Fresno City Council Member to Serve in Iraq

Posted: Feb 20, 2008 10:27 PM PST

By: Ariana Duarte & Charlene Lee

Fresno City Council member Larry Westerlund announced on Wednesday, he has been called by the United States Navy to serve active duty in Iraq.
Larry Westerlund is not only a council member for the city of Fresno, he is also a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve.
"Some 19 years ago, I raised my right hand, and swore before God to protect and defend this country when called to do so," said Westerlund, Fresno City Council, District 4.
And nearly two decades after taking his oath, Westerlund announced that call to serve has finally come.
"First reaction is, 'You're kidding me!',"said Westerlund.
But he says, after receiving formal notification on Friday, news of his deployment has sunk in, and now he and the rest of the council are working to prepare the city for his departure.
"This is a challenge that I think the City of Fresno, the council members, all of us have been able to come together, work together to make sure that we pull through. It is a very important and crucial year," said Blong Xiong, Council President.
A year filled with trips to the ballot box., and with Westerlund running for re-election, he says he hopes his service will help rather than hurt his campaign.
"I have pledged to do my duty, and I will do my duty, whether it is here in Fresno or it is somewhere in the Middle East," said Westerlund.
Westerlund will report for his 14 month service in April, and the application process to temporarily fill his seat is underway.
Meanwhile his supporters at home say they are prepared to take the reigns for his campaign.
"I am going to do anything that is in my hands to walk precincts and to get him re-elected," said Westerlund's wife, Dora Westerlund.