BACK AT HOME

Army Specialist Andrew Norris
By LEE J. KAHRS
St. Albans Messenger Staff Writer

Andy Norris, of Fairfax, recently returned from a two-year deployment that took him to Georgia and Iraq. (The above photo, taken by Greg Bessette of The St. Albans Messenger was scanned from the Messenger and in no way reflects the quality of Greg's work)

FAIRFAX -- The banner on the Norris home reads "We Support Our Troops - Come Home Soon." Festooned with the requisite yellow ribbon, the wish for a safe return worked for the Norris Family, as Andrew Norris returned from Iraq on December 18, 2003 after being deployed for an eight-month tour.

Quiet and unassuming, Norris, 22 is not one to go on about his experiences as a specialist in the U.S. Army or what he saw while stationed in and around Kirkuk, Iraq.

A driver in the command group of Bravo Company 22, Second Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment in the First Infantry Division, Norris was deployed on April 12, 2003.

Norris, son of Alan and Julie Norris, said he has no plans to re-enlist and he is not quite sure what his future holds, but he is appreciative of civilian life.

"I guess I didn't realize what I had until I was away," he said.

The Bellows Free Academy - St. Albans graduate does hope to attend Champlain Community College and possibly pursue a degree in civil or electrical engineering. He is currently looking for work.

Whatever he decides to do, Norris has an edge in the form of a glowing letter of recommendation from his commanding officer, Captain Robert A. Murphyt.

"I have never seen a person who possessed more calm under pressure nor was more able to influence his peers through congeniality and a positive spirit," Murphy wrote. "I recommend Andrew Norris to you in the highest possible terms, and assure you that you will find him to be a welcome and influential member of your organization."

This is one in a series of St. Albans Messenger articles honoring local residents who have returned from wartime duty in the U. S. military. To suggest a person for a Back at Home article, contact the Messenger at 524-9771, ext. 121 or via e-mail at news@samessenger.com

Henry A. Raymond
vtgrandpa@yahoo.com
January 16, 2004