CEDAR FALLS - Five highly decorated warriors will be at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center Wednesday as part of a discussion of the ongoing war in Iraq.

The National Heroes Tour, organized by the Vets for Freedom organization, will be from 8 to 11 a.m. in the center's Great Hall.

The event will include statements by panel members followed by questions submitted by the student Democratic group and the recently formed Students for Victory, said Brandon Shepherd, a local organizer.

He said previous forums on the war have lacked the veterans' perspectives.

"Anytime you bring students in and actually have both sides present - of course it's going to be a heated and passionate subject - but I think it's what these students deserve," said Shepherd, a UNI political science major who served with the 101st Airborne in Iraq.

The goal of the group is to support U.S. troops and rally the country to complete the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the tour plans to offer a variety of viewpoints.

The main lineup includes:

David Bellavia, Silver and Bronze Stars and Conspicuous Service Cross and author of "House to House," a memoir about his service in Iraq with the Army.

Marcus Lutrell, former Navy SEAL awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for service in Afghanistan and author of "Lone Survivor."

Marco Martinez, Marine, awarded Navy Cross for service in Iraq.

Steven Russell, retired lieutenant colonel with the Army, led a battalion that was central in the capture of Saddam Hussein.

Jeremiah Workman, earned Navy Cross for service as a Marine squad leader in Iraq.

Local speakers include Andrew Morse, UNI student government president; Adam Bentley, student vice president; professor Katherine van Wormer and another professor.

"It should be interesting to speak against the war with military people there," said van Wormer, a vocal opponent of the conflicts.

The national tour started March 14 in California and is slated to end April 9 in New York. A Washington, D.C., stop is scheduled for April 8.

For more information on Vets for Freedom, visit www.vetsforfreedom.com.

Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.