An author’s peacekeeping journey during the Iraq War

Diana Oestreich was brought up to be patriotic and religious with both country and God having almost equal holds on her values. Her loyalty to her country, however, had a slight edge. This would eventually change.

The American flag was part of her school life as well as her home and church life in Duluth, Minn. When she and her family entered their small Baptist church for Sunday services, she could see the Stars and Stripes hanging prominently from the wall near her pastor. Although she recognized Old Glory from at…