WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-School administrator gets ready for overseas deployment

School administrator gets ready for overseas deployment

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - On Wednesday, veterans across the nation will be honored for their service. But the "thank you's" starting Tuesday, as one local high school celebrated one of its' own.

More than 1,000 students flooded Buckhorn High School's gym Tuesday morning, all with American flags in hand to honor local veterans for Veterans Day.

But this year's celebration is a bit different for Buckhorn assistant principal Chad Laqua.

"We're scheduled to deploy to Iraq," Laqua said.

Laqua is going overseas with the National Guard at the end of the month. He said he's a little nervous about the tour, but said support like this is keeping him strong.

"It makes me feel more comfortable knowing the people I'm going away with and knowing my job. I'm sure it'll still be a little scary."

Susan Faint says her heart is overseas now. Her son is in the Army.

"Now our son is serving in Afghanistan," Faint said. "I think this is his seventh time going over there."

Faint spoke to these students Tuesday, reminding them why Veterans Day is so important.

"Just be proud to be American and be proud of what these veterans have done for them," she said.

As for Laqua, Tuesday was his last day at the school before he's deployed to Iraq. He said he'll miss his students, and most of all, his family.

"I think they're beginning to understand that we're doing a good thing for our country," Laqua said.

©2009 WAFF. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.