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Springfield, Ohio — Kathy Cole's Mother's Day wish is for her son to come home safely from Iraq and be with his wife and daughter.

Cory Cole, 26, is serving a second tour of duty in Baghdad, with the United States Army 57th military police company.

"I hope to hear from him (on Mother's Day), but the phones are bad. I'll be happy to just know he's ok," said Kathy Cole.

Cole spoke to her son last Christmas, but receives periodic email messages from him.

He enlisted in the Army in 2002.

"I was scared (when Cory was deployed)," said Kathy Cole. "You think about it every day, keep your fingers crossed and hope to God he's ok."

Cory Cole's daughter, Kylie, was born last September. He's seen her only once. During a brief home visit, he took her to the aquarium and the zoo.

"He says, 'now she can't say I never took her anywhere, because you never know...'" said Kathy Cole.

Cole said she prays a lot and gets by with support from family, friends and coworkers. Although she doesn't agree with the war, she is very proud of her son.

"He's a wonderful son and I miss him."

Maryann

DAYTON — At the Dayton International Airport Thursday, May 8, Maryann Lanese's Mother's Day wish came true early. Her son, Michael, arrived safely home from Iraq.

This is the fist time he has been home in six months.

"It has been very difficult having him gone on these special occasions. He is not only my son, my hero, but my best friend," said Maryann Lanese.

Michael Lanese, a Dayton native, will celebrate his 20th birthday Monday, May 12.

"He was away at boot camp for his 18th birthday, so this is added celebration besides being home for Mothers Day," his mother said.

Michael enlisted in the Army about a year after graduation, but had talked about it all through high school, his mother said.

Despite her fears and worries, Maryann Lanese encouraged Michael to follow his dream and offered him her support.

"When Michael told us he was being deployed, my only child being so far away and in such danger — it was such a mix of emotion," Maryann Lanese said. "You cry, you calm down and you cry some more. But, I read a passage from my Bible and realized he is no longer in my hands. He is God's hands, so I pray for him and all our brave heroes."

Michael, married to his high-school sweetheart, Michelle, is based out of Fort Drum, NY10th Mountain Division.

Maryann Lanese said she has learned to believe her son is ok, and to stay as calm as possible.

"My daughter-in-law also has been a great support. We are friends and I love her as if she were my own. I also belong to the BSM," she said, referring to Blue Star Mothers of America, an organization of mothers with children who have served or are still serving in the military. "We cry with one another, laugh, hug and are always there for one another."

She said she is very proud of all the accomplishments her son has made in such a short time.

"He loves his family, his friends and loves children," she said. "What can I say? I'm his mother but, he is one in a million. I couldn't be prouder of the young man that he has become and will continue to become."

The Lanese family will celebrate Mother's Day with family and friends.

"When he calls home he always asks about everyone, so this Mother's Day is not only for me but for my brave young son," Maryann Lanese said.

"And to all the other mothers that won't be as lucky as we are, I wish them all a Happy Mother's Day," she said. "Say your prayers, God will keep them safe and they will be with in your heart."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.

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