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Iraqis' safe sign created in region

Jan-24-2005 » Filed Under: 1/25 SBCT , Homefront

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By MELISSA WESTPHAL, Rockford Register Star

MACHESNEY PARK -- Signs made in the Rock River Valley will let Iraqis know their polling places are safe as they vote next week during national elections.

The iridescent signs were printed by Interstate Graphics Inc., a nearly 20-year-old printing company in Machesney Park owned by John Norwood Sr. and his sons, John and Jim. [...]

Government officials sent a specific electronic file design that they wanted on the signs. There are 2,000 prints of each on neon pink, yellow, lime-green and red vinyl. The vinyl is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

The background design looks like a red wavy leaf outlined in yellow. In the middle of each picture is a yellow lightening bolt. On each, there is two lines for military officials to sign their names or initials.

To his surprise, John Norwood Sr. received a call from Belvidere resident Elaine Huska this week after she saw the signs on TV. The Norwoods didn't know much about the sign's design, but Huska told them the illustration is the symbol for the 25th Infantry Division (Light) from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

The division is nicknamed the "Tropic Lighting," and has fought in every major conflict since World War II. The taro leaf pictured is native to Hawaii, and the red and gold colors are those of the late Hawaiian monarchy, according to the division's Web site.

Huska's son, 25-year-old Sgt. Kenneth O'Dell Jr., is a member of the division. He enlisted during high school and was wounded in September after an explosion in Iraq.

Seeing the signs reminded Huska of her son and gave her renewed hope in the army's efforts.

"I recognized it immediately and said, 'That's Kenny's insignia,'" Huska said. "I told him this is what you were fighting for. It's amazing. He really believes in what they're doing over there."


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