Ill. lawmaker, reservist called up for Iraq

Ill. lawmaker, reservist called up for Iraq
By Christopher Wills - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jan 5, 2008 7:44:25 EST

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Jim Watson is about to trade in the suit and tie of a state representative for the Kevlar and camouflage of a Marine.

The Jacksonville Republican and Marine reservist is being called to active duty in Iraq. He expects to be in Fallujah by early February.

Watson, 42, served as a combat engineer during the 1991 Gulf War. Last year, he decided to sign up again as a reservist.

“I just felt the urge, the calling. My old unit went a couple times, and it troubled me to sit here while they’re going,” he said.

He learned around Christmas time that he was being called up. This time around, he won’t be a combat engineer. Instead, he’ll be stationed in Fallujah helping Iraqis strengthen their government procedures and services.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_lawmaker_iraq_070104/

we have one less GOP vote in the Ill. General Assembly.

repuke expertise put to use (making the economy stronger)