Local soldier enjoys time home from Iraq

Terry Burdin and wife, Sarah, with Bailey, 10, and Libby, 7. [Click to enlarge]

As a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard, Ssgt. Terry Burdin of Rector is one of many local soldiers serving his country in Iraq. Burdin is the platoon sergeant for 5th Platoon 1038th 1-152 Cavalry. He typically oversees three vehicles and 25 soldiers as part of his responsibilities.

The platoon routinely visits populated areas, meeting with Iraqi citizens.

"Basically, we do presence patrols," Burdin said. "On our patrols we speak with the local populace. We try to build a working relationship with the Iraqi people. At the same time, our presence serves as a deterrent to the enemy. We report any accidents that occur and investigate any suspicious activities. Basically, we're like police officers in Iraq."

While thoughts of his duties in Iraq are never far from his mind while his men are still over there, Burdin recently returned home on leave to reunite with his wife, Sarah, and their children Bailey, 10, and Libby, seven.

"I've just been enjoying it," Burdin said of his two-week leave, which ended Tuesday. "I've been spending time with Sarah and the kids. We've been going to the girls' soccer games and volleyball games. My main concern was spending time with my family."

While the reunion was a happy one for the family, the Burdins say their time together also has been somewhat bittersweet.

"It's been great having our family back together," Sarah said. "At the same time, though, we know he's got to go back."

Burdin has served in Iraq before, and his latest deployment actually began over a year ago on Oct. 1, 2007. He says he waited longer than most soldiers to take his leave so he wouldn't have to be away as long after visiting with his family.

"I knew it would be harder to go back after coming home on leave and seeing them," Burdin said. "I think that by waiting to go on leave and knowing that I'll be home soon, it has made it easier though."

His full-time return may not be that far off. Burdin says his battalion already has started the process of coming home. He says it is safe to say the group is "within our 90 day window" of returning.

"I look forward to coming back and being a normal family again," Burdin said. "I'm proud to serve my country, but I'm also ready to come back home."

Sarah, a Rector High School graduate and the daughter of Joey and Janice Pruett of Rector, is the Rector agent for the Arkansas Revenue Department, located at the Rector Community Center.

When Terry returns, he will be stationed in Rector as a trooper with the Arkansas State Police.