Soldier's mom proud of her son's service in Iraq

Monday, December 15th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

One military mom is waiting to hear whether her son was involved in Saddam's capture. Specialist Justin Taylor is with the US Armyâ€™s 4th Infantry Division,the same unit which took Saddam Hussein into custody.

News on 6 reporter Patrina Adger says Michelle Ainsworth is proud of her son Justin Taylor. "He really likes the Army and blossomed since he's been in."

She says when the 21 year old received his orders, he was ready to serve. "He was really excited about going. Always had a big heart and wanted to do things for people."

Like any military mom, Michelle worries about her son fighting in harms way, but she says Justin calls regularly and keeps her updated on his activity through e-mails and pictures.

He's with the 4th Infantry Brigade out of Fort Hood. His unit patrols the area around Tikrit, the birthplace of Saddam. She has pictures of Justin this past summer in Saddam's palace, after coalition forces raided it. "He has spent most of his time running after the bad guys instead of rebuilding."

Almost nine months after the war began, 600 soldiers of the division's first Brigade participated in Operation Red Dawn, which took Saddam into custody.

Ainsworth believes her son was involved in the raid. "Before he left we were teasing him about what it would feel like if he were the one who captured Saddam. Now it's a good chance he was there yesterday when it happened. We find that to be ironic."

She knows her son's unit is thrilled that the dictator is no longer a threat to the Iraqi people and that these faces no longer have to live in fear for their lives. "That's why we went over there. We went over there to protect America and to help rebuild a nation. We're extremely proud of him his presence and attitude and willingness to help in spite of violence."