In wars past, mail took weeks to get to troops, if it was delivered at all. Now, mail calls are different. In this high-tech age, many are staying in touch by e-mail and satellite phones. Joel DeSpain reports on a special delivery.

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It'll be a year next month, since a group of Wisconsin families got in last hugs in preparation for a 7,000- mile journey from which loved ones have yet to return.

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Special Assignment Baghdad: Staying In Touch

Since then, News 3 has met a couple of times with Lori Prieur, one of the many spouses trying to stay strong on the home front.

She's told News 3 about heart-racing phone calls in the middle of the night as husband Ken checked in from Baghdad. He's with an Army National Guard unit from Madison.

Both work at the Dane County Sheriff's Department. That's where News 3 showed Lori a video postcard from Ken courtesy of John Karcher.

"It's great to see live video and hear his voice," Lori said. "It's almost like he's in the room."

Ken keeps a snapshot of Lori in his helmet and a wedding photo taped to the windshield of his Humvee.

"She's always with me, I have pictures everywhere," Ken said.

So in a sense, she's also on patrol in Baghdad, too.

Ken tells Lori in his video message that he's feeling good.

"Other soldiers have it worse than I do," he said. "And I have it worse than other soldiers do."

He adds," Hi, baby. I love you, and I will be home soon. I love you!"

It's something she hears a lot in cards and letters, but she's not gotten to see his face as he says it for a long time now.

The 32nd was originally supposed to be back next month, but the tour of duty is now extended to at least mid-May. Lori told News 3 the months are getting longer.