WAYLON BOREN

“No one is happy going into a place of conflict, but it’s just something we have to do,” he said, adding that he is viewing the local unit’s time in Iraq as a relief effort for other soldiers who have been there for months.

Boren joined the National Guard in 2000 with hopes of bettering himself and the community. It is his first deployment, one that he expects will give him an experience not many other people his age can say they have endured.

“There are several emotions a person goes through during a deployment. I have experienced all of them,” Boren said. “I am happy that my fellow soldiers and I are making history. Of course, I am sad because I am putting my life on hold. It is time for the soldiers in Iraq to come home and it is my job to make sure that happens.”

Like many soldiers, he said the toughest part about leaving will be leaving family, friends and his overall way of life behind. That is offset by believing he might be able to make a difference towards the liberation of Iraq.

He said he would like for the community to stand behind the soldiers.

“I would like to thank the city of McMinnville for what they have already done,” he added. “The send off was wonderful and we will see you when we get back.”

Boren is the son of Richard Boren and Tracey Lefevers and has a brother, Tyler Nunley.