Lawmaker heads to gulf to support war in Iraq

COLUMBUS (AP) -- A state senator will be leaving for the Persian Gulf next month as the leader of his Ohio Army National Guard unit.
Sen. Steve Stivers, a major, will command the Columbus-based 237th Personnel Services Battalion, which will support the war in Iraq.
"I've trained for 19 years in case my country ever needed me," the Columbus Republican said Wednesday. "They called, they need me, and I'm going to go."
Stivers, 39, said security rules prevented him from providing more details on where he will be based.
His unit keeps track of soldiers in the field, the awarding of medals and contact with families at home.
Stivers was appointed to the Senate in January 2003 and is running for election to the seat this November.
Stivers, a former Bank One lobbyist, joined the Army National Guard 19 years ago. He was eligible for a lawmaker's deferment but said he never considered not going.