Dusty Pinion recently enjoyed 16 days at home with his family. He is a captain with the Army National Guard. He is deployed with the 108 th CAV out of Calhoun to Afghanistan. He was able to enjoy Thanksgiving with his family before departing to complete his tour. He will return to the states in March 2010. This is Pinion’s second deployment. He served previously in Iraq.

While training in Mississippi for deployment in January of this year, his son, Daniel, was born. Pinion was able to return home for a two-day visit in March before leaving for Afghanistan. Daniel was 5 weeks old.

Thanks to today’s modern technology, Daniel has been able to see and hear his daddy on the computer often. This was a great help in making the reunion a smooth transition. Daniel is 10 months old now and knows who his daddy is after a wonderful two weeks. There was a trip to the zoo, the Build-a-Bear store and a lot of playing. They even celebrated Christmas while Daddy was home.

During his visit at home, Pinion was able to speak to the FCA club at LaFayette Middle School, where he taught before deploying. He shared how his Christianity and faith in God help get him through times like these. Pinion and his family appreciate all of the prayers. They asked that you remember all of the troops and their families especially during the holidays.

Pinion is married to Lauren Harkins Pinion of Knoxville. He is the brother of Trevor Norris, son of Richard and Becky Norris, Ragan and Melanie Pinion and grandson of David and Reba Millican, Wilson and Gypsy Pinion all of West Armuchee.

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