Track and Field member Brian Willey has been called to active duty for the National Guard and will report the day before Thanksgiving.
The Sycamore, Ill., native competes in high jump and will have two more years of eligibility when he returns to Illinois State. After the September 11 attacks, Willey volunteered to serve seven months overseas in Germany. This time he is expecting to be gone for up to two years.
We dont know where we are going yet, Willey said. It could be overseas or in the states. We just know that our field artillery unit is being converted into a military police unit for the purpose of this deployment.
Willey is not the only one in his family to have served for his country. His grandfather was in the Army during World War II and his uncle was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Currently his younger brother is on active duty at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Willeys family has stood by his decision to serve in the National Guard and supported him.
Obviously they would rather me not go, but they support my military involvement, Willey said. I feel bad for my mom because my brother and I will both be on active duty and I know how much she worries.
Willey has also experienced a lot of support from his track team and coach.
I didnt know a lot of people when I came back from active duty last year, Willey said. I have gotten to know everyone so well and they have been supportive. They ask for my address so they can send me food. Coach Elvis Forde has been great. He has been so understanding throughout my time here.
Forde admires Willey for his dedication to serve his country.
Brian is in a very tough position, but we give him all the time that he needs to fulfill his military obligations, Forde said. I admire his attitude on the situation. He said to me, Coach, I signed up for this and I am just going to have to do what I have to do. That is a great attitude to have and we will give him the opportunity to compete when he comes back.
Forde feels that from Willeys military experience he brings a lot to the track team.
Leadership and the commitment to being successful are things he contributes to our program. Forde said. He competes and practices with little aches and pains that other kids would probably complain about. He has a toughness and a resilience that I wish could transcend to the other athletes that we have in our program. I wouldnt trade him for the world.
Willey said he has learned many things through his experiences in the National Guard that he will carry with him throughout his life.
Definitely value and the sense of a team, Willey said. The most important thing I learned was to not worry about the small stuff. I have realized time is short and you have to enjoy what you have.
Willey is double majoring in exercise science and physical education teaching. After he finishes college he will go back on active duty for four to six years.
There are places overseas that I havent been to yet and I would like to see them, Willey said. Then I want to come back and pursue one of my degrees.
Written by Jolene Harrison, Student Assistant, Athletics Media Relations
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