OHIO HOUSE Boccieri returns from stint in Iraq

Boccieri hopes to be back in Ohio again before the November election.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- State Rep. John A. Boccieri, a reserve Air Force pilot who's been called to active duty, returned Tuesday to the Ohio House as part of a limited leave from the military to tend to his civilian office.
Boccieri, a second-term Democrat from New Middletown who's been called to serve in the military conflict in Iraq, received a standing ovation from House members when they convened in voting session.
Boccieri, a captain in the Air Force Reserves who commands a C-130 cargo plane, thanked House members for their support of him and other troops serving in the Middle East.
"I'm reminded in times like these that we're not Democrats or Republicans, but Americans," Boccieri told his colleagues.
House Speaker Larry Householder, a Glenford Republican, praised Boccieri for his military service.
"We're really, really proud of you and what you do for us," the speaker said.
Boccieri said he has been stateside for a couple of weeks and will remain so through May before he has to embark on additional rotation of active duty.
Boccieri said he hopes to be back before the fall elections.
Boccieri said he's been spending time with his wife, Stacey, and their two daughters and tending to his duties as a state representative and his campaign for a third two-year term this November.
Boccieri will be opposed in November by Republican Randal A. Pope of Alliance.
"I've been meeting with a lot of people," Boccieri said of his time back in his House district.
Wife handled duties
The 34-year-old Boccieri said his wife has been representing him at many campaign-related events and has forwarded constituent-related information to Boccieri's district staff
"She's been doing a good job," Boccieri said of his 30-year-old wife.
Boccieri said e-mail communications have been key in keeping up-to-date with affairs in his House district, which covers portions of Stark, Mahoning and Tuscarawas counties and all of Carroll County.
"It's great to be back," Boccieri said.
As a pilot, Boccieri said he's flown 89 sorties, ferried about 1,600 troops and transported 127 tons of cargo, the vast majority of missions to destinations in Iraq.
Boccieri resigned his leadership position as assistant minority whip earlier this year after he was activated. The assistant whip, or fourth-ranking Democrat, counts votes on key issues and helps coordinate strategy.
Boccieri's unit is stationed at the 910th Airlift Wing based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna Township in Trumbull County.
Boccieri, who first joined military service in 1994, defeated Pope in 2002 and was first elected to his House seat in 2000.