RED BAY – This weekend, Americans everywhere will take time to remember the brave men and women who have lost their lives serving our nation in the military.

As America enters its eighth year of war, it is also a time to recognize our active troops who are serving overseas and here at home.

Jordan Seahorn, 21, of Red Bay, prepares for his first deployment in Iraq. Seahorn is a military police officer. He will leave next week.| Melissa Cason/FCTTwenty-one-year-old Red Bay native Jordan Seahorn will leave for Iraq in the coming week, and will experience wartime deployment for the very first time

“I really don’t know what to expect as far as the conditions over there,” Seahorn said.

“It’s my first deployment, and things change so much. I’ll have to see how it is when I get there.”

Seahorn is a combat military police officer with the 214^th Military Police unit based in Alexander City.

“We help with military movement and support operations,” he said.

Seahorn joined the Alabama National Guard in June 2007 when he was only 17.

“I always wanted to be in the Army so I joined the National Guard as soon as I could,” Seahorn said. “I joined during a time of war so I knew I’d be deployed. I expected it much sooner than this.”

Seahorn said he decided to join the guard so he could pursue a civilian career in addition to serving in the military.

“I am an EMT basic now, but I was in school to become a paramedic when we found out about the deployment,” he said. “I plan to return to school as soon as I get back from Iraq.”

While Seahorn begins to pack for his time away from home, he feels more anxious than afraid.

“I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my fellow soldiers, but I am not afraid. More anxious than anything. You can’t go to war with a fearful mindset,” he said. “I have every confidence in my abilities because of my training.”

Seahorn and his unit recently received more training in preparation for this deployment.

“We have trained a lot,” he said. “We trained the whole month of January and most of April getting ready to go.”

Seahorn realizes it will be difficult being away from home for an extended period of time.

“I know it’s going to be hard being away from my friends and my family,” he said. “Everyone is very supportive though.”

Seahorn is employed with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, the Red Bay Police Department and NorthStar Paramedic Services. He is also a volunteer firefighter for Red Bay.