We're talking to a local soldier a long way from home. He's in Baghdad and hoping to come home soon. Major Keith Krajewski joined us live on NewsCenter 13 at Five. That means it was after 1 a.m. for him.

Major Keith Krajewski is set to come home by the end of the month. He says he has seen a lot of progress in Iraq since he got there in October. He also says he’s seen a very different side of the war-torn country.

The Iraq we're used to seeing includes gunfire, death and war. But, Major Krajewski says there is a different side: Farmland, community and family.

"The Iraqis are getting back to sending children to school and caring about life in a more normal fashion," he says.

He's an army reserve officer from Eau Claire working with the 479th Engineer Battalion.

"We've been clearing IED’s, repairing the roads and building patrol bases throughout the area," Major Krajewski says.

But, it's an area, he says is very different than he thought it would be.

"I was surprised how fertile it is and how much farmland there was and how rich the agriculture produced here was in the river valley," he says.

Major Krajewski says when he got to Iraq last year, there were 25 acts of violence everyday in his area. That’s a number that he says is now down to two. Those numbers are on the minds of the Major’s family constantly, along with their pride.

"You’re nervous every single day," says Major Krajewski's Wife Carie Martin-Krajewski. "He tends to be very gentle, a strong leader a good mentor. I'm just really proud of him."

She’s also anxiously awaiting his return.

"We’re so looking forward to it. We have no real plans, just open time. You know, enjoy the outside and play!" Carie Martin-Krajewski says.

But until that day comes, Major Krajewski has this message for his family watching at home--a world away from Baghdad.

"I just want to say ‘Hang in there just a little longer. I'll be home soon and I miss you all!”