GEORGE REED

“My cousin and I went in together and he failed the physical and it was too late for me to back out, so I just went on with it,” he said. “It was something different to do.”

Reed’s service has turned into a long-term commitment of 20 years that will include active duty deployment as soldiers make their way overseas to serve in Iraq.

Going to Iraq is going to be something different for Reed, who has been married for 20 years and who has worked for the city of McMinnville’s Public Works Department for just as long.

“It’s just going to be something different to go through and you’ll never forget it,” he said.

The toughest part about being activated will be leaving family behind.

“I guess saying good-bye and leaving everything behind will be the toughest part,” he said. “My wife has done good in keeping everything up and keeping everybody going.”

Like many soldiers, he said he has mixed emotions about leaving.

“It’s been rough. You have to put it behind you and carry on with your job and you’ll be home sooner or later,” he added.

Reed is married to spouse, Sharon. The couple has two children, Betsy and George David III (Little David).