An American Family Goes To War

Meet the Richardsons, the first husband and wife battalion commanders in the new married-with-children military

I can just imagine when they get home. They'll be so happy. No cots. Real beds. Real food. A lawn. Rain. And no sand."

Lauren Richardson, 14, knows about the sand on the other side of the world, where her parents are now. It gets everywhere, covers everything; the very desert rises up and leans forward, waiting for what comes next. Just like Lauren.

The kids at Fort Campbell, Ky., home of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles, wait for news from Kuwait, and the latest word from their mom or dad. Everyone--children, wives, husbands, parents--keeps cell phones on at...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!