Groveland Twp. – When issued desert fatigues, state trooper Trevor Radke knew his five-year U.S. Marine Reserve enlistment was becoming something bigger than war games.A 13-year veteran of the Michigan State Police, Radke recently returned from serving in Iraq after the 1st Battalion 24th Marine Regiment Company C was activated to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom in February.Police training, discipline, and maturity helped. “Mine is not to wonder why, mine is just to do or die,” said Radke, quoting a favorite military phrase.Located 10 to 15 miles from front lines, Radke’s company was close enough to experience artillery fire. They attached to Marine Wing Support Group 37, setting up mobile airport-like refueling camps while moving north to Al-Jaliba, An Nasiriya, and Al Kut. Radke’s most difficult memory is the living conditions of the Iraqis, who shared shelter similar to farm animals. The Iraqis didn’t fear American soldiers, he said, but swarms held out hands when troops traveled through towns. A father of five, Radke commends his wife Maria for her support. “If they made a medal for heroism at home, she’d definitely rate it,” he said. Photo by Elizabeth Lowe.