HOUSTON, Texas—When Mark Ayers, Assistant Vice President of Clinical Performance at Park Plaza Hospital first learned his son Justin Ayers, 22, was leaving to help fight the war in Iraq, he had to stop and rethink his positioning on the war.

Knowing the effects and possibilities of the war made Ayers a bit uneasy. To help deal with the uneasiness Ayers decided to take action and organized the creation of two public display boards containing photos and well wishes of Park Plaza employees with relatives serving in the war. "Creating these display boards allowed me to become more involved with employees facing the same obstacles," said Ayers. "It enabled me to control my anxiety, and made me proud that my son made the sacrifice."

Justin Ayers’ only child, is a Lance Corporal with the U.S. Marine Core. Ayers said he keeps in regular contact with his son through phone calls and writing letters. Justin left for his mission in February of this year and is expected to return in mid June. Ayers last spoke with Justin on May 7.

"I worry like most parents, wondering if he’s eating right, or been shot. But you have to pray and hope they are well trained, well armed and well led, and most importantly that they are always at a tactical advantage," said Ayers.

Park Plaza is displaying the employee war boards in their cafeteria and has also set up a bin for employees to donate items to the troops.