thedrifter
01-05-08, 07:24 AM
Illinois lawmaker called up to serve in Iraq
Associated Press - January 4, 2008 4:04 PM ET
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois lawmaker is about to trade his suit and tie for the Kevlar and camouflage of a Marine.
Representative Jim Watson, a member of the Marine reserves, is being called to active duty. He expects to be in Iraq by early February.
The Jacksonville Republican served in the Marines as a combat engineer during the 1991 Gulf War. Last year, he decided to sign up again as a reservist.
Watson said today that he learned around Christmas time that he was being called to active duty. He'll be stationed in Fallujah helping to strengthen local government procedures in the area.
Watson says other lawmakers have agreed to help serve his district for the 270 days he'll be gone.
Ellie
Associated Press - January 4, 2008 4:04 PM ET
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois lawmaker is about to trade his suit and tie for the Kevlar and camouflage of a Marine.
Representative Jim Watson, a member of the Marine reserves, is being called to active duty. He expects to be in Iraq by early February.
The Jacksonville Republican served in the Marines as a combat engineer during the 1991 Gulf War. Last year, he decided to sign up again as a reservist.
Watson said today that he learned around Christmas time that he was being called to active duty. He'll be stationed in Fallujah helping to strengthen local government procedures in the area.
Watson says other lawmakers have agreed to help serve his district for the 270 days he'll be gone.
Ellie