JOSH SWEETON

“Remember us. Support us. I make this sacrifice willingly and hope that even if you don’t like the politics you will support us,” Sweeton said.

A member of I Troop since July of last year, Sweeton, who learned Arabic for the upcoming mission, said joining the local unit of the Tennessee National Guard was a good opportunity to continue his military service while perusing his education full time. In addition to being a student, he also works as a loader at Fed-Ex.

Sweeton and his wife, Jean, have one child, Mackenzie Grace, and are expecting another in March, when he will still be in Iraq.

“The toughest part is knowing how much I will miss out on Mackenzie and newest baby’s development. The easiest is knowing my wife Jean is a strong woman and can hold down the fort while I’m gone,” he said.

“I will miss my family terribly, but am excited to go and serve my country. A lot can happen in a year, but I hope to keep in good communication while I’m gone so I at least can know what’s happening with my family even if I can’t experience it.”