By Staff
Nick Johnston, Sports Editor
His brother is never too far away from his mind.
Seth Watson, the junior quarterback for Hartselle, talked a little bit about the win against Muscle Shoals Friday night, but he also wanted to talk about his brother – Shane.
Presley "Shane" Watson is currently in Tikrit, as a member of the Army 4th infantry. He's stationed out of Fort Hood, but has been overseas close to seven months. For Seth, he's constantly on his mind.
"It's hard," he said. "We get on the computer and see where there's been people killed and haven't notified the families, yet. It bothers us."
According to Ellen Watson, her son has been on the frontline his entire time there. He's been through Baghdad, accomplished missions alongside the 101st and Delta Force and is considered "expert infantry."
He leads task forces. In other words, he kicks down doors and raids buildings, looking for members of the Ba'ath Party.
"He wouldn't want it any other way," Ellen said. "He stresses to his brother to give 100 percent in everything he does, and he just gives it all he's got."
He's also been offered a special forces position, according to Ellen. He's just 21, and has been in the Army two years now.
"He has his good days and his bad days over there," Ellen said. "There was 10 in his squad and there's only five left. Three got sent home with injuries and the other two were killed."
On a bad day, he, along with other troops, are attacked by rocket propelled grenades. But on a good day, Shane enjoys watching DVDs and reading about his brother in local newspapers.
Shane, when he has time, will watch Seth's game on the DVDs. It takes close to three weeks to receive anything where he is.
"All we can do is keep praying for him," Seth said. "I hope he gets home soon … I miss him."
Soon, Shane will get a two-week leave and fly into Baltimore. After his short visit home, he will be sent back to Tikrit where he will finish out in April 2004.