Continue the fight is Scott Newman's goal in third tour of duty
Even with President Obama's promise of bringing our troops home and the return of troops from Iraq, military units are still being sent overseas to Afghanistan, especially those with combat experience.
Scott Newman, a former resident of Putnam County, is one of these troops. Newman is a staff sergeant with the United States Army. He is now on his third tour of duty since the start of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Based out of Washington State, Newman is one of 17 in his unit that are being sent back to Kandahar.
He is being sent back as a platoon leader of Stryker vehicles. While there he will be working with the Afghani Nationals to help convert some bases to Afghani control.
Newman's father, Eric W. Newman, a former vet himself, scrapbooks about Scott's time overseas.
"(Scott) didn't understand why. I do it (scrapbooking) to keep my sanity," Eric Newman said as he pulled out book after book of information about different areas in Iraq and Afghanistan to which Scott has been deployed.
Scott joined the Army 12 years ago in 1991. His dad said never gave family a solid reason for joining but seems to be making a career out of the military.
"I see him staying in for at least 20 years," Eric Newman said after showing a picture of his son in uniform. "He has his family and it works for them."
Scott Newman married his high school sweetheart, Kristen Chidster, from Lafayette. They have three children Eli, Kristopher and Skyler.
"This is probably the toughest tour for him because he's leaving his little girl," Eric Newman stated.
Scott Newman will remain overseas on a nine-month tour of duty until Sept. 1 in Panjwai district, also known as the birthplace of the Taliban.
"People need to remember that our troops are still over there and not to forget them," Eric Newman declared as he talked to the Banner Graphic.
Troops are scheduled to pull out of Afghanistan in 2014.