By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Joe Kraus is back in familiar territory, and he couldn’t be happier.
The 2010 Whitewater High School graduate recently completed a four-and-a-half month deployment in Afghanistan and is home for a few weeks, visiting with family and friends.
“It’s quite a change; I’m dealing with a bit of culture shock,” said Kraus, acknowledging that his return to America and Whitewater has required an adjustment.
Not long after graduating from high school, Kraus enlisted in the Marine Corps and is part of Combat Logistics Battalion 5. While in Afghanistan from April 1 to Aug. 15, Kraus was part of a number of challenging combat operatives in the country.
Amid the intensity of his experiences in Afghanistan, Kraus readily acknowledges that he developed a regimented lifestyle. The brief hiatus from military life, he said, has required acclimation to the easy-going, often carefree environment he has long known.
“It has been very nice to be back from my tour and take in all of the sites again here in Whitewater,” Kraus said.
For the moment, Kraus said he is trying to savor his brief return to Whitewater and the opportunity to visit with so many loved ones. Family and friends have held several homecoming themed parties for Kraus since he returned just after Labor Day.
“Seeing everyone again has really meant a lot to me,” Kraus said. “I’m really honored that people care enough to show this kind of attention to me. People have been asking me a lot of questions.”
Enlisting in any branch of the military is, of course, a life-changing experience.
When asked whether his recent combat mission in Afghanistan has altered his views of life, Kraus was quick to make several points.
“I’m more appreciative of living here in Whitewater,” he said. “I enjoy everything about this place – especially all of the people around me. I like to take my time and enjoy all the little things. There’s so much to appreciate.”
Kraus is in Whitewater through Sept. 16.
Afterward, he will fly out to California at Camp Pendleton, near San Diego, where his battalion is stationed. Kraus has two years left on his contract with the Marine Corps and will decide at that point whether to re-enlist.
The Whitewater Unified School District has made it a point of honoring hometown heroes. There is a permanent display at WHS of recent graduates, including Kraus, who have enlisted in the military. The display includes 5-by-7-inch photos of each soldier with his or her name and branch of service.
Kraus’ father, Ted Kraus, has been instrumental in creating the display as an opportunity to pay homage to all local men and women who are serving their country. The School Board in May backed the effort.
