Reservists' hardships described

YOUNGSTOWN -- Former residents Walter and Diane Malys were interviewed earlier this week by NBC News about the hardships of reservists who are stationed in Iraq and their families at home.
Their story is to be broadcast during the 6:30 p.m. report Monday, says Sondra Perkins of Youngstown, mother of Diane Malys.
Walter Malys, 45, graduated from Canfield High School and Youngstown State University. He was a Mahoning County deputy sheriff before he took a job in Indianapolis about 15 years ago, Perkins said.
Newspaper story
The Malys family now lives in Columbus, where Diane Malys owns a hot dog shop. She recently was interviewed by a Columbus Dispatch reporter about how her husband's absence affects their family, Perkins added.
Walter Malys had previously been in the Army Reserves and ended his service, only to return about 18 months ago, Perkins said. He's with a medical supply group that's stationed in Columbus.
He's been away from home since late January, when members of his unit were sent to Colorado. From there, he was sent to Iraq last March for one year.
It's been rough for Diane Malys and her three children, ages 16, 13 and 11. "They still need a mother and a dad at home," Perkins said.
Walter Malys may be permitted to go home for a few weeks next month, but he'll have to return to Iraq, Perkins added.