Every day more people from upper East Tennessee are called to help serve and protect the United States against possible war with Iraq.
Nine ETSU students have had to withdraw this spring semester because of deployment, said Kyle Jackson from the registrar’s office.
You never know when it will be your turn to go and “it can happen in a moment’s notice,” said Maj. Craig Campbell, assistant professor of military science.
He said that he understands these kind of circumstances, having been called to Desert Storm himself in 1990.
Not only are the students being deployed from ETSU affected, but several other students are dealing with this as well.
For Kathie Sanders, a junior art education major and military science minor, this is a very personal matter.
Sanders and her fianc, Ron Arnold, are both members of the Army Reserve. Arnold was deployed Jan. 30 and will be stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., from up to two years, Sanders said.
“I am excited for him,” Sanders said. “It’s definitely going to be an adventure.”
They had planned to be married before his deployment but Sanders said they decided to wait.
Arnold also planned on attending ETSU in the fall, but that will have to be put on hold as well, Sanders said.
However, the students being deployed will not have to worry about their lost tuition because the school is reimbursing them.
“I think this is the right thing to do, and that we should support them in defending our country,” Jackson said.
Many students are proud of their fellow classmates and friends who have been called to active duty.
“I could not be more honored to have such friends who are willing to fight for our country,” said Amanda Junot, a senior public relations major.
“All we can do now is pray for them and our country, and hope they come home safely.

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