Two sons in military keep Vienna Twp. mother on edge

Two sons in military keep Vienna Twp. mother on edge

VIENNA — Beth Haddle got the call from Iraq at 6 a.m.

Like any parent, because of the early hour, she feared the news was not good.

Both of her sons, Army Sgt. Mark W. Haddle, 25, and Marine Sgt. Michael J. Haddle, 27, were in Iraq at the time, stationed within five miles of each other.

The call was from Michael, leading her to at first believe something had happened to Mark.

“I had been telling people that something bad was going to happen to my younger son,” said Beth, of Vienna Township. Their father is George Haddle of New Bedford, Pa.

But Michael was “talking weird and asking questions that didn’t make sense,” she said. She then realized he was hurt.

“I had a panic attack. I started asking him questions. I couldn’t stop. Can you see? ... Do you have all your arms and legs? ... Can I still be a grandmother? And then the connection was lost. I thought I was having a heart attack,” Beth said.

It was 45 minutes before Michael called back and she learned the extent of his injuries and that he would recover.

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.