting for his country in Iraq, Muriel is trying to make sure none of the soldiers are forgotten. She enlisted the help of neighbors and sent a Christmas tree along with stuffed stockings to the Middle East.
‘I would do anything for those kids. It seems for a little while they were forgotten, but the way my friends and neighbors came together to stuff the stockings was heartwarming,? Muriel said. ‘My son said they have received some of the packages and they are awesome. The soldiers are thanking me so much.?
Muriel said it goes without saying how she feels about everyone serving their country in Iraq.
‘I am so proud of all of them. It is not just my son. I worry about all of them every waking moment,? Muriel said.